There is no doubt that therapy is essential in treating mental illnesses, but one in five people with mental health disorders do not get the therapy they need from doctors. The mental health charity Mind says that those waiting less than three months from assessment to treatment were almost five times more likely to report that it helped them get back to work than those waiting between one and two years.
I was assessed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in 2005, with still no kind of therapy or "talking treatments"; I am on the waiting list, but I'm finding the wait highly frustrating! And, what is even more frustrating is that I am by no means the only one.
With all the recent government spending cutbacks the mental health sector is heavily feeling the strain, and this is sure to make therapies even more scarce. Doctors will be forced to prescribe even more medication than the are already doing so. Quality of treatment will suffer.
Access for patients to therapy is very slow, available therapies will be even harder to get hold of, and patients will continue to be pawned off with drugs, leaving their mental health to suffer as a consequence. What can we do?
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Saturday, 23 October 2010
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Understanding Eating Disorders
Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia are common and are very serious mental illnesses; being dangerously underweight can be fatal. Eating disorders are common in both adults as well as teenagers. These type of mental health problems also occur in men and are becoming increasingly common.
Anorexia is termed by doctors as 'anorexia nervosa', and bulimia as 'bulimia nervosa'. Other eating disorders include Binge Eating Disorder (BED) - this is like bulimia but without the sufferer attempting to get rid of the food/weight (aka. 'purge') - and Compulsive Overeating. The difference between Binge Eating Disorder is that BED is constant, whereas Compulsive Overeating comes and goes in cycles.
The psychological signs of anorexic disorder include:
Anorexia is termed by doctors as 'anorexia nervosa', and bulimia as 'bulimia nervosa'. Other eating disorders include Binge Eating Disorder (BED) - this is like bulimia but without the sufferer attempting to get rid of the food/weight (aka. 'purge') - and Compulsive Overeating. The difference between Binge Eating Disorder is that BED is constant, whereas Compulsive Overeating comes and goes in cycles.
The psychological signs of anorexic disorder include:
- a distorted perception of your body shape or your body shape or weight
- an intense fear of gaining weight
- an obsessive interest in what others are eating
- becoming aware of an 'inner voice' that challenges your views on eating and exercise
- changes in your personality, as well as mood swings
- denial of the existence of a problem
The behavioural signs of anorexic disorder include:
- rigid or obsessive behaviour towards eating; such as cutting your food into tiny pieces and pushing your food around the plate
- vomiting and/or taking laxatives
- wearing big, baggy clothes
- restlessness and hyperactivity
The psychological signs of bulimic disorder include:
- uncontrollable urges to eat vast amounts of food
- a distorted perception of your body weight and shape
- an obsession with your food, or feeling 'out of control' around food
- emotional behaviour and mood swings
- isolation - feelings of helplessness and loneliness
- anxiety and depression; low self-esteem, guilt and shame
The behavioural signs of bulimic disorder include:
- food disappearing unexpectedly or being secretly hoarded
- periods of fasting
- binge eating and vomiting
- disappearing to the toilet after meals in order to vomit food you've eaten
- excessive use of laxatives, diuretics or enemas
- excessive exercise
- shoplifting for food; abnormal amounts of a money spent on food
- secrecy and reluctant to socialise
The lists above are not definitive, and those with an eating disorder may not experience all of these symptoms.
Although each eating disorder results in different eating behaviours, each occurs when sufferers cannot separate their emotions from cannot separate their emotions from their eating habits. The self-esteem in those with these kinds of mental illnesses is thought to be low. Individuals with low self-esteem will often give off a beaten appearance; for example, walking with their head down. Those suffering from an eating disorder think that they are ugly. Genetics are also thought to ply a part in causing eating disorders.
Eating disorders are more common than you might think, and they are very mental illnesses; which is why understanding them is important. The two most well known eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, but there are others! And, like any mental illness, an eating disorder can affect anyone, not just young women.
Another campaign I am fond of is 'All Walks' which aims to challenge the fashion industry's view of the body beautiful, find out more here.
Another campaign I am fond of is 'All Walks' which aims to challenge the fashion industry's view of the body beautiful, find out more here.
I hope this information was useful, and if you have anything thing to add, please do!
Take care.
Nicola of FYM
Thursday, 14 October 2010
The Story of Titch-Films: Katie's Sectioning
This is just a quick post linking to one of my other blogs, which is film and television centred. The post is about a screenwriting project I am working on which is centred around mental illness. Feel free to let me know what you think!
Take care.
Nicola E. of FYM.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
What Causes Mental Illness?
Psychiatric disorders can be caused by a number of factors; and although the term mental illness can be misleading by implying that all mental health problems are solely caused by medical or biological factors, this is not the case. In fact, most mental illnesses are caused by a mixture of biological and social/psychological factors.
Biological causes can include how our individual genetic make-up (genes) might put us at more or less risk than others of developing a mental illness. For example, some people may be biologically vulnerable to experiencing depression, and may do so during stressful periods. It has also been found that those who have suffered severe head injuries can also experience changes to their personality, and in some cases may even begin to experience schizophrenia and other symptoms of psychosis.
Biological causes include the misuse of substances and their effects, such as hallucinations.
Social and environmental causes are those factors around us, such as; where we live, who we have around us and can rely on, where we work, and how and where we can relax. Stress in these areas can put a lot of pressure on our mental well-being.
Psychological factors influence your mental and emotional state, especially if, like me, you are coping with traumatic and abusive past and/or current experiences.
Like most, my mental illness results from a complex interaction of different factors. My mental health is influenced by genetics as well as past and current experiences.
It is important to understand what causes mental health problems because this information can give people the tools to reduce the risk of a mental illness becoming too severe.
Biological causes can include how our individual genetic make-up (genes) might put us at more or less risk than others of developing a mental illness. For example, some people may be biologically vulnerable to experiencing depression, and may do so during stressful periods. It has also been found that those who have suffered severe head injuries can also experience changes to their personality, and in some cases may even begin to experience schizophrenia and other symptoms of psychosis.
Biological causes include the misuse of substances and their effects, such as hallucinations.
Social and environmental causes are those factors around us, such as; where we live, who we have around us and can rely on, where we work, and how and where we can relax. Stress in these areas can put a lot of pressure on our mental well-being.
Psychological factors influence your mental and emotional state, especially if, like me, you are coping with traumatic and abusive past and/or current experiences.
Like most, my mental illness results from a complex interaction of different factors. My mental health is influenced by genetics as well as past and current experiences.
It is important to understand what causes mental health problems because this information can give people the tools to reduce the risk of a mental illness becoming too severe.
Monday, 11 October 2010
Psychiatric Wards 101: What it's Really Like Being Sectioned
When many people think of psychiatric wards they think of steel doors and padded rooms, when in reality the truth tells a different story. To enter a psychiatric hospital, a mentally ill person can go in voluntary, or, more often than not, they can be sectioned. I myself have been sectioned on four separate occasions in the past four years. However, you only want to be detained in a psychiatric hospital as a last resort.
When someone with a mental illness is sectioned, they are placed under a Section, which states the terms of their stay on the hospital ward. However, one can be taken off a Section, or have it prolonged by the ward psychiatrist during their time in hospital.
For you to be sectioned three people must agree that you need to be detained in a psychiatric hospital; there are, however, exceptions made in emergency situations. These three people would usually consist of: an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) or nearest relative, a doctor who has received special training and a registered medical practitioner.
A person can be detained for up to 28 days under a Section 2. An admission to hospital under this section is normally used when the patient has not been assessed in hospital before or when they have not been assessed in hospital for a considerable period of time.
An admission to a psychiatric hospital under a Section 3 can last for up to 6 months, but it is common for one to be discharged before this point. You can be detained under Section 3 if you are well known to the psychiatric services and there is little need for assessment.
My own experiences of psychiatric hospitals and their wards have been both negative and positive. (Note: there were no straight-jackets.) Every patient has their own room, there are communal areas, and most things are based on routine. You see the ward Doctor and have a meeting with them (known as "ward round") on the same day once-a-week, and meal times are also at the same time every day.
There are always staff on the wards at all times; some of whom, unfortunately, hold their own prejudices towards the patients and their mental illness.
Hospital wards often provide activities and therapies for the patients; including art therapy, occupational therapies and, even, massages.
Entering hospital for the first time can be frightening and very upsetting, but you do get used to things and you will usually find you adapt quickly.
The terms by which one can be sectioned under the mental health act are very confusing. But, as a patient, you wont usually have worry too much about it, unless you want to appeal. Being detained on a psychiatric ward can be scary, but you do get used to the routine.
I would love to hear your own experiences with psychiatric hospitals and wards.
When someone with a mental illness is sectioned, they are placed under a Section, which states the terms of their stay on the hospital ward. However, one can be taken off a Section, or have it prolonged by the ward psychiatrist during their time in hospital.
For you to be sectioned three people must agree that you need to be detained in a psychiatric hospital; there are, however, exceptions made in emergency situations. These three people would usually consist of: an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) or nearest relative, a doctor who has received special training and a registered medical practitioner.
A person can be detained for up to 28 days under a Section 2. An admission to hospital under this section is normally used when the patient has not been assessed in hospital before or when they have not been assessed in hospital for a considerable period of time.
An admission to a psychiatric hospital under a Section 3 can last for up to 6 months, but it is common for one to be discharged before this point. You can be detained under Section 3 if you are well known to the psychiatric services and there is little need for assessment.
My own experiences of psychiatric hospitals and their wards have been both negative and positive. (Note: there were no straight-jackets.) Every patient has their own room, there are communal areas, and most things are based on routine. You see the ward Doctor and have a meeting with them (known as "ward round") on the same day once-a-week, and meal times are also at the same time every day.
There are always staff on the wards at all times; some of whom, unfortunately, hold their own prejudices towards the patients and their mental illness.
Hospital wards often provide activities and therapies for the patients; including art therapy, occupational therapies and, even, massages.
Entering hospital for the first time can be frightening and very upsetting, but you do get used to things and you will usually find you adapt quickly.
The terms by which one can be sectioned under the mental health act are very confusing. But, as a patient, you wont usually have worry too much about it, unless you want to appeal. Being detained on a psychiatric ward can be scary, but you do get used to the routine.
I would love to hear your own experiences with psychiatric hospitals and wards.
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Stigma Facing Those Diagnosed with Mental Illness
People diagnosed with mental health disorders are stigmatised and discriminated against in pretty much any area of life, even in the places where you would least expect it. For instance; my inspiration for the Free Your Mind campaign came from the stigma and discrimination I faced, because of my mental illness, from the nurses during a stay on a psychiatric ward.
A survey carried out as part of the Time to Change campaign, which also addresses discrimination towards mental illness, the survey found that people diagnosed with a mental health problem are more likely to be turned down for a second date if they disclose of their mental illness, than those who reveal they have spent time in prison.
Many of us with mental health problems do find it hard to date. Personally, most of the dates I have been on have bombed if I reveal I am mentally ill. People become afraid and can also quite often assume my mental illness means I'm stupid, or even dangerous, but I'm not! Sometimes they do ask for a second dates but as time progresses, arguments happen, and they use your mental health diagnosis against you. (I normally break it off at that point.)
Another survey by Time to Change found that 92% of people in Britain felt their job prospects would diminish if they were to disclose of a mental illness. The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) at present does, to a degree, protect individuals who make the very brave decision to reveal to their employers they have a mental health diagnosis, but "one must prepare for a hard struggle to make use of that protection" says solicitor Kiran Daurka.
Unfortunately, the tabloids often report on mental illness in a negative, prejudice and ignorant way. Take the treatment of Britney Spears' "breakdown" and eventual sectioning. Also look at the more recent treatment of X Factor contestant Shirlena Johnson and her alleged mental health problems; however, does having a history of mental illness, or even a mental health diagnosis, mean that somebody is incapable of taking part in The X Factor, or at handling fame? No is doesn't.
When somebody is diagnosed with mental health problems and they have children, the people around them start to question whether that person is fit to be a parent, and often they can perceive behaviours in the person with the mental illness that are not actually there. Even those who understand a bit about mental health disorders can still hold prejudices, particularly when a friend or loved one with a diagnosis has others in their care.
Having a mental illness does not make someone incapable of caring for children, performing well at work, and of being of being smart and articulate. People with a mental health diagnosis are discriminated against far too often!
Read more about discrimination towards mental illness here.
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Understanding Schizophrenia
Psychosis is the term Doctors give to, the widely misunderstood mental illness, schizophrenia. The first schizophrenic "attack" normally occurs when a person is in their late teens to early thirties. Despite popular belief, people who suffer from psychosis are rarely violent or homicidal; we may behave bizarrely, we may even be frightening, but we are essentially harmless.
I have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder with schizo-affective disorder. In other words I suffer from auditory and visual hallucinations, as well as paranoid delusions.
Sometimes I hear voices. There are two distinct voices; one is a female, and the other is male. The female is cheery and never tries to bring me down; the male, however, is vile and vicious. I used to experience these auditory hallucinations more in my teens, now it rarely happens.
Sometimes the hallucinations are both auditory and visual; I will imagine an entire situation, which isn't happening, but all seems very real to me. This often occurs periods of severe stress and low mood.
When I have paranoid delusions I believe I am being watched and I become suspicious of the behaviours of those around me.
Hallucinations and delusions does not necessarily make me a danger to others. I am more more likely to hurt myself rather than anyone else.
There are three recognised types of schizophrenia; paranoid, catatonic, and disorganized. Paranoid schizophrenia is what I suffer from - hallucinations or delusions about persecution or grandiosity.
Catatonic schizophrenia is a type of psychosis where the sufferer is often mute or immobile; they may, however, experience compulsive, excessive, and strange motor movements that result in bizarre postures.
A person with the disorganised form of psychosis experiences few delusions or hallucinations, but displays unpredictable behaviours, such as inappropriate affection or rambling speeches.
The following is a short non-definitive list of the early earning signs of psychosis (none of which on their own are the mental illness):
I have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder with schizo-affective disorder. In other words I suffer from auditory and visual hallucinations, as well as paranoid delusions.
Sometimes I hear voices. There are two distinct voices; one is a female, and the other is male. The female is cheery and never tries to bring me down; the male, however, is vile and vicious. I used to experience these auditory hallucinations more in my teens, now it rarely happens.
Sometimes the hallucinations are both auditory and visual; I will imagine an entire situation, which isn't happening, but all seems very real to me. This often occurs periods of severe stress and low mood.
When I have paranoid delusions I believe I am being watched and I become suspicious of the behaviours of those around me.
Hallucinations and delusions does not necessarily make me a danger to others. I am more more likely to hurt myself rather than anyone else.
There are three recognised types of schizophrenia; paranoid, catatonic, and disorganized. Paranoid schizophrenia is what I suffer from - hallucinations or delusions about persecution or grandiosity.
Catatonic schizophrenia is a type of psychosis where the sufferer is often mute or immobile; they may, however, experience compulsive, excessive, and strange motor movements that result in bizarre postures.
A person with the disorganised form of psychosis experiences few delusions or hallucinations, but displays unpredictable behaviours, such as inappropriate affection or rambling speeches.
The following is a short non-definitive list of the early earning signs of psychosis (none of which on their own are the mental illness):
- Severe sleep disturbances; unusual waking hours or inability to sleep
- Deterioration of personal hygiene
- Cutting oneself, threats to harm self and/or others
- A severe inability to concentrate and pay attention
- Rambling speech
It is still unclear what exactly causes psychosis, but what is clear is that there is definitely more than one answer. Schizophrenia has been attributed to a number of causes, including; inheritance, lack of dopamine (neurotransmitter) in the brain, stressful life events, family experiences and personality, and drug abuse.
Psychosis can consist of paranoia, delusions and hallucinations. And still very little is known about the mental illness. Experiencing schizophrenia can be very distressing for the sufferer. But as I said before in the previous post Creativity and Mental Illness, psychosis is linked closely to creativity. We are more likely to be imaginative and creative, than to be dangerous.
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Creativity and Mental Illness
The Free Your Mind campaign has its roots in creativity as it aims to use art, music, film and culture to battle stigma towards mental illness. And it seems to me that mental illness and creativity go hand in hand. There must be a link!
Psychosis is the mental health problem in particular that is believed to spark creativity. The thought processes associated with mental illness have been proven to be an advantage; for example, anxiety at a non-clinical level has survival advantages.
My diagnosis includes psychosis, and there is no denying that I'm a creative person. My brain has a tendency to over think everything and it is very imaginative; and I have a photographic memory. I also have a terrible short-term memory; my long-term memory, however, is remarkable. Which I'm sure is all due to my mental illness.
The bizarre thinking patterns associated with psychosis are likely to be what spark creativity. Typically, a psychosis sufferer will make unusual associations and illogical connections. However, when it comes to being creative, this is a clear advantage.
University of Toronto psychology professor Jordan Peterson says, "The normal person classifies an object, and then forgets about it, even though that object is much more complex and interesting than he or she thinks. The creative person, by contrast, is always open to new possibilities." This is also how the minds of those diagnosed with mental health disorders, such as psychosis and bipolar disorder, work.
Mental illness is nothing new. It has been around for thousands of years. Therefore; evolutionary theory suggests that in order for them to still be here they must have some kind of survival advantage. Admittedly, my mental illness has hindered me a lot, getting me sectioned and in trouble with the police, but at the same time it really get the creative juices flowing and that has been a real life-line for me.
Along with writing blogs (I have three in total; one on Myspace, one on the subject of film, television and my career - Titch Films - and this one), my creativity also comes out in the forms of screenwriting and poetry writing.
Relatively little is known about mental illnesses, even now, but I am certain that time and research will show a definite link between creativity and mental health disorders. What do you think?
Psychosis is the mental health problem in particular that is believed to spark creativity. The thought processes associated with mental illness have been proven to be an advantage; for example, anxiety at a non-clinical level has survival advantages.
My diagnosis includes psychosis, and there is no denying that I'm a creative person. My brain has a tendency to over think everything and it is very imaginative; and I have a photographic memory. I also have a terrible short-term memory; my long-term memory, however, is remarkable. Which I'm sure is all due to my mental illness.
The bizarre thinking patterns associated with psychosis are likely to be what spark creativity. Typically, a psychosis sufferer will make unusual associations and illogical connections. However, when it comes to being creative, this is a clear advantage.
University of Toronto psychology professor Jordan Peterson says, "The normal person classifies an object, and then forgets about it, even though that object is much more complex and interesting than he or she thinks. The creative person, by contrast, is always open to new possibilities." This is also how the minds of those diagnosed with mental health disorders, such as psychosis and bipolar disorder, work.
Mental illness is nothing new. It has been around for thousands of years. Therefore; evolutionary theory suggests that in order for them to still be here they must have some kind of survival advantage. Admittedly, my mental illness has hindered me a lot, getting me sectioned and in trouble with the police, but at the same time it really get the creative juices flowing and that has been a real life-line for me.
Along with writing blogs (I have three in total; one on Myspace, one on the subject of film, television and my career - Titch Films - and this one), my creativity also comes out in the forms of screenwriting and poetry writing.
Relatively little is known about mental illnesses, even now, but I am certain that time and research will show a definite link between creativity and mental health disorders. What do you think?
Monday, 6 September 2010
Sleep Disorders
I haven't posted in a while because I was unsure of what to write about. But then I came across a post on the Internet about sleep disorders. Before I talk about that, though, I wanted to just fill in regular readers on the progress of the Free Your Mind campaign. As you may already know Free Your Mind is a campaign which aims to battle stigma towards mental illness through the use of art, music, film and culture; and, as you may not necessarily know, the last blog post was the first of many posts which will be centered around the campaign's core aims. So, with this post I am in danger of going back on myself but this was something I felt needed to be aired.
For a long time now my CPN and psychiatrist has been telling me that my rocky sleeping pattern is all my own doing and absolutely nothing to do with my mental illness.
I have trouble falling asleep and when I do I sleep for a long time. Along with that, I am told I move about a lot (night tremors) and I have very disturbing dreams that stay with me all day. The following is the research I found on sleep disorders.
The symptoms of sleep disorders often go unnoticed by the person concerned. These symptoms can express themselves as snoring, nocturnal sleepwalking and gnashing of the teeth. (I gnash my teeth all the time.) Nocturnal sweating and urination also impairs your sleep when suffering from a sleep disorder (Yep.), and this can sometimes result in bed-wetting.
The research I found says that most sleep disorders are caused by anxiety and stress. And to beat sleep disorders you can meditate, stay positive and keep a balanced nutrition. Which I completely agree with. But, at the same time, surely the state that my sleep problems are in should be ringing alarm bells in someone's ears, and not just mine! Or maybe my CPN's right and this is something I have to sort out by myself?!?
For a long time now my CPN and psychiatrist has been telling me that my rocky sleeping pattern is all my own doing and absolutely nothing to do with my mental illness.
I have trouble falling asleep and when I do I sleep for a long time. Along with that, I am told I move about a lot (night tremors) and I have very disturbing dreams that stay with me all day. The following is the research I found on sleep disorders.
The symptoms of sleep disorders often go unnoticed by the person concerned. These symptoms can express themselves as snoring, nocturnal sleepwalking and gnashing of the teeth. (I gnash my teeth all the time.) Nocturnal sweating and urination also impairs your sleep when suffering from a sleep disorder (Yep.), and this can sometimes result in bed-wetting.
The research I found says that most sleep disorders are caused by anxiety and stress. And to beat sleep disorders you can meditate, stay positive and keep a balanced nutrition. Which I completely agree with. But, at the same time, surely the state that my sleep problems are in should be ringing alarm bells in someone's ears, and not just mine! Or maybe my CPN's right and this is something I have to sort out by myself?!?
Monday, 23 August 2010
How Art Can Calm the Mind
Art is an expression of thoughts and feelings, as well as an outlet for creativity. It is well known that mental illness fuels creativity, and being artistic can be a great therapy. The arts can be used as a natural way of calming the mind, and can contribute towards improving the state of your mental health.
As I've said, your mental illness can fuel your creativity; many famous artists and writers alike, are reported to have experienced mental health disorders. I'm not saying being mentally ill mean you will be able to make a living out of being an artist - obviously, if your skilled and passionate, go for it - but art is for us amateurs too.
Being creative can be an outlet for anger and frustration. This seems an obvious one, but think about how you feel after a good moan to a friend about the stress of life; this is how it can feel after expressing these emotions artistically. Indulging your creative side can also help with mental health problems such as anxiety; being artistic provides a successful distraction.
When choosing which method you will use to express yourself creatively, its up to you, but my advice for you would be:
As I've said, your mental illness can fuel your creativity; many famous artists and writers alike, are reported to have experienced mental health disorders. I'm not saying being mentally ill mean you will be able to make a living out of being an artist - obviously, if your skilled and passionate, go for it - but art is for us amateurs too.
Being creative can be an outlet for anger and frustration. This seems an obvious one, but think about how you feel after a good moan to a friend about the stress of life; this is how it can feel after expressing these emotions artistically. Indulging your creative side can also help with mental health problems such as anxiety; being artistic provides a successful distraction.
When choosing which method you will use to express yourself creatively, its up to you, but my advice for you would be:
- choose a method of artistic expression familiar to you (e.g. oils, watercolors, poetry, playing an instrument), or, alternatively, choose a couple of new creative outlets to try
- choose a method of creativity easily accessible to you
- don't worry about getting it perfect and, importantly, enjoy yourself!
Admiration of art can also contribute towards calming the undesirable symptoms of a mental illness. From watching a decent film, to reading a book of poetry, or a great work of literature, you can provide yourself with a healthy distraction from negative thoughts and emotions. Going to an art gallery can be both inspiring and uplifting. Visiting an art exhibition at a gallery has two major benefits for those of us diagnosed with a mental illness, especially those with an anxiety disorder; we leave the house and are provided with another healthy distraction. Many art exhibitions and galleries are free to enter - the Internet can be used to find out about free galleries or exhibitions near you - so don't let budget be your excuse not to go.
Expressing yourself through art, in any of its forms, can be a great outlet for unwanted thoughts and feeling, along with being a distraction from them. And, being a spectator of the arts can be extremely motivating.
I'd love to know what your thoughts are on what I have written and how the arts can help with mental health problems.
Expressing yourself through art, in any of its forms, can be a great outlet for unwanted thoughts and feeling, along with being a distraction from them. And, being a spectator of the arts can be extremely motivating.
I'd love to know what your thoughts are on what I have written and how the arts can help with mental health problems.
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