The Student Mental Wealth Project

In mid-February four meetings were held around the UK to look at promoting well being on campuses through student lead initiatives and staff and students from 30 universities attended. One initiative that came out of these meetings was the Mental Wealth Network which aims to connect mental wealth groups, students, staff and wider stakeholders (such as local organisations and national charities that promote well being). The network aspires to foster communication, collaboration & a shared vision for positive well being on campuses around the country. Feedback from the meetings identified that there is often a 'closed, reactive culture around mental health and well being at universities' and that the subject is not considered relevant to student life. When we consider that one in four students will experience some difficulties with their mental health while at university this is clearly not the situation. Have a look at the website:

http://www.mentalwealthuk.com

I am hoping to get students here interested in the issue of mental well being. Check out my blog for updates.

Physical and Mental Health

It seems a long time since I last posted. I have had a bad cold which resulted in a chest infection. There seems to be a lot of colds and flu like symptoms around the university at the moment. It started me thinking about the affect our physical health has on our mental health. Statistics say that we are more likely to experience depression if we have a long term medical condition. For me, having a cold had an effect on my motivation. The healthy campus initiative looks at healthy living to improve our physical health. It can also impact on our mental health. Changes in exercise and diet are being used by people with depression to improve their mental well being.

Stigma and Mental illness

In recent years there has been an increase in celebrities and politicians who are willing to disclose that they have experienced mental illness. Many support campaigns such as Time to Change or Shift, organisations that are promoting an end to stigma for people with mental health problems . I am wondering if there is a change in how the general public perceives mental illness. Often opinions are swayed by the media which does seem to be changing its attitude as a result of these campaigns. Sometime it seems that those who already have a vested interested in reducing stigma are now more vocal but is there any change in general attitudes? Last October I organised a debate entitled Mental Health Questions. Those who attended all had an interest in mental health issues. I have been wondering how to reach people who have not even thought about mental illness perhaps because they have never encountered it or are scared of the unknown. I was delivering some mental health awareness training recently when a delegate explained that it is difficult to understand mental illness and know how to support someone when you do not know how it affects individuals. We are more likely to have some idea of how to help someone with a physical condition such as diabetes becuse the condition is widely publised. So to end my ramblings I think that attitudes are changing but that those of us that do have a passion to end stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness should continue to shout out about it. Let me know what you think.

Amendment to Equality Bill

The Government made changes to this Bill which will prevent employers asking an applicant about a disability or medical condition prior to interview. In the past people with mental health problems have struggled with being honest about a history of mental illness on application forms because of concerns about discrimination. A Rethinks survey of over 3,000 mental health service users found that 41% were put off even applying for jobs because of fear of discrimination. Past research has suggested that you are less likely to get work with a history of mental illness than with any other disability. Hopefully this will allow people with mental health problems the chance of demonstrating their capabilities at interview.

The healing power of books

I am currently reading a book about the history of mental illness in women. In the 1800's it was considered harmful to women's mental health to read and study. Attitudes towards women have changes a great deal since then.

Check out this link to find out about a reading project that can improve mental health.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/jan/06/mental-health-its-my-life

Treating Depression

There has been a lot of discussion over the past few years about the use of antidepressants to treat depression. I have met many people who have or are taking these drugs. Some say they could not manage without them or that they have helped them through a difficult patch. Others say that they have noticed no difference in their mood. Still others balance the medication against the side effects , such as constipation, stomach cramps or a feeling that they cannot think straight.In 2004 NICE (National Intitute of Clinical Exellence) guidelines recommended therapy other than antidepressants to treat depression. This was followed on by research in 2008 which suggested that antidepressants were no better than a placebo in all but some severe instances of depression. It seems that although there is guidance that health professionals should be considering talking therapies and other options like exercise to relieve depression there is no national commitment to this end. A recent article in the news stated that 'three quarters of GPs have prescribed anti-depressants even though they think another treatment would have been more effective'. Considering that one in six of us are likely to experience depression at some time in our life you would think that there would be more help. I am not saying there is none, but it seems to be in pockets and down to the commitment of individuals. Let me know what you think about this subject.

You can read the BBC article at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8436111.stm

NHS Stressline

The NHS launched a new national helpline on 30th December for people experiencing financial difficulties as the result of the credit crunch. The number is 0300 123 2000 and is open from 8am to 10pm daily.

Health advisors will listen, offer practical advice, guide people to useful online resources and put them in touch with other people who can help such as debt, housing, employment advisors, and counselling and talking therapy services.