mind journeys
DESCRIPTION
Enabling young people with mental health issues to work together to explore and recount their personal experiences.TRANSCRIPT
oPen DoorA counselling &
psychotherapy service for
young people aged 12-25
12 Middle Lane, N8
020 8348 5947www.opendooronline.org
saMaritansOffering confidential,
non-judgemental support
24 hours a day.
08457 90 90 90www.samaritans.org
MinDMental health charity
working to create a better life
for everyone with experience
of mental distress.
0845 7660 163www.mind.org.uk
ChilDlineFree 24 hour counselling
service for children and
young people up to and
including 18 in the UK
provided by The NSPCC.
0800 1111www.childline.org.uk
sUPPort lineOffering confidential emotional
support to children, young
adults and adults by post,
telephone and email. We work
with callers to develop healthy,
positive coping strategies,
strength, increased self esteem
to encourage healing, recovery
and moving forward with life.
We also keep details of
counsellors, agencies and
support groups in the UK.
01708 765 [email protected]
mindjourneys
enabling young people withmental health issues to worktogether to explore and recounttheir personal experiences.
One in four people will be affected by mental ill health at some point in their lives.
Many will experience prejudice, discrimination and isolation from society. This
supplement aims to raise awareness, give hope, inform, educate and include the
work of young people that have been brave enough to express their ‘mind journey’
to us. This supplement is also designed to promote mental wellbeing and to help
fight discrimination against people with mental health problems. Mental illness
doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anybody including those closest to us and maybe
even you.
Sometimes words are insufficientThey don’t even begin to come close.They only invite judgementOn the life I have to lead.
Words don’t describe the pain that eatsThey don’t even cover my lonelinessThey don’t grip others as my fear grips meYet words dictate what they see.
At times my scars are a windowThey reveal what I cannot say.But in a language that you’ll never know,When translated, you’ll see ‘decay’.
Yet I raise my glass in toastKnowing I understand better than mostThat some words are made to be writtenAnd never to be uttered.
When we cry words escape usAll that’s left is a groan.We can’t speak for the plug of emotionThat renders us alone.
So how then can words heal me?How can I talk it out?All I have is a wail of anguishAnd something to write about.
WORDSBy anonymous
“Expressing myself through art helped me overcome my mental health problems. It gave me a focusand allowed me to get out what was inside.” Vicky Opyrchal, 19
issUe 1 sPring 2011
mindjourneys
this supplement is published by exposure organisation limited, registered in england no.3455480, registered charityno.1073922 and is funded by the Big lottery fund. the views expressed in the publication do not necessarily reflectthose of the publisher. (c) 2011. all rights reserved. Produced by Mirella issaias. Designed by luke Pantelidou
UsefUl ContaCts/DireCtory
Calls are completely confidential. Speaking to someone about it can prove helpful, and
is certainly a step in the right direction. If you want support here are some numbers:
A5_MIND_JOURNEYS1_Junior12_Summer04 24/02/2011 13:26 Page 1
Everyone around me keeps telling me how
great I’m doing but inside I feel
anxious and as though I’m not improving.
Sometimes I feel sad and angry. People
don’t realise what’s happening inside.
At times, I don’t feel alive in my head.
It’s as though I am not functioning.
Getting yourself better is the most
important thing but it’s difficult. It’s
not an easy road, you have to watch out
for the obstacles along the way.
sammie’s Journey
My name is Sammie. I have mental healthproblems. This article is about my problemsand how I want to move on to have a positivefuture.
I’ve been in and out of hospital for almost twoyears suffering from a natural chemicalimbalance in my brain. This causes a lot ofanxiety. Doctors have different opinions overmy diagnosis and about what my problem is. Ithought there would be a cure for me but thereisn’t one so I need to learn to cope with myproblems.
Many people believe that personal experiencescan play a part in causing mental healthproblems. My parents split up when I was sixwhich separated me from my brothers, whonow live in America. I also lost contact with mygrandpa’ and uncle. I’m only now becomingcloser to them again.
I’m unsure if my problem isbecause of my parentsseparating, but I think it’s afactor. I became dependent onmy mum and I was not thinkingfor myself. My mum didn’trealise I needed to think for myself. Sometimes,when parents are anxious it can make kidsanxious too.
I changed schools a lot which may have alsoplayed a part. I made some friends but I oftenfelt I did not fit in.
Controlling my anxiety is hard but I think it willimprove slowly, as I develop emotionally. Mypsychiatrist felt I did not develop properlymentally going into adulthood. Certain smellsbring back memories which can trigger myanxiety. Speaking about my past and going tonew places also make me feel anxious.
Being in hospital taught me helpful strategiesto help my anxiety. I’m on medication for mycondition. I have been on many drugs but thecurrent one is called Clozapine. It takes aboutsix months to get into my system and workproperly. It helps the confusion in my brain and
makes me tired which reduces my anxiety. Ialso have blood tests every week to check all isgood.
Along with medication, I have CognitiveBehavioural Therapy which helps me think ina clearer way. I also have one-to-onePsychotherapy which is a talking session witha therapist discussing what’s bothering meand helping me to understand my thoughtsbetter.
Mindfulness is a great therapy which helps meto stay in the moment which means focussingon what’s in the room rather than what’s in myhead.
Lots of people who have mental healthproblems enjoy drawing and writing. It’s a wayof expressing what’s going on inside, makingthings clearer and challenging the fear.
Drawing makes me feelgood. Drawing a greatpicture is a great feeling. Iwas having Art Therapywhich is about drawing howyou feel. It does not have to
be a good drawing, it’s just about gettingfeelings out and onto paper, and then talkingabout it with the art therapist. The art workoften speaks for itself and it’s a good way toexpress yourself when some things are toopainful to say with spoken words.
I’m trying to find a positive future. I’ve startedcollege. I’m doing a course about peoplecoming out of hospital and getting back intothe community. I can meet other people whoalso have mental health problems and relate tothem. Later on in life, I would like to take acourse in interior design.
Life can be horrible. We should all make themost of the good times which is what I try anddo. Mental health problems cannot always becured. Sometimes you need to learn to live andcope with it as best you can.
Sammie hatter, 18 deScribeS the challengeS of learning to cope with
a mental health problem once doctorS tell you ‘there’S no cure’
2 3
WHAT IS ANXIETY?Anxiety disorders areconditions where severe orlong-lasting feelings of anxietyinterfere with every day life.
When you’re anxious, you mayalso have a range of physicalsymptoms. These happenbecause of your body’s so-called ‘fight or flight’response, which is caused bythe release of the stresshormone adrenaline. Thesymptoms can include:
• dizziness• diarrhoea• dry mouth• shaking • shortness of breath• discomfort in your tummy• rapid heartbeat or palpitations• tightness or pain in your chest• needing to urinate very often • difficulty swallowing
You can also get psychologicalsymptoms, which can include:
• feeling tired• feeling worried• sleeping difficulties (insomnia)• feeling uneasy all the time• being irritable• being quick to get angry• being unable to concentrate• a fear that you’re ‘going mad’• feeling not in control of youractions, or detached from yoursurroundings (derealisation)
These are only a few of thepossible symptoms associatedwith what might become anervous breakdown orpsychotic break. If you orsomeone you know isexperiencing some of thesesymptoms, seek medical helpas soon as possible.
Illustrated by Sammie Hatter
“”
Controlling my anxiety ishard but i think it willimprove slowly, as idevelop emotionally.
mindjourneys
mindjourneys
A5_MIND_JOURNEYS1_Junior12_Summer04 24/02/2011 13:26 Page 2
Everyone around me keeps telling me how
great I’m doing but inside I feel
anxious and as though I’m not improving.
Sometimes I feel sad and angry. People
don’t realise what’s happening inside.
At times, I don’t feel alive in my head.
It’s as though I am not functioning.
Getting yourself better is the most
important thing but it’s difficult. It’s
not an easy road, you have to watch out
for the obstacles along the way.
sammie’s Journey
My name is Sammie. I have mental healthproblems. This article is about my problemsand how I want to move on to have a positivefuture.
I’ve been in and out of hospital for almost twoyears suffering from a natural chemicalimbalance in my brain. This causes a lot ofanxiety. Doctors have different opinions overmy diagnosis and about what my problem is. Ithought there would be a cure for me but thereisn’t one so I need to learn to cope with myproblems.
Many people believe that personal experiencescan play a part in causing mental healthproblems. My parents split up when I was sixwhich separated me from my brothers, whonow live in America. I also lost contact with mygrandpa’ and uncle. I’m only now becomingcloser to them again.
I’m unsure if my problem isbecause of my parentsseparating, but I think it’s afactor. I became dependent onmy mum and I was not thinkingfor myself. My mum didn’trealise I needed to think for myself. Sometimes,when parents are anxious it can make kidsanxious too.
I changed schools a lot which may have alsoplayed a part. I made some friends but I oftenfelt I did not fit in.
Controlling my anxiety is hard but I think it willimprove slowly, as I develop emotionally. Mypsychiatrist felt I did not develop properlymentally going into adulthood. Certain smellsbring back memories which can trigger myanxiety. Speaking about my past and going tonew places also make me feel anxious.
Being in hospital taught me helpful strategiesto help my anxiety. I’m on medication for mycondition. I have been on many drugs but thecurrent one is called Clozapine. It takes aboutsix months to get into my system and workproperly. It helps the confusion in my brain and
makes me tired which reduces my anxiety. Ialso have blood tests every week to check all isgood.
Along with medication, I have CognitiveBehavioural Therapy which helps me think ina clearer way. I also have one-to-onePsychotherapy which is a talking session witha therapist discussing what’s bothering meand helping me to understand my thoughtsbetter.
Mindfulness is a great therapy which helps meto stay in the moment which means focussingon what’s in the room rather than what’s in myhead.
Lots of people who have mental healthproblems enjoy drawing and writing. It’s a wayof expressing what’s going on inside, makingthings clearer and challenging the fear.
Drawing makes me feelgood. Drawing a greatpicture is a great feeling. Iwas having Art Therapywhich is about drawing howyou feel. It does not have to
be a good drawing, it’s just about gettingfeelings out and onto paper, and then talkingabout it with the art therapist. The art workoften speaks for itself and it’s a good way toexpress yourself when some things are toopainful to say with spoken words.
I’m trying to find a positive future. I’ve startedcollege. I’m doing a course about peoplecoming out of hospital and getting back intothe community. I can meet other people whoalso have mental health problems and relate tothem. Later on in life, I would like to take acourse in interior design.
Life can be horrible. We should all make themost of the good times which is what I try anddo. Mental health problems cannot always becured. Sometimes you need to learn to live andcope with it as best you can.
Sammie hatter, 18 deScribeS the challengeS of learning to cope with
a mental health problem once doctorS tell you ‘there’S no cure’
2 3
WHAT IS ANXIETY?Anxiety disorders areconditions where severe orlong-lasting feelings of anxietyinterfere with every day life.
When you’re anxious, you mayalso have a range of physicalsymptoms. These happenbecause of your body’s so-called ‘fight or flight’response, which is caused bythe release of the stresshormone adrenaline. Thesymptoms can include:
• dizziness• diarrhoea• dry mouth• shaking • shortness of breath• discomfort in your tummy• rapid heartbeat or palpitations• tightness or pain in your chest• needing to urinate very often • difficulty swallowing
You can also get psychologicalsymptoms, which can include:
• feeling tired• feeling worried• sleeping difficulties (insomnia)• feeling uneasy all the time• being irritable• being quick to get angry• being unable to concentrate• a fear that you’re ‘going mad’• feeling not in control of youractions, or detached from yoursurroundings (derealisation)
These are only a few of thepossible symptoms associatedwith what might become anervous breakdown orpsychotic break. If you orsomeone you know isexperiencing some of thesesymptoms, seek medical helpas soon as possible.
Illustrated by Sammie Hatter
“”
Controlling my anxiety ishard but i think it willimprove slowly, as idevelop emotionally.
mindjourneys
mindjourneys
A5_MIND_JOURNEYS1_Junior12_Summer04 24/02/2011 13:26 Page 2
4 5
Before psychosis everything seemed calm and bright. I couldthink clearly. I felt good about myself and most things. I went outwith my friends a lot and had good times. I felt like I fitted in.
Then everything started to go hazy. Nothing looked like it wasreal. I thought people were talking about me. Everything felt likeit was spinning around in my head. I tried a lot of substances tomake me feel better. Nothing really worked long term. I felt like Iwas losing my friends.
The strange feelings and hallucinations became more forceful.The haze thickened around me, nothing seemed to help. Istopped going to school and slept increasingly. I could not spendtime with my friends as I felt paranoid around them.
I was constantly hallucinating. The haze was always there,clouding my thinking and seeing. I had panic attacks all the timethat made me feel that I was going to be killed. I was sitting in thepark hallucinating and trying towrite things on walls to gaincontrol. After this I don’tremember many detailsanymore. That was probably mybreaking point. “I understand, Idon’t comprehend.”
I was admitted into a hospital, got medication and things feltbetter. I felt safe in hospital for the first time in ages. I stoppedhallucinating and panicking as much as I had been. Thingsseemed calmer. The mist lifted. I wanted to get back to mynormal life as soon as possible.
I think I am a different person now. Morphed by what’shappened. The journey carries on though, it never goes away. Itdefinitely hasn’t been happy colours everywhere. I don’t know ifit will get better. I am learning how to keep my psychosis at bay.I want to find a way to use it to my advantage. My psychosis doesnot tighten around me and I now understand what is happening.
WHAT IS PSYCHOSIS?Psychosis is a loss of contactwith reality, typically includingdelusions (false ideas aboutwhat is taking place or who oneis), hallucinations (seeing orhearing things which aren’tthere), and disorganisedthinking.
Psychosis is associated with themanic phase of bipolar disorder,schizophrenia, andschizoaffective disorder. Otherconditions where psychosis maybe present include postpartumpsychosis, dementia, depressiveepisodes, Parkinson’s diseaseand multiple sclerosis. The useof certain illegal drugs, includingmethamphetamine, can bring onpsychotic episodes.
gabriel calderwood, 15 deScribeS hiS
experienceS of living with pSychoSiS
It was one of those days. Mum had shouted atme before school for losing my jumper; myteacher told me she was expecting me to dowell in the science exam we had coming up, mybest friend was avoiding me saying I was boringand that she’d found better people to hang with.Everyone and everything seemed to be workingagainst me. I felt like I was going to explodeunder the pressure and the stress of it all. So Igrabbed a razor blade and sliced my skin. Relief.Watching the blood roll out was like ecstasy,everything going on around me seemedbearable, and I was in control.
According to teachernet.gov.uk, one in tenteenagers in the United Kingdom self-harm, andmore than 24,000 teenagers are admitted tohospital each year after deliberately hurtingthemselves.
Self-harming is misunderstood.When people hurt themselves onpurpose, it’s nothing like whenyou do it by accident. Whensomeone cuts themselves thebrain releases endorphins, whichmake you feel good, to help dealwith the pain. You can becomehooked on the feeling and find yourself unable(and sometimes unwilling) to stop.
Quitting isn’t just as simple as waking up onemorning and saying, “Oh, I’m done with thisnow... let’s move on.” You become so addicted,it feels impossible to stop, like any addiction.
Most teens that self-harm, don’t do it becausethey are suicidal, but because they want tosurvive, and feel it helps them get through theday.
Just because someone self-harms, it doesn’tmean they are an Emo or Goth. And if someoneyou know cuts themselves, it’s not helpful toassume they are attention seeking or mental.This simply isn’t true. Calling them names suchas ‘freak’ and isolating them from the group islikely to make things worse for them. You cannotunderstand what they are going through. Anddon’t be scared of them, they could be quitelovely if you actually got to know them.
ogochukwu’s Journey
“”
i think i am a different person now. Morphed by what’s happened. thejourney carries on though, it never goes away.
ogochukwu okey-udah cutS through
the mythS Surrounding Self-harm.
To view Gabriel’s film, ‘Takeo’s Journey’ which describeshis experiences through his narrative film, go towww.youtube.com/exposureuk
Illustrated by Liam McCarthy
gabriel’s Journey
WHAT IS SELF-HARM?There are different forms of self-harm. Themost obvious one is cutting. Others includescratching, skin picking, pinching, hairpulling, burning and overdosing on pills.
There are many reasons why people self-harm: to punish themselves, to relieve stressor anger, to calm themselves, to gain controlor just to feel something real and physical.They believe injuring themselves puts an endto emotional pain, giving them something tothink about other than the feelings insidethem. Because of this, self-harm can veryquickly become a way of coping.
Illustrated by Vicky Opyrchal
One of the worst things you can do is ignoresomeone who self harms. This can make themfeel like no one cares about them. Stay withthem, listen to what they have to say, and bepositive. Sometimes lending an ear and a hugcan be more helpful than you know.
“”
if someone you knowcuts themselves, it’snot helpful to assumethey are attentionseeking or mental.
mindjourneys
mindjourneys
A5_MIND_JOURNEYS1_Junior12_Summer04 24/02/2011 13:26 Page 3
4 5
Before psychosis everything seemed calm and bright. I couldthink clearly. I felt good about myself and most things. I went outwith my friends a lot and had good times. I felt like I fitted in.
Then everything started to go hazy. Nothing looked like it wasreal. I thought people were talking about me. Everything felt likeit was spinning around in my head. I tried a lot of substances tomake me feel better. Nothing really worked long term. I felt like Iwas losing my friends.
The strange feelings and hallucinations became more forceful.The haze thickened around me, nothing seemed to help. Istopped going to school and slept increasingly. I could not spendtime with my friends as I felt paranoid around them.
I was constantly hallucinating. The haze was always there,clouding my thinking and seeing. I had panic attacks all the timethat made me feel that I was going to be killed. I was sitting in thepark hallucinating and trying towrite things on walls to gaincontrol. After this I don’tremember many detailsanymore. That was probably mybreaking point. “I understand, Idon’t comprehend.”
I was admitted into a hospital, got medication and things feltbetter. I felt safe in hospital for the first time in ages. I stoppedhallucinating and panicking as much as I had been. Thingsseemed calmer. The mist lifted. I wanted to get back to mynormal life as soon as possible.
I think I am a different person now. Morphed by what’shappened. The journey carries on though, it never goes away. Itdefinitely hasn’t been happy colours everywhere. I don’t know ifit will get better. I am learning how to keep my psychosis at bay.I want to find a way to use it to my advantage. My psychosis doesnot tighten around me and I now understand what is happening.
WHAT IS PSYCHOSIS?Psychosis is a loss of contactwith reality, typically includingdelusions (false ideas aboutwhat is taking place or who oneis), hallucinations (seeing orhearing things which aren’tthere), and disorganisedthinking.
Psychosis is associated with themanic phase of bipolar disorder,schizophrenia, andschizoaffective disorder. Otherconditions where psychosis maybe present include postpartumpsychosis, dementia, depressiveepisodes, Parkinson’s diseaseand multiple sclerosis. The useof certain illegal drugs, includingmethamphetamine, can bring onpsychotic episodes.
gabriel calderwood, 15 deScribeS hiS
experienceS of living with pSychoSiS
It was one of those days. Mum had shouted atme before school for losing my jumper; myteacher told me she was expecting me to dowell in the science exam we had coming up, mybest friend was avoiding me saying I was boringand that she’d found better people to hang with.Everyone and everything seemed to be workingagainst me. I felt like I was going to explodeunder the pressure and the stress of it all. So Igrabbed a razor blade and sliced my skin. Relief.Watching the blood roll out was like ecstasy,everything going on around me seemedbearable, and I was in control.
According to teachernet.gov.uk, one in tenteenagers in the United Kingdom self-harm, andmore than 24,000 teenagers are admitted tohospital each year after deliberately hurtingthemselves.
Self-harming is misunderstood.When people hurt themselves onpurpose, it’s nothing like whenyou do it by accident. Whensomeone cuts themselves thebrain releases endorphins, whichmake you feel good, to help dealwith the pain. You can becomehooked on the feeling and find yourself unable(and sometimes unwilling) to stop.
Quitting isn’t just as simple as waking up onemorning and saying, “Oh, I’m done with thisnow... let’s move on.” You become so addicted,it feels impossible to stop, like any addiction.
Most teens that self-harm, don’t do it becausethey are suicidal, but because they want tosurvive, and feel it helps them get through theday.
Just because someone self-harms, it doesn’tmean they are an Emo or Goth. And if someoneyou know cuts themselves, it’s not helpful toassume they are attention seeking or mental.This simply isn’t true. Calling them names suchas ‘freak’ and isolating them from the group islikely to make things worse for them. You cannotunderstand what they are going through. Anddon’t be scared of them, they could be quitelovely if you actually got to know them.
ogochukwu’s Journey
“”
i think i am a different person now. Morphed by what’s happened. thejourney carries on though, it never goes away.
ogochukwu okey-udah cutS through
the mythS Surrounding Self-harm.
To view Gabriel’s film, ‘Takeo’s Journey’ which describeshis experiences through his narrative film, go towww.youtube.com/exposureuk
Illustrated by Liam McCarthy
gabriel’s Journey
WHAT IS SELF-HARM?There are different forms of self-harm. Themost obvious one is cutting. Others includescratching, skin picking, pinching, hairpulling, burning and overdosing on pills.
There are many reasons why people self-harm: to punish themselves, to relieve stressor anger, to calm themselves, to gain controlor just to feel something real and physical.They believe injuring themselves puts an endto emotional pain, giving them something tothink about other than the feelings insidethem. Because of this, self-harm can veryquickly become a way of coping.
Illustrated by Vicky Opyrchal
One of the worst things you can do is ignoresomeone who self harms. This can make themfeel like no one cares about them. Stay withthem, listen to what they have to say, and bepositive. Sometimes lending an ear and a hugcan be more helpful than you know.
“”
if someone you knowcuts themselves, it’snot helpful to assumethey are attentionseeking or mental.
mindjourneys
mindjourneys
A5_MIND_JOURNEYS1_Junior12_Summer04 24/02/2011 13:26 Page 3
6 7
I suffer with depression. I was 13 when I firstrealised there was something wrong. My familynoticed I was constantly moaning, upset andgenerally unhappy. I went through a stage ofsmoking and drinking but it didn’t help. I alsohave dyslexia and ADHD. At first a lot of peoplethought my depression was because of myADHD, so they gave me medication. Now I’m alot calmer which isn’t such a good thing to mebecause I liked being hyper.
One of the maincauses of mydepression is the factthat my dad doesn’taccept me. He wouldhave liked me to beinto football, intomale activities, clean cut and work in the sameindustry as him. Instead I’m an Emo, I lovehaving long hair and I don’t like watchingfootball. Not feeling accepted by him isheartbreaking. I can’t be someone I’m not.
Music is my passion and my escape. It’s eithermusic or drawing that I turn to when I need arelease. I love my instruments. I play the drumsand bass. Most of my family are into music. Mymum’s really cool ‘cause she’s a musician herselfand I can talk to her about music. I feel my mumis the only person that actually loves me andunderstands me.
liam’s Journeyliam mccarthy, 17 talkS about the difficultieS of
not fitting in and affecting one’S mental health
When something major happens, ittransports me back to mydepression. For example, last yearJimmy, The Rev died. He was anamazing drummer and a hugeinspiration to me. It took me a longtime to get over it. Even rememberingmy ex-girlfriend’s birthday can triggeroff a sad time, where I feel a dark cloudhanging over me.
I draw a lot and when I do, it makes me feelloved. I know my drawings won’t leave meunlike men and women, that let me down.Drawing helps me express myself. I visualisedrawings and take different elements to putthe piece together.
When my family annoy me or I feelmisunderstood, it triggers off somethingbad in me. I sometimes feel like I just want toend it all just to shut them up.
I go to weekly music classes to help me withmy depression. It helps me focus on mymusic and not my depression.
Faith, positivity, courage anddetermination. These are the fourfoundations that guided me through mybreakdown and helped me rebuild my life. Ifelt lost but somehow I knew that I had topull through.
After I finished studying at college, I wasdiagnosed with severe mental healthconditions. This didn’t stop me achievingqualifications and to this day, I still cannotbelieve how I obtained what I have. Aftermy breakdown, I became involved withvarious volunteering jobs. It helped me tokeep busy and do constructive things withmy time. Then I got involved with Exposureand found a place to escape from myproblems. I found a way to talk about myexperiences and produced a film called ‘TheMechanical One’ which used metaphoricalimages to describe my trauma.
I want to work with people with mentalhealth issues in the future because I feel Iwant to contribute to the community. I amstarting a course about health and socialcare next year.
lambros’ JourneylambroS, 22 deScribeS the four foundationS
that guided him through hiS breakdown
It’s a spiritual feelingthat I am alwaysbeing looked after.
FAITh
1
2
3
4
I need to be positiveso I can defeat anynegativity with mysuccess andmaximise mypotential.
POSITIVITY
I need to havecourage to go in tocertain situations totalk about theexperience I havesuffered.
COURAGE
I need to bedetermined to dowhat I set out todo in my daily lifeand to think aboutmy future.
DETERMINATION
WHAT ARE THESYMPTOMS/SIGNS OF ANERVOUS BREAKDOWN?• Hearing voices• Inability to cope • Feeling negative• Disinterest in family life• Exhibiting strong or violent anger• Disinterest in social life oralienation from previously closefriends and family• Sleep disruption or much longerperiods of sleep• Significant changes in appetite,such as eating too little or too much• Paranoid thoughts, such asthoughts that people are trying toharm you• Thoughts of grandeur orinvincibility• Feelings of persistent anxiety orpanic attacks• Seeing people who are notactually there• Thoughts of dying, wishing to dieor suicidal thoughts• Having flashbacks to a priortraumatic event• Increasing dependence on alcoholor drugs• Inability to pursue a normal life,normal activities or normalrelationships
These are only a few of the possiblesymptoms associated with whatmight become a nervousbreakdown or psychotic break. Ifyou or someone you know isexperiencing some of thesesymptoms, seek medical help assoon as possible.
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?The general definition of depression isa psychological disorder that affectsa person’s mood changes, physicalfunctions and social interactions.
WHAT IS ADHD?Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) refers to a range of problembehaviours associated with poorattention span.
WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?Dyslexia is a learning disabilitycharacterised by difficulties withaccurate and/or fluent wordrecognition and by poor spelling anddecoding abilities.
To view Lambros’ film, ‘The Mechanical One’ which describes his experiencesthrough his narrative film, go to www.youtube.com/exposureuk
“”
it’s either music ordrawing that i turnto when i need arelease.
Illustrated by Liam McCarthy
mindjourneys
mindjourneys
A5_MIND_JOURNEYS1_Junior12_Summer04 24/02/2011 13:26 Page 4
6 7
I suffer with depression. I was 13 when I firstrealised there was something wrong. My familynoticed I was constantly moaning, upset andgenerally unhappy. I went through a stage ofsmoking and drinking but it didn’t help. I alsohave dyslexia and ADHD. At first a lot of peoplethought my depression was because of myADHD, so they gave me medication. Now I’m alot calmer which isn’t such a good thing to mebecause I liked being hyper.
One of the maincauses of mydepression is the factthat my dad doesn’taccept me. He wouldhave liked me to beinto football, intomale activities, clean cut and work in the sameindustry as him. Instead I’m an Emo, I lovehaving long hair and I don’t like watchingfootball. Not feeling accepted by him isheartbreaking. I can’t be someone I’m not.
Music is my passion and my escape. It’s eithermusic or drawing that I turn to when I need arelease. I love my instruments. I play the drumsand bass. Most of my family are into music. Mymum’s really cool ‘cause she’s a musician herselfand I can talk to her about music. I feel my mumis the only person that actually loves me andunderstands me.
liam’s Journeyliam mccarthy, 17 talkS about the difficultieS of
not fitting in and affecting one’S mental health
When something major happens, ittransports me back to mydepression. For example, last yearJimmy, The Rev died. He was anamazing drummer and a hugeinspiration to me. It took me a longtime to get over it. Even rememberingmy ex-girlfriend’s birthday can triggeroff a sad time, where I feel a dark cloudhanging over me.
I draw a lot and when I do, it makes me feelloved. I know my drawings won’t leave meunlike men and women, that let me down.Drawing helps me express myself. I visualisedrawings and take different elements to putthe piece together.
When my family annoy me or I feelmisunderstood, it triggers off somethingbad in me. I sometimes feel like I just want toend it all just to shut them up.
I go to weekly music classes to help me withmy depression. It helps me focus on mymusic and not my depression.
Faith, positivity, courage anddetermination. These are the fourfoundations that guided me through mybreakdown and helped me rebuild my life. Ifelt lost but somehow I knew that I had topull through.
After I finished studying at college, I wasdiagnosed with severe mental healthconditions. This didn’t stop me achievingqualifications and to this day, I still cannotbelieve how I obtained what I have. Aftermy breakdown, I became involved withvarious volunteering jobs. It helped me tokeep busy and do constructive things withmy time. Then I got involved with Exposureand found a place to escape from myproblems. I found a way to talk about myexperiences and produced a film called ‘TheMechanical One’ which used metaphoricalimages to describe my trauma.
I want to work with people with mentalhealth issues in the future because I feel Iwant to contribute to the community. I amstarting a course about health and socialcare next year.
lambros’ JourneylambroS, 22 deScribeS the four foundationS
that guided him through hiS breakdown
It’s a spiritual feelingthat I am alwaysbeing looked after.
FAITh
1
2
3
4
I need to be positiveso I can defeat anynegativity with mysuccess andmaximise mypotential.
POSITIVITY
I need to havecourage to go in tocertain situations totalk about theexperience I havesuffered.
COURAGE
I need to bedetermined to dowhat I set out todo in my daily lifeand to think aboutmy future.
DETERMINATION
WHAT ARE THESYMPTOMS/SIGNS OF ANERVOUS BREAKDOWN?• Hearing voices• Inability to cope • Feeling negative• Disinterest in family life• Exhibiting strong or violent anger• Disinterest in social life oralienation from previously closefriends and family• Sleep disruption or much longerperiods of sleep• Significant changes in appetite,such as eating too little or too much• Paranoid thoughts, such asthoughts that people are trying toharm you• Thoughts of grandeur orinvincibility• Feelings of persistent anxiety orpanic attacks• Seeing people who are notactually there• Thoughts of dying, wishing to dieor suicidal thoughts• Having flashbacks to a priortraumatic event• Increasing dependence on alcoholor drugs• Inability to pursue a normal life,normal activities or normalrelationships
These are only a few of the possiblesymptoms associated with whatmight become a nervousbreakdown or psychotic break. Ifyou or someone you know isexperiencing some of thesesymptoms, seek medical help assoon as possible.
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?The general definition of depression isa psychological disorder that affectsa person’s mood changes, physicalfunctions and social interactions.
WHAT IS ADHD?Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) refers to a range of problembehaviours associated with poorattention span.
WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?Dyslexia is a learning disabilitycharacterised by difficulties withaccurate and/or fluent wordrecognition and by poor spelling anddecoding abilities.
To view Lambros’ film, ‘The Mechanical One’ which describes his experiencesthrough his narrative film, go to www.youtube.com/exposureuk
“”
it’s either music ordrawing that i turnto when i need arelease.
Illustrated by Liam McCarthy
mindjourneys
mindjourneys
A5_MIND_JOURNEYS1_Junior12_Summer04 24/02/2011 13:26 Page 4
oPen DoorA counselling &
psychotherapy service for
young people aged 12-25
12 Middle Lane, N8
020 8348 5947www.opendooronline.org
saMaritansOffering confidential,
non-judgemental support
24 hours a day.
08457 90 90 90www.samaritans.org
MinDMental health charity
working to create a better life
for everyone with experience
of mental distress.
0845 7660 163www.mind.org.uk
ChilDlineFree 24 hour counselling
service for children and
young people up to and
including 18 in the UK
provided by The NSPCC.
0800 1111www.childline.org.uk
sUPPort lineOffering confidential emotional
support to children, young
adults and adults by post,
telephone and email. We work
with callers to develop healthy,
positive coping strategies,
strength, increased self esteem
to encourage healing, recovery
and moving forward with life.
We also keep details of
counsellors, agencies and
support groups in the UK.
01708 765 [email protected]
mindjourneys
enabling young people withmental health issues to worktogether to explore and recounttheir personal experiences.
One in four people will be affected by mental ill health at some point in their lives.
Many will experience prejudice, discrimination and isolation from society. This
supplement aims to raise awareness, give hope, inform, educate and include the
work of young people that have been brave enough to express their ‘mind journey’
to us. This supplement is also designed to promote mental wellbeing and to help
fight discrimination against people with mental health problems. Mental illness
doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anybody including those closest to us and maybe
even you.
Sometimes words are insufficientThey don’t even begin to come close.They only invite judgementOn the life I have to lead.
Words don’t describe the pain that eatsThey don’t even cover my lonelinessThey don’t grip others as my fear grips meYet words dictate what they see.
At times my scars are a windowThey reveal what I cannot say.But in a language that you’ll never know,When translated, you’ll see ‘decay’.
Yet I raise my glass in toastKnowing I understand better than mostThat some words are made to be writtenAnd never to be uttered.
When we cry words escape usAll that’s left is a groan.We can’t speak for the plug of emotionThat renders us alone.
So how then can words heal me?How can I talk it out?All I have is a wail of anguishAnd something to write about.
WORDSBy anonymous
“Expressing myself through art helped me overcome my mental health problems. It gave me a focusand allowed me to get out what was inside.” Vicky Opyrchal, 19
issUe 1 sPring 2011
mindjourneys
this supplement is published by exposure organisation limited, registered in england no.3455480, registered charityno.1073922 and is funded by the Big lottery fund. the views expressed in the publication do not necessarily reflectthose of the publisher. (c) 2011. all rights reserved. Produced by Mirella issaias. Designed by luke Pantelidou
UsefUl ContaCts/DireCtory
Calls are completely confidential. Speaking to someone about it can prove helpful, and
is certainly a step in the right direction. If you want support here are some numbers:
A5_MIND_JOURNEYS1_Junior12_Summer04 24/02/2011 13:26 Page 1