A CHAT ABOUT TRUST IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES | TW

After self-harming over a week ago I was put under the care of the Northumberland,Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team (or the Crisis Team basically!) and on the day before I was discharged from their caseload I self-harmed again. When I did it the staff arrived to see me and ended up taking me to A&E for stitches. When they went on to their next visit with another service user, they ended up leaving my care plan at that person’s house and as soon as they realized they returned to the house and got it back. Then I got a phone call with an apology to tell me what had happened and that the Team had reported the breach of data protection. The support worker who called me asked if I wanted the complaints procedure and it didn’t take me long to reply with ‘no.’ I think he was surprised but I came to that conclusion because I knew that the Team had done all that they could to rectify the situation; they’d realized what had happened, gotten the care plan back, reported it, and apologized to me. It was that last bit that really helped in my decision not to make a formal complaint. I’ve talked before about how important apologies are to me and how I think they’re essential in mental health because they’re the cornerstone of building – or maintaining trust in a person or a service. The Manager of the service called me and asked if there was anything else they could do because she didn’t want me thinking that I couldn’t trust the Team and therefore wouldn’t utilize them as support in a crisis. But that trust has been maintained with the apology.

TRAVELLING & MENTAL HEALTH | IN COLLABORATION WITH LNER | AD

I’m very proud to be able to say that I’m collaborating with London North Eastern Railway (LNER) on a series of posts in the run-up to a complimentary first-class trip on June 15^th. 

I wanted to chat a bit about what travelling means for me, how it has impacted my life and my mental health, and how it can be beneficial for you!

I was born in Dorset but moved to the North East before I turned one and once my Mum and I were up here, we only moved to a new house twice – I lived in the final home for almost twenty years before being admitted to the Hospital in Bradford.

I only went on a handful of holidays growing up, and my Aunt had moved to Dubai, so we were fortunate enough to be able to visit her a few times and my Mum and I went to Spain once with one of my friend’s and her Mum. I think that one of my only – and definitely my favourite – memories from my holidays was when we swam with Dolphins in Dubai! Travelling made me happy. 

So, from where I stand; – or sit because I’m typing this on my bed(!) – it’s kind of reasonable for me to have turned to travelling when my mental health first deteriorated. I don’t think my fascination with travelling was really cemented until I moved to my Dad’s home in Dorset in 2011. At first, it was brilliant! I did all the sensible things in notifying mental health services back in Northumberland and then I started to make myself a new life. I enrolled at a local College, I got myself a weekend job at the local Primark and my Dad bought me two kittens in an attempt to replace the cat I’d grown up with at my Mum’s. Of course, mental health doesn’t just stay in one postcode or town. It follows you everywhere! So, when my Step-Mum said she couldn’t deal with having me live there permanently and my Dad told me I’d have to leave, my reaction was to overdose on my anti-depressant medication. I became tachycardia (had a fast heart rate) and collapsed. In Hospital, I was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and taken to a psychiatric hospital for a few days before being discharged to go and collect my suitcase from my Dad’s. It was thrown at me and I was taken to a hotel near the airport to catch a flight the following day; my Mum said that when I called her from the hotel room, I was hysterical. 

A LENGTHY MEDICATION CHAT

I remember in 2009 lying on my bed in my Mum’s home and listening to the whispered conversations downstairs between my Mum and – what felt like – every member of NHS staff! (Realistically, it was a few people from the Crisis Team, two Social Workers, and two Psychiatrists!) When there was a knock on the bedroom door I didn’t expect to see the six foot something Psychiatrist wearing running trainers with his suit! I sat up on the bed and he came into my abnormally, barbie-pink bedroom and sat on the futon in front of me. And then he said one of the sentences that has remained a pivotal moment in my mental health journey and you know, actually… my life! He said: “maybe it’s time we start you on some medication.”

WEEK FIVE | 52 LISTS FOR HAPPINESS | OLIVER BONAS | AD

You can buy this book here

(Apologies for the delay in publishing this post!)

Every week, for 2018 there will be post of what I’ve done in the book each week. And the fifth list?

List the best choices you have made in your life so far:

FIVE THINGS I'M GLAD I IGNORED

1.       The voices

The first thing that was said when I began experiencing auditory hallucinations (in the form of a voice that I named ‘Albert’) was that I should commit suicide. Every day for almost two weeks Albert would tell me I was worthless, useless, and pointless; and that my death, would be a welcome relief for everyone in my life. I say ‘two weeks’ because that was how long it took for me to do what I was being told; hoping for peace and silence in my head if it worked. I overdosed in early 2009 and was immediately sectioned under the Mental Health Act when my attempt was not successful.

WEEK FOUR | 52 LISTS FOR HAPPINESS | OLIVER BONAS | AD

You can buy this book here

Every week, for 2018 there will be post of what I’ve done in the book each week. And the fourth list?

List the things that get you out of your head:

CHRISTMAS Q&A WITH CORPORATE GOVERNANCE DIRECTOR VICKY MCNALLY, CYGNET HEALTHCARE | 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS WITH I'M NOT DISORDERED

It’s a special time of year and so, to celebrate it, I wanted to do something special on I’m NOT Disordered for Christmas. I have decided to bring back the Christmassy Q&A I put together last year with the questions being from a YouTube video and have posed them to many different people from all of the country and doing all sorts of jobs, in all sorts of roles, living all kinds of lives!

So let’s kick off Day Five of 12 Days of Christmas with I'm NOT Disordered with the answers of Vicky McNally, Corporate Governance Director from private healthcare organisation Cygnet Healthcare

1.       When do you start getting excited for Christmas Day?

WELCOME TO THE CHRISTMAS Q&A SERIES | 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS WITH I'M NOT DISORDERED

It’s a special time of year and so, to celebrate it, I wanted to do something special on I’m NOT Disordered for Christmas. I have decided to bring back the Christmassy Q&A I put together last year with the questions being from a YouTube video and have posed them to many different people from all of the country and doing all sorts of jobs, in all sorts of roles, living all kinds of lives!

So let’s kick off Day One of 12 Days of Christmas with I'm NOT Disordered with my answers to the Christmassy Q&A:

1.      When do you start getting excited for Christmas Day?

#NURSINGANDCOPRODUCTION WITH CYGNET HEALTHCARE | AD

I was honoured, this week, to attend another Cygnet Healthcare event: ‘Cygnet Nursing Conference: IsCo-production the answer to reducing restrictive practice?’

Being invited to conferences, I like to make sure that I:

1. Understand the topic,

2. Have an interest in the topic, and

3. It will be relevant to readers.

When friends and family were asking what the event was about, I simplified it (not to sound patronising or condescending) with ‘talking about how working together can result in less restraints and forced medications and things(!).’ Number one? Check!

Co-production is the buzz word of the mental health industry right now; professionals are all promoting working alongside service users to create; a better experience of services, a safer environment, and a better understanding.  My personal experience of mental health services (as a whole) has been that staff would tell service users the rules and there were ‘punishments’ when they weren’t 100% adhered to. As my mental health improved, I began to see that what would be easier, is to work together; there could be no understanding without equality. Number two? Check!

The conference was centred around mental health. Number three? Check!

It was an early start - as most events/conferences are – but refreshments in the registration room and Rafik(Raf) Hamaizia’s cheerful, and positive Welcome speech seemed to have everyone eager for the day ahead!

AD | CYGNET NATIONAL SERVICE USER AWARDS | NOMINATIONS OPEN SOON!! | AD

I’m delighted to be able announce to you guys that for the 2018 National Service User Awards (NSUA); I’ll be taking on the role as Head of Social Media!

It’s a brand new role for this year’s NSUA and is a mark of their popularity in that they now need extra support in their publicity and communications (specifically in terms of social media) because they seem to become inundated with calls, emails, messages to the Facebook page, and to the Twitter account… But it’s thank you to all you lovely readers that they’ve chosen me for the job! That they’ve picked me for the position. Because if I’m NOT Disordered weren’t so popular then it would be of no benefit to them.

Initially, I was upset to hear that I wasn’t being given the log in details for the specially created accounts; although, at the same time, I understand the risk in allowing someone else access to an organisations’s social media. And now we’ve talked about it; it’s actually a compliment; they think I can do more good through I’m NOT Disordered and my own social media with its extended; and kind-of-huge(!) audience, readers, and followers.

I’m also now delighted to tell you all that on MONDAY 16^TH OCTOBER, the nomination categories for the National Service User Awards 2018, were announced to be…

·         Community Social and Vocational Initiatives

·         Breaking Down Barriers: Tackling Stigma

·         Health and Wellbeing Initiative

·         Outstanding Service User Involvement Award (team or individual)

And also the usual – ever popular – Service User Choice Award which will be voted for during the event!!

!!!NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN AND WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY 8^TH DECEMBER 2017

AND

INFORMATION ON HOW TO MAKE A NOMINATION WILL BE HERE SOON!!!

Cygnet Healthcare #ChangeStigma Event | Ad

Stigma in Mental Health: The role stigma plays and strategies for positive change

Date: Tuesday 8th May 2017

Venue: Village Hotel Leeds South

www.cygnethealth.co.uk

Raf Hamaizia - About to have dinner with @CygnetNurses and @wayne2183ac but they don't eat as much as me so I have had snack beforehand

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Wayne S - and look who's just joined us, its @aimes_wilson

Raf Hamaizia - Having a catch-up with my @aimes_wilson after annoying @JulieKerry6 a little over dinner! Looking forward to tomorrow Anti-Stigma conference

Kicking off DAY TWO of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #MHAW2017 with @cygnethealth 's #changestigma event

POST FOUR: MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2017

24 hours with... Dawn Shaefer

Associate Director of Marketing and Communications, Cygnet Healthcare
Cygnet Healthcare: https://www.cygnethealth.co.uk/
Cygnet Healthcare Twitter: https://twitter.com/cygnethealth

Date: Thursday May 11th, 2017

Why have you chosen to write about today?
Why not?


Good morning!

What time did you wake up? 
6am – I’m an early bird!

Why did you wake up at that time?
I was going to the gym.

Did you have a dream?
No, quiet night last night! 

Do you think today will be 'good' or 'bad' day? (use your own definition of these words to answer the question)
I always hope every day will have something good in it 😊

What are the first three things you do after waking up?
Check on my son, clean my teeth, try to find the car keys.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK - 8th - 14th May 2017 | Ad

As many of you may know, it is Mental Health Awareness Week this week (Monday 8th May - Sunday 14th May 2017)
Each year, MHAW has a special focus; last year it was on relationships, and this year it is all about how having 'good mental health' is so much more than just the fact the person does not have a 'mental health problem.'
The spin on MHAW this year, is to examine why the amount of people with 'good mental health' is so few rather than focusing on the amount of people living with mental health problems.

Over the next week, I'm NOT Disordered will be publishing posts that will give you an exclusive look into a full day in the life of a different person every day.

In addition to this, tomorrow (9th May) I (Aimee) will be attending Cygnet Healthcare's event specialising in stigma exclusively for Mental Health Awareness Week so to see everything going on at the event; just follow my Twitter: @aimes_wilson and Cygnet's

For more info PLUS resources, reading, surveys, FAQs, and to find out what's happening during MHAW in your local area - or to register your own work this week, visit the Mental Health Org site

See what I'm NOT Disordered did for Mental Health Awareness Week 2016

CONGRATULATIONS RAF HAMAIZIA

FOR YOUR

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD!!

Dear Raf,

SURPRISE!!

You're forever there for others; with an unlimited amount of support, kindness, reassurance, care, generosity, and gratitude. You make others feel better. You're the type of person (and there's not many of them) who can make others feel positive, and hopeful just from one sentence.

When I'm with you at events and conferences, I feel like I'm in the presence of a superstar!

And I'm sure you get told these sorts of things about how fantastic you are all the time so I thought that if it was in writing, for 222,000+ people to see... 1. even more people know! And 2. you can read this whenever you have a rough moment or need a pep talk!

Cygnet Recovery College @CygnetRecovery

Raf, the man that gives me more work to do every time I see him; yet I always enjoy it as we share a passion for our work. Every time I see him, he reminds me that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. It's an absolute pleasure and a privilege to get to share in his adventures.

A natural born leader and all round top bloke

Nick Horne @nhorne68

Raf's a very strong voi ce for the service user group and goes above and beyond, no matter the time or day, to put others first. His leadership and sense of humour are inspiring and infectious; and he gets others to challenge their own thinking.
A top man.

Matt O'Brien @mattofthedales

On meeting Raf two things immediately become obvious. Firstly, his absolute passion for his tireless work as an Expert by Experience. Secondly, his ability to make a connection with people from all backgrounds and immediately put them at ease. A rare skill.

Wayne Saville @wayne2183ac 

Raf has enthusiasm, passion, drive, and the commitment to improve mental health services for as many people as possible. His actions are selfless, and I recollect the first meeting I had with Raf (you were there too, Aimee) at Cygnet Bury in December (2016); Raf turned up with a car laden with chocolates and gifts for every SU on all of the 14 wards! He wanted to ensure that nobody was left out at Christmas. It took us two hours to get around all 14 wards, but boy was it worth it!
Raf is a true inspiration and role model who inspires hope in others.

Iris Benson MBE @irisbenson100

I met Raf for the first time just over a month ago; his passion is never ending, honest, and truthful. He has an amazing sense of humour. He's such a lovely, sensitive, and compassionate guy.
True authentic co-production.

Louise Bannister @BannisterLou

Raf is a man with BIG ideas and the passion and enthusiasm to drive them forward a true inspiration to our service users

Julie Kerry @Juliekerry6

For me, Raf is a leader who provides hope and believes people with shared aims can change the world

Rosalyn Mloyi @RosalynSi

Raf embodies, inspiration, innovation all which come wrapped in his infectious laugh. It's a privilege to be able to work alongside him.

Follow Raf's life and work: @Raf_Hamaizia

Rehabilitation and Recovery: New Approaches with Cygnet Healthcare | Ad

#NewApproaches

Some photography credited to Vicky McNally and Cygnet Healthcare, with all editing done by me via Moldiv

I never thought I'd say that I was excited for a conference-style event... But the New Approaches conference was being held in the same venue as a previous one, and it meant that I was staying in the same hotel; and I found all of that quite comforting. I was also looking forward to some of the talks after receiving the agenda; and the thought of meeting new people is always exciting!

Cygnet Hospital Coventry Grand Opening - A Tour | Ad

[Note: all photos are credited to Vicky McNally and Cygnet Healthcare and Raf Hamaizia with all of them edited by myself via Moldiv]

Read the previous post about the conversations that were had at the Grand Opening here

Watch my vlog from this event here
Read Cygnet's piece on the event here

 [a fellow Expert by Experience: Hannah]

Having arrived late to the Opening; I joined a few people (including the legendary Raf Hamaizia) on an impromptu tour of the Hospital; led by Bronwen Corby, Operations Director.

Like most Hospitals (perhaps a helpful tool in dispelling mental health stigma specifically towards Psychiatric Hospitals) Cygnet Coventry was - or at least seemed to be to me - a rabbit's warren maze! I was frequently asking where abouts we were in relation to other parts of the hospital... Bronwen was incredibly patient! Because of this, I'm not going to be the greatest in my descriptions but I'm going to give it a shot!

Cygnet Coventry is specifically all-female and for those aged 18 and above. It's services include:

Dunsmore Ward - a female Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit [PICU]

Middlemarch Ward - Locked Women's Rehabilitation

Ariel Ward - Female Personality Disorder

Ariel Court - Transitional Living Units

Cygnet Hospital Coventry Grand Opening - A Conversation | Ad

[Note: all photos are credited to Vicky McNally and Cygnet Healthcare and Raf Hamaizia with all of them edited by myself via Moldiv]

Watch the vlog from this event here
And read the second blog post from the Grand Opening here
Read Cygnet's piece on the event here

As my car took numerous lefts and rights through a housing estate, I thought that maybe the driver was lost; Cygnet Hospital Coventry was so new that there wasn't even any signs to the building, and the driver had to use Google Maps after discovering we'd been driving in the wrong direction for ten minutes!
After yet another bend, I spotted the top of a modern, and clearly well-designed building that stood out among the terraced houses. And although, saying that the Hospital stood out and was completely different to it's surroundings, I don't think of that as a negative thing. Personally, I found that having Cygnet Hospital Bierley (where I spent over two years of my life, and 1 of the 21 Cygnet Hospitals in the U.K.) in the middle of a housing estate - but at the same time, with easy access to the motorway, supermarket and a woodland area - very motivational. For me, seeing young people in groups pass by, laughing and on their phones, was a healthy reminder that not only did life exist beyond the Hospital walls, but also; that it was reachable, in the deepest sense of the word. When freedom; from thoughts, hallucinations, and urges to self-harm, felt so far away and impossible, I could see that it actually wasn't too far.

POST EIGHT: #TimeToTalk Day in collaboration with Time To Change | Ad

#TimeToTalk

Hello!

This year, Time to Change (TTC) will be working in partnership, with I’m NOT Disordered on a exclusive series of projects for Time To Talk Day (TTD) on February 2nd. 

Questions completed by Vicky McNally, Corporate Governance Director, Cygnet Healthcare

Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickyMcNally1

Cygnet: https://www.cygnethealth.co.uk/

Can you tell us about the worst (least helpful, most upsetting, anger-provoking etc) talk you’ve had with another person regarding mental health?

A conversation with a taxi driver- I remember feeling surprised by his complete lack of understanding and belief in stereotypes.  

Most of my routine contact is with informed and empathetic individuals- it was a sharp reminder that there is much work to do to educate & raise awareness about mental health.