MY TOP TEN SELF-CARE PRODUCTS TO GET YOU THROUGH THE LOCKDOWN | ASOS, BOOTS, AMAZON, B&M & DISNEY

 So, there’s been a lot of tweets recently of people sharing their Amazon Wishlist’s for complete strangers to purchase items for them… I think it’s not just an incredibly kind and generous (no matter the price of the item) gesture, but it’s also illustrating the power and influence that material items can have on your mental wellbeing. I’ve been called ‘materialistic’ a number of times over the years and at first, I would argue against the label which seemed so offensive; and then I realized that the fact I appreciate material things and find that they benefit my mental health shouldn’t be an insult!

So, with that in mind; I’ve put together a little list of self-care products that I think could help you through the Coronavirus Lockdown…

1.       Anatomicals Cruisin’ For A Snozzin’ Sleep Kit £8.50

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK WITH I'M NOT DISORDERED | POST FIVE | COLLABORATION WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST | HOW TRIPS OUT CAN HELP MANAGE YOUR STRESS LEVELS | CRAGSIDE | AD

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week

As much as I enjoy my work/what I do – and I know I’m incredibly lucky to have this – sometimes I need a break. A little time to myself or to do something fun and exciting and interesting.

I try to have at least one day a week completely to myself to spend time in my home with my pets (I have a cat called Dolly and a bunny called Pixie). I’ll sleep in, watch Pretty Little Liars on Netflix, plan on The Sims(Freeplay), eat, and have a little pamper session with nail painting, face masks, pore strips, and a shower. And obviously finish the day off with a cold Baileys!!

FIVE WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING A RELATIONSHIP BREAK-UP

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/699606123335968039/

I discussed in my last post that I’d recently gone through a relationship break-up. The relationship lasted nine years and the situation in which it happened have been two huge factors in the level of my distress and upset following the break-up. It’s only been six days and so far, I’ve experienced emotions ranging from grief, frustration, and anger to feeling happy and positive that I can begin a new chapter in my life and find someone much more suitable to my work and my personality. It has been the biggest rollercoaster…

And it’s taking me some time to develop coping strategies and ways to deal with the intense and overwhelming feelings that are flooding my mind and body. So I thought that I’d share what I’ve learnt so far with you guys to help you manage your own mental health during a relationship break-up without it taking negative experiences to learn them.

THREE WAYS TO FEEL MORE PRODUCTIVE | AD

1.     Activity Books – this sounds childish, but I’ve recently gotten two books from Oliver Bonas that I’d probably define as ‘activity books.’ I first purchased ’52 Lists For Happiness’ from their Euston store late last year, and was so impressed with the content: titles to make one list per week for a year. So far the titles have ranged from ‘things you’re really good at’ to ‘the best choices you’ve made.’ The book is separated into four chapters: Reflect, Acknowledge, Invest, and Transform with 12 – 13 lists in each chapter. It’s also provided excellent, regular content for I’m NOT Disordered because I’ll be posting my lists on here every week too (to see them just select the ‘Ads’ page at the top of the I’m NOT Disordered home screen). I was then, very kindly, gifted a second book from the Oliver Bonas PR Team called ‘Pick Me Up’ but I’ll be writing all about this one in a post soon so stay tuned for that!

2.     Do an Online Course – Since September 2017 I’ve been using FutureLearn (www.futurelearn.com) to do some online courses. So far, I’m completed ‘Why We Post: Anthropology andSocial Media’ and ‘From Crime to Punishment.’ I’ve never been one for education, I’ve never really excelled in a classroom. But the thing is, I’ve wanted to. I have such passion for the subjects I’m interested in; social media, publicity, fashion, Law, and all things media and communications, that I have this thirst for knowledge. A thirst to learn about everything to do with these subjects. I’ll be talking more about my work with FutureLearn in a post coming soon!

3.     Write – There are some people who find writing comes naturally to them, especially when they’re in particular situations/moods. For as long as I remember, I’ve been one of those people; I’ve been a writer. I used to write short stories when I was little (something I’ve very recently begun to do again) and as I grew up I began keeping diaries; and it goes without saying that these days I write more than ever! Beginning blogging was all about writing down my journey through trauma therapy, it was for me. And then it was for the staff. And then for my family. And now it’s for everyone! I write for myself, my family, my friends, and my readers. Writing helps me and so I love to spend my time promoting it to everyone, recommending it to everyone I can reach. Writing, or blogging, gives me something to do on the days when all I’m really doing is taking my medication and devying my attention between the cat and the rabbit!

International Women's Day in North Tyneside pt 2 | 'Ad'

Welcome to post number two of the International Women's Day event at which Time To Change commissioned me to assume the role of Social Media and Evaluation Manager.
Here's post one: http://imnotdisordered.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/international-women-day-in-north.html

A lot of different organisations attended the event; providing lots of information and insight through stalls, speeches and Q&A sessions.

The Angelou Centre
I'd heard of this amazing organisation through a website that advertises voluntary jobs and so I had a rough idea of the work they do- or at least I thought I did! As I usually work at events centred around mental health, it was really interesting to find out about such a different kind of organisation yet realise there was still a psychological element to their work. The centre's website describes the service as a 'black-led women's centre' who 'offer a range of holistic women only services for Black and Minority Ethnic women.' When the staff who attended the event spoke, they concentrated on the work they do around Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which is procedures that intentionally causes injury to the female genital organs. One of the Centre's main service in this area, is in aiding women to get counselling or psychological support because many of the women who go to the Centre don't know how to access such services, and the workers aid in ensuring any counsellors or therapists are capable of supporting these women after such a unique and specific trauma.

For more information:
http://angelou-centre.org.uk
0191 226 0394
admin@angelou-centre.org.uk
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/female-genital-mutilation/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Time To Change
I've obviously worked with Time To Change on many occasions and so I'm very aware of their purpose and work, but I really enjoyed listening to the workshop that the Equalities and North East Regional Coordinator, Angela Slater led. It was centred around stigma (the focus of Time To Change)  and asked the group what they thought 'stigma' was; it's always so interesting to hear each individual's understanding on such terms.
'Belief.' 'Lack of understanding.' 'Judgement.' 'Discrimination.' 'Pre conceptions.' 'Stereo type.' 'Opinion.' 'Something negative.' 'Label on someone.' 'A difference.'
The group were then asked what kind of affect they thought stigma could have on a person.
'Upset.' 'Angry.' 'Withdrawn - lacking in confidence.' 'Suicidal.' 'Ashamed.' 'Isolated.' 'Uncomfortable.' 'Substance abuse.' 'Job prospects/opportunities.' 'Defeated.' 'Vulnerable.' 'Depressed.' 'Anxious.'
And finally, the group were asked to think of ways in which mental health stigma can be challenged.
'Challenge words like "schizo."' Send get well cards and messages. The same as you would do for physical health.' 'Listen to people.' 'Text or call.' 'Don't judge.' 'Don't make assumptions.' 'Pro-active in removing negative thoughts.' 'Go and see someone to just talk.'

For more information:
http://www.time-to-change.org.uk
020 8215 2356
info@time-to-change.org.uk

Samaritans
I think that one of the most popular bits of advice for those struggling with their mental health is to call a helpline. Some of you may have noticed that I've never recommended any helplines; this is because I've only ever used just one myself so I'd feel that it'd be unfair for me to only recommend that one when there may be many others that people have found helpful but I've never accessed them. If you haven't already guessed, the helpline I used was Samaritans. The worker speaking about the services they offer, mentioned that they hoped they'd made a difference to people and I realised that they probably never found out whether they had helped those who call, so I took the opportunity to tell them that they'd helped me. I'd found them useful in that they didn't ask millions of questions. They didn't want my entire life story. And for much of the call, it was actually silent. And that helped. To know someone was there. I called with a handful of tablets, and when I hung up they were all flushed down the toilet!
I think that a crucial part in the support Samaritans provide is in their confidentiality promise. You don't have to give your name, date of birth, address... Nothing. And they will never inform other services of your call; it's not traceable.

For more information:
http://www.samaritans.org
116 123
jo@samaritans.org
Text: 07725909090
Tyneside offices: 15 Portland Terrace, Jesmond, Newcastle, NE2 1QQ
0191 232 7272
Twitter: @tynesidesams

The Big Lottery Fund
This is probably one organisation most of you will be familiar with, they've funded large projects such as Time To Change and Gateshead Millenium Bridge (for those living in my region). Learning about the processes that someone has to go through in order to not only qualify but apply for a grant and funding from The Big Lottery Fund, has meant I feel better educated in something that is often questioned and been quite controversial in the media. Only the most positive and inspirational projects, who will have life-changing impacts on others, are awarded the financial support that can be crucial in making their dreams and potential come to life. The projects funded by the Lottery fund save lives.
The Fund Representatives said: we've really enjoyed International Women's Day. Lovely people and good networking. Sharing thoughts and experiences with a variety of organisations. Thank you - Linda & Maria

For more information:
https://www.biglotteryfund.org.uk
0345 4102030
general.enquiries@biglotteryfund.org.uk

Happy Planet Creative Arts
This project was an individual's brain-child; Gail Curry. Gail experienced the loss of her partner and a home burglary that left her feeling unsafe in her own home, within three months of one another. Understandably, she developed Depression, an Anxiety Disorder, and PTSD; and has spent the last two years learning to manage herself as a person with such mental health problems. Upon realising her experience was a 'journey' that had led her to this very event, she decided to use maps to craft Origami cranes from to represent everyone's personal journey; whether they're centred around mental health or not. The traditional Japanese art of Origami- in particular cranes- give promise of eternal good fortune and recovery from illness. Gail's intentions in this project, were for people to write a message of hope/peace/recovery that when strung together and displayed, others may learn from one another's journey.

For more information:
www.happyplanetcreativearts.org.uk
https://www.facebook.com/happyplanetcreativearts/
07752356880

To watch the VLOG of this event: https://youtu.be/bQzHQOagUvc

Christmas 2015: Blyth Christmas Market | 'Ad'

This year, I was kindly invited to my second Christmas Market (I've only ever attended the Newcastle one around two years ago). Originally, the market was planned to be held in our actual market square that is right in the middle of the town centre and its shops, but the wind meant it had to be hosted inside the little shopping centre.
Personally, I like Christmas markets for the homemade food! The cupcakes, shortbread... Yum!

There was also a stall that caught my attention which was more savoury and meat goods:

www.croweandatkinson.com

croweandatkinson@hotmail.com

01670 352287

The handmade jewellery etc isn't my kind of style but for those who it is, I think there are some great pieces available.

Betty's Handmade

07990014230

bettyshandmade@yahoo.com

https://www.facebook.com/bettyshandmade 

I didn't end up buying anything from the stalls as I picked up some bargains in the new Pound Shop, but I did eventually find mulled wine which was absolutely gorgeous!

The decorations and inflate able snow globe bouncy castle and Santa's Grotto were really lovely touches for the children! ... And those of us are yet to grow-up when it comes to Christmastime!

If you'd like to attend a Christmas markets then most of the larger towns will host them, if you keep an eye out on Facebook, local newspapers and other advertisements dotted around the town. However, if you're willing to travel then the Birmingham, Manchester, Hyde Patk, Edinburgh, Nottingham and Belfast Christmas markets, are said to be the greatest in the UK. For more info: www.christmasmarkets.com>UK

"The use of creativity helped me to find my voice" A guest blog by Naomi Gilchrist | 'Ad'

Hello, my name is Naomi, I’m 22 and I’m currently studying for a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.

I first met Aimee last year at a training event for the ‘YoungMinds Vs’ campaign in York and since then we have kept I touch, become pen-pals and supported each other’s various campaigning missions.

For quite a few years now, I have volunteered and campaigned in various aspects of children and young people’s health and well-being; in particular to illustrate the power and impact that creativity and access to creative expressive therapies can have upon people’s mental health and well-being.

This passion stems from my own personal experiences of the inability to talk and express myself, the inability to put words into what I had experienced, to say and understand verbally these experiences and their subsequent emotions. Each person’s story is unique, as is their recovery; for me, the use of creativity helped me to find my voice; allowing me to begin to make sense of the world that I lived in and make steps towards recovery – even now, at the age of 22, I use aspects of art, creativity and play in psychotherapy to support my verbal communication.

Personally, I never got on with structured therapies like CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) as it doesn’t give me the understanding that I needed for ‘why’s behind the what’s’. It is a psychodynamic/psychoanalytic based psychotherapy that works for me, but I know how difficult it is for individuals to access these types of therapies. When I was younger I was lucky enough to receive this type of psychotherapy through CAMHS but now as an “adult,” I have to cover for this privately.

I know how much creativity has helped me, not just through being able to communicate my experiences and feeling, but also as a form of distraction, as well as a focus. I would like to share the benefits of creativity to others who are struggling to find their voice or who need an escape from the world around them.

I am studying art currently to allow me to hopefully go on to study Creative Expressive Therapies at University, with Child Psychotherapy being my end sight along with a PhD to look at how we can bring creative expressive therapies in line with current evidence based therapies like CBT and DBT(Dialectical Behaviour Therapy), provide creative therapies with evidence for their benefits so that hopefully more people will be able to access these forms of psychotherapy; especially to those individuals like me, where other therapies have failed.

With the support of ‘Fixers UK’ I have been able to set up a campaign and create a book: ‘Inside and Out of My Mind’ to raise awareness of the benefits of creativity for
young people’s emotional well-being, as well as to give a creative look at young people’s personal experiences of mental illness and encourage others to get creative too.

You don’t have to have a GSCE in art, drama or dance to be creative – it’s whatever speaks best for you. I can’t write poetry to save my life, but you might find that writing out your own song lyrics helps you to express yourself. 
Don’t be afraid to try something and if you don’t feel comfortable, don’t be discouraged; try something else and keep trying until you find what feels right for you and helps you express yourself best. For me, even just grabbing a crayon and drawing a big massive scribble can help me vent out my feelings.


Here's some creative ideas…
* Youtube how to crochet
* Google how to write a haiku poem or a limerick
* Grab a pen and paper and draw your favourite pet or a memorable place
* Draw in a different style, such as with zentangles
* Go for a walk and take photographs of what you see
* Join a local dance or drama group
* Put on your favourite tunes and dance it out
* Try out some yoga
* Bake a cake and focus on your five senses
* Treat yourself to a new colouring book and some pens
* Write a letter to yourself
* Keep a journal



More details on my Fixers campaign can be found here:
Personal profile: http://www.fixers.org.uk/index.php?module_instance_id=11312&core_alternate_io_handler=view_fixer&data_ref_id=9240piece can be sent to insideandoutmymind@hotmail.com, to the team at Fixers UK or through the Facebook page.

I also run a little jewellery and craft shop on Etsy as over the years I’ve made so many pieces of jewellery that I have more than I know what to do with!

The money raised through the sales of the items I make, go into supporting other causes, most recently I have raised money for our local inpatient CAMHS unit to stock their new activity library and helped a friend towards her fundraising goals to make disability friendly adaptations to her home.

There is also an exclusive offer to Aimee’s blog readers offering a 10% discount on all items, just type in NOTDISORDERD10 at the checkout.