HEALTH NEWS DELIVERING BETTER HEALTH FOR ALL THE COMMUNITY NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 CONTENTS 2/6 CELEBRITIES AND DEPRESSION 7-9 HELPING TO BEAT STRESS 10-12 CHANGING FACE OF MENTAL HEALTH CARE 13-16 FIGHTING FOR A BETTER WAY 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S 19 TALK OF SUICIDE 20 GET INVOLVED 21 HELP AT HAND What do these celebrities have in common with one in four Scots?

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1 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008

WELCOME to this special edition of Health So what do all those stars have in News focussing entirely on mental health common with one in four Scots? issues. CONTENTS For generations the 2/6 CELEBRITIES subject has been a public and personal AND DEPRESSION taboo, despite affecting 7-9 HELPING TO up to one in four of the BEAT STRESS population. Sadly, it still carries a damaging 10-12 CHANGING social stigma. DEPRESSION FACE OF MENTAL It would be ... and it has no respect for fame HEALTH CARE impossible to cover all conditions, treatments, Celtic FC head coach Neil Lennon 13-16 FIGHTING developments and FOR A BETTER WAY support networks in a eltic FC’s Head Coach Neil Lennon is well-known both for his battling style of play on the pitch and 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S 12-page newspaper, but we hope you C his strong opinions, and he needed both these 19 TALK OF SUICIDE will find the contents qualities when he was diagnosed with depression. enlightening, helpful Neil speaks candidly of his feelings following the diagnosis, 20 GET INVOLVED and educational. made before he came to Parkhead and while still a Leicester City player. 21 HELP AT HAND Throughout the edition you will find Referring to his autobiography “Man and Bhoy” in which he signposts to various first made public his experience of depression, Neil said: “I was charitable groups, NHS coming to the end of my career and I discussed at length with websites and support the club doctor and Martin Hannan who actually wrote the book organisations. whether it would be a good idea to come forward. We begin with the “So we decided it would, because people would look at me personal stories of and think that if he can get depression, then anyone can get it. a number of well “I felt if I could help one person to come forward, get a bit of known celebrities who help, and get better, then it would be a good thing.” have had to battle Neil went on: “I was first diagnosed when I was playing for PRINT depression... Former Celtic player Neil Lennon... “you put up a barrier.” Leicester, so it was actually before I came to Celtic. 2 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 How Celtic’s Neil Lennon battles to beat depression CONTENTS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE women had after having babies.” “It was nothing to do with being a It was only because of his own 2/6 CELEBRITIES footballer or my lifestyle or anything like diagnosis that Neil learned that both his AND DEPRESSION that. mother and sister had had depression, “Now I look back it’s a genetic thing, it’s and discovered that the condition can be 7-9 HELPING TO been passed down through the family. hereditary. BEAT STRESS “But when I first had it I didn’t know “Eventually I was put on medication and 10-12 CHANGING what it was. It hit me like a hurricane. had a bit of counselling, and it helps, it For the first four or five weeks I was in a really does. For me to go and talk about it FACE OF MENTAL horrible place, I couldn’t sleep and I had to somebody was a great help.” HEALTH CARE no self-confidence, which is totally the It helped to talk to both his mother and 13-16 FIGHTING opposite of what I’m like. You put up a sister who had had depression. FOR A BETTER WAY barrier, you try and put on this façade that He says: “I think it’s better for people you are okay but inside you are actually who are suffering from it to talk to 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S dying. someone who is going through it “Especially in a football environment, themselves, and that’s why I’ve tried to 19 TALK OF SUICIDE you are sitting with a group of lads and encourage people to try and talk about they are all laughing and joking and you it. I know for many people this is difficult 20 GET INVOLVED are sitting there thinking God, I’d give because people are ashamed, they 21 HELP AT HAND anything to be back there, where I was have little self-esteem, they think it’s a before. weakness, when actually it’s not.” “After a while I was waking up every The football club doctor had some hour, on the hour, just couldn’t sleep and practical advice for the player: very anxious, all those sort of symptoms. “He told me just to treat it like an injury, “There was a club doctor there and you have a slight injury, it may take four eventually he diagnosed me as having weeks, it may take five weeks, but you depression.” will get better. Initially Neil told only his parents and ”And that’s how I tried to get through close friends, but he also had to learn my own bouts of depression. I would say more about the condition. you are not 100 per cent but you will be PRINT “I thought depression was something further down the line.” 3 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 “I flew to Lanzarote where I walked around

CONTENTS wearing a big hat, pretending to be Sophia Loren” one consequence would always knew she was a bit 2/6 CELEBRITIES Socialist activist “I never AND DEPRESSION washed be that she would never be mental, stuff like that.” Rosie Kane for 10 taken seriously again, and Back at home Rosie 7-9 HELPING TO OSIE Kane’s public days, I had there was an emotionally- became reclusive: “I was BEAT STRESS image is one of dreadlocks charged phone call to her lying on my couch and I felt practically. mother to break the news 10-12 CHANGING R firebrand socialist I never like the wee 2p piece that and feisty anti-nuclear moved, of her illness and the very falls down the back of the FACE OF MENTAL campaigner. I never public announcement in a settee. HEALTH CARE Before her decision to bathed, newspaper. “And I never washed for speak publicly about her I never For the next four months 10 days, I had dreadlocks brushed my 13-16 FIGHTING she “hid from the world and FOR A BETTER WAY experience of depression in hair, I doubt practically. I never moved, a Sunday newspaper, not if I ate.” went to a very dark place”, I never bathed, I never 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S many people would have ROSIE KANE and at one point went on brushed my hair, I doubt if I conjured up a picture of the holiday. ate.” 19 TALK OF SUICIDE former Scottish Socialist the right time really for me, was loathe to lie to other “I booked a flight and went But her public profile also Party MSP curled up on a on my own to Lanzarotte 20 GET INVOLVED because things progressed people about her condition: led to hundreds of messages settee, refusing to answer and got worse. “Some good friends said and pretended I was of support, including 21 HELP AT HAND her door even to friends. “But the reason I did come that they would cover for someone else. receiving leaflets and self- Rosie is very honest about out was because I was going me, well that’s what friends “I went to a place where help books. her experience and her to have to come out, some do, we’ll cover for you. But French and Spanish people Reflecting on this very low hesitancy in going public of it was selfish reasons if if I had done that, it would go and wore a big hat and period in her life, Rosie is still about her illness. you like, I was going to have have been wrong. If it was sarong and pretended I was able to make a joke. She said: “It was very, very to come out at the Scottish a heart attack, or cancer, Sophia Loren! “I think I’m quite eccentric difficult and I was very, very Parliament and pretend or a broken leg or asthma, “I came back more and flamboyant which you ill when I decided to do that. something else was wrong I would have obviously said frightened than I had can say when you are an “I’ll never know if it was with me.” that’s what it was, so why gone away. It was difficult MSP. When you are on the the right decision for me, to She had made emotional on earth pretend what I had because some sections dole you are crazy, but when be honest with you, I don’t telephone calls to her GP was anything else?” of the media were brutal, you are wealthy you are PRINT know if I did the right thing at and the Samaritans and She was frightened that sly comments, you know, I eccentric!” 4 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008

CONTENTS Broadcaster Actor John TV celebrity 2/6 CELEBRITIES Claire Raynor Hannah Kerry Katona AND DEPRESSION POST-NATAL depression THE 46-year-old star of IT was back in 2006 when Kerry Former PM’s press 7-9 HELPING TO affected Claire after the big screen and television confirmed publicly through the advisor Alastair Campbell birth of each of her three has been closely involved columns of a magazine that she BEAT STRESS WHEN he became Tony Blair’s press secretary he children. Her observation with mental health was trying to come to terms is: “it’s fine to be sad with campaigns following his knew that the ‘skeletons’ would probably come out, 10-12 CHANGING with her diagnosis of bipolar a sick baby but with a own personal experiences so he never hid the fact that he’d had a nervous FACE OF MENTAL perfectly healthy baby which resulted in almost a disorder. She explained that she breakdown. He’s always been very open about, HEALTH CARE there’s little understanding year of therapy. checked into a clinic in the USA calling it “my mad period”. and practically no The East Kilbride for six weeks and then sought He’s on record as saying: “There’s no point in 13-16 FIGHTING sympathy”. father of two has fronted help twice at London’s Priory pretending I wasn’t mad, because I was, probably for FOR A BETTER WAY The first time she only TV and radio advertising Clinic having suffered a nervous some time before my breakdown, and then it took straightened out after 10 campaign Mind Out for breakdown. quite a while to recover. I think people are disarmed when you’re up front about it. I’ve never had anybody 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S months when a move of mental health. It was during her time at The house somehow pulled say a bad thing about my breakdown.” He’s on record as Priory she realised she had 19 TALK OF SUICIDE her out of it… but the saying: “It’s very fluid and Alastair describes what it felt like the day the depression. Back in 2006 Kerry second time she went the feeling of not being breakdown happened … ”it was like this piece of 20 GET INVOLVED to the doctor and only able to cope comes and said: “I was on antidepressants, glass cracking in slow motion into thousands of anti-depressants brought goes – it’s just part of me, but still crying. It was a relief pieces inside your head, and you’re struggling to 21 HELP AT HAND her out of the “deep dark like having an allergy to when they diagnosed bipolar. I hold it together and the harder you try, the more the hole”. being happy all the time.” thought I was going insane.” glass cracks, and you end up with your head an The third time, Claire He’s also quoted on Getting the diagnosis has explosion of sounds and memories and madness”. tells a Health Department the Mind Out for mental helped Kerry to understand her Seven years later he helped support a campaign awareness campaign, was health website as saying illness, which can be controlled to raise awareness about mental health issues and the worst. “It came from all “One of the worst things reflected: “I know I was lucky in many ways and if but not cured. Before she sides and by the end I was you can hear is for a I hadn’t had the support I had it could have ended realised she had depression, curling up in corners.” friend to say ‘that’s far, far worse. I now look back on it with a real sense Claire Rayner is among exactly what happened she used to say to people: of achievement. It was a 24-carat crack up and I’m the 10 to 15 per cent of to me’ – because no two “You’ll be fine, get over it.” But proud of the fact I got through it, rebuilt myself, did mothers who experience things are exactly the now she says: “That’s like telling ok as a journalist again and went on to do what I do PRINT post-natal depression. same.” a cancer victim - get well.” now.” 5 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008

TV presenter Trisha Goddard TRISHA first started encountering bouts of depression when she was just CONTENTS 14 years old. Depression was Snooker star Actress Drew Comedian not clinically diagnosed until 23 years later when in an 2/6 CELEBRITIES Ronnie O’Sullivan Barrymore Paul Merton acute wing of a psychiatric hospital in Australia. “I had AND DEPRESSION BEHIND the huge STAR of movies such as THE 44-year-old’s personal comments two suicide attempts but it was only after the second professional success on The Wedding Singer and on his “manic episode” that ended up that people took notice”, she reflects. 7-9 HELPING TO the snooker table lies E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial in a mental health hospital form part of After seeing a psychiatrist twice a week she BEAT STRESS another side to this young and director/producer a campaign to face up to the stigma discovered she was a stereotype of the ‘smiling man. He’s never really of Charlie’s Angels and tackle discrimination issues. depressive’… in other words not the bleakly down 10-12 CHANGING managed well to cope and Ever After, Drew It was back in 1989 when Paul and withdrawn depressive but someone who is FACE OF MENTAL with his success and Barrymore has tackled started to display some signs of hyper-active, busy non-stop, often very talkative and HEALTH CARE remembers clearly that clinical depression and mental ill-health. He didn’t realise it uninhibited. as a kid he had a state of substance use problems himself. Things were going incredibly She says: “We are the ones who when we go, go 13-16 FIGHTING mind of negativity. Instead from a very young age. well. He “felt alive, I felt alert, I was full with such a bang that we self combust.” FOR A BETTER WAY of elation at success and She has been of energy”. Trisha copes with her condition with the help of a buzz of excitement and admitted to hospital But it was the people around Paul her husband and two daughters – “they are my care for her condition and team. We have a contract – if they see me becoming confidence … winning had that starting to get worried because he 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S has attempted suicide. frantic and detached they bring it to my attention. In the opposite effect. appeared manically excited – talking Of her stay in hospital, order for them to feel secure I’ll act on their concerns 19 TALK OF SUICIDE “I didn’t like the feeling. non-stop and working 24 hours a Barrymore said: “When even if I am convinced I am not ‘skidding’.” I felt I was someone else,” day… paranoia was developing. you’ve been locked up 20 GET INVOLVED he states on a mental in a mental institution, When in a shop Paul recounts the health campaign website. 21 HELP AT HAND people are going to ask feeling that everyone was looking at Comedian Spike Milligan When he was younger questions. It was OK, him oddly and that the shopkeeper (1919-2002) Ronnie had suicidal was reading things about him from because I didn’t have to A BRITISH institution – Spike died in thoughts and then in his act perfect all the time.” his credit card. He ran out of the shop 2002 after a fabulously successful early twenties he received The star, who and as he ran back to his flat he had a career. One obituary carried the treatment at The Priory discussed her problems feeling that people were looking out of following paragraph: after which he learned to their curtains at him. in ‘Beyond Crazy’, a Spike Milligan was a comic genius, use medication properly… book by Julia Nunes and While in hospital receiving treatment but a tortured one. He was prone to major bouts and the importance of Scott Simmie, is one of a he suffered terrible feelings of of depression - he suffered from what is popularly talking to people. number of celebrities to loneliness. “I felt so lonely, I howled, called manic depression - and had at least ten “I’ve got some very have spoken out about like animals cry. But that howl of pain breakdowns in his life. Given the precarious state good friends who are my their illness to help others was a sort of catharsis, and after that I of his mental health, it is perhaps surprising that he PRINT support.” realise they are not alone. recovered quite quickly.” lived to 83, to the joy of his many fans. 6 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 Ten simple words that could help thousands combat stress...

CONTENTS Face your fears, be 2/6 CELEBRITIES AND DEPRESSION more active, watch 7-9 HELPING TO BEAT STRESS what you drink... 10-12 CHANGING FACE OF MENTAL N THe fast-paced, Stress is by and As NHSGGC clinical HEALTH CARE demanding world that we live large an invisible psychologist Dr Jim White Iin, it is easy to get stressed. explains, the signs that someone condition. You look has stress are not always 13-16 FIGHTING Life throws a lot at us and we okay but it’s all immediately obvious. “Stress FOR A BETTER WAY can all feel down at times. It’s just part of life and we all get going on underneath is by and large an invisible on with it. condition. You look okay but 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S the surface. it’s all going on underneath the But for many people stress CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST surface. 19 TALK OF SUICIDE is a significant problem which “There are, however, a number seriously affects their daily lives DR JIM WHITE 20 GET INVOLVED and the lives of those around of tell-tale signs that a person them. or you know someone who may be suffering from stress. suffers from it. Physical symptoms include 21 HELP AT HAND Stress is the most common mental health problem faced by So what is stress? For most tiredness and headaches. Other people throughout the world. In people, it involves anxiety or signs include panic attacks, poor Scotland today one in five adults, depression or a combination of concentration, worry and feelings one in five teenagers, and, both. It becomes a problem of worthlessness.” frighteningly, one in 10 children when you can’t get rid of it even And as Dr White explains, the under 10 are suffering from it. though you try. You feel your long-term consequences can Two in five of us will experience back is to the wall and that you be harmful. “There are really stress at some stage in our lives are losing control of your life. serious consequences of having and seven out of 10 of us know You feel that you can’t cope depression or anxiety ranging someone who has it. with things that others can deal from social problems such as PRINT The chances, therefore, are with. You might feel that you are avoiding going to places or doing either that you suffer from stress cracking up. things that you could have coped 7 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 Face your fears, be more active,

CONTENTS watch what you drink... 2/6 CELEBRITIES CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS an alcohol problem.” AND DEPRESSION PAGE The good news is that stress can with in the past to the very serious be controlled. Dr White advises: “We 7-9 HELPING TO physical problems which can result know that if you lie down to stress, it BEAT STRESS from having longer-term anxiety or will keep its grip on you. But you can depression. learn to handle it better. It does not 10-12 CHANGING “It can also double the risk of early matter who you are or what your life is FACE OF MENTAL death. The long-term impact of anxiety like. If you know what to do, you can HEALTH CARE and depression can increase your risk get better. of getting the things that will kill many “Your GP is a very good person to 13-16 FIGHTING of us – heart disease, cancer and go to talk about stress. They will be stroke.” able to assess quickly if your problems FOR A BETTER WAY Stress can affect us all – young have a physical basis or are stress- 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S and old, outgoing and shy, male and related. There are a whole range of female, rich and poor. However, as treatments available and your GP can 19 TALK OF SUICIDE Dr White points out, there are certain help determine which of these may factors which increase your chances help. 20 GET INVOLVED of developing it. “But there’s also a lot that you can “Those living in deprived areas are do to help yourself combat stress. twice as likely to suffer from anxiety 21 HELP AT HAND “I can boil down to ten words the and depression as those living steps you can take: face your fears, elsewhere. It’s pretty easy to see why be more active, watch what you drink. with the insecurity and unpredictability and the sheer difficulty of living in “If you can follow those ten words poverty. Regular exercise can make a big difference. then you will be heading in the right direction. “The day you become unemployed older people are more stoical and “Some research also says that “If you’re concerned at all about your you double your chances of it. You won’t admit to having a problem. women are twice as likely to suffer as stress, don’t sit back, do something are also twice as likely to become Single men are also much more prone men – but I don’t believe this. Men are anxious or depressed living in a city as to stress than married men although three times as likely to have an alcohol and do it today.” in rural areas. for women, marital status has no problem and men drink to control For more information about stress, anxiety and depression, go to PRINT “Younger people seem to be more bearing – marriage offers you no their mental health problems… so prone but perhaps that’s because stability at all! somewhere down the line it becomes www.glasgowsteps.com 8 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 Signs of TOP TIPS stress ON CONTROLLING WHILE each person’s CONTENTS experience of stress 2/6 CELEBRITIES ANXIETY is unique, there are AND DEPRESSION THESE skills can have a quick effect on your stress. 14 common signs that Work at them and they’ll become a good weapon in you may be suffering 7-9 HELPING TO your fight against it. Regular exercise and simply sharing your problems with a friend from stress. BEAT STRESS Deal with problems on the spot. can make a big difference. Confide in others. They may be able to help with a These are: 10-12 CHANGING problem and you’ll feel less alone. ✖ Worry FACE OF MENTAL Slow down. HEALTH CARE Don’t keep too many balls in the air at the same time. ✖ Tiredness Concentrate on one thing at a time. 13-16 FIGHTING ✖ Anger Prioritise the musts and the shoulds. Work out what you FOR A BETTER WAY can cope with and be happy with this. ✖ Poor sleep 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S Cope with the ruts in life by planning a change. ✖ Feeling worthless Divide big problems up into bite-sized bits. 19 TALK OF SUICIDE Use past experiences to help with a current problem. The myths about stress ✖ Feeling hopeless 20 GET INVOLVED Eat more healthily. Links between what you eat and how Stress is a mental illness ✖ Feeling irritable you feel are possible. MYTH – stress is not a mental illness. It is the most common ✖ Panic attacks 21 HELP AT HAND Try to look and sound relaxed. You’ll feel better if you mental health problem. Far from losing touch, with stress you are know that, on the outside at least, you look calm. too much in touch with reality. Stress is not so much to do with ✖ Feeling on edge If people expect too much out of you, say no. cracking up – it is more to do with the fear that you will crack up. ✖ Poor concentration Stop smoking. Nicotine can feed stress. Stress will lead to mental illness Learn to accept that there are situations that are out of your MYTH – we are talking about two different problems. Whilst ✖ Unable to switch control. Don’t try and change them. people with existing mental illness find that stress is often an off Create some “me-time” every day where you do important trigger for their illness, stress remains a stress problem. something just for you. You will not become mentally ill with it. ✖ Waiting for the Do the worst thing first. If you put it off, it’ll just get worse. Only weak people get stressed worst to happen Don’t try to be Superman. None of us is perfect. MYTH – stress is the most common problem GPs deal with. All ✖ Tearful PRINT Keep a structure to your day. It will help a lot if you keep a sorts of people from all walks of life get stress. It can affect all of routine in your life even if you don’t feel like it. us. ✖ Drinking too much 9 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 The changing face CONTENTS 2/6 CELEBRITIES of mental health AND DEPRESSION 7-9 HELPING TO The days when mental health patients BEAT STRESS were hidden away in hospitals are gone 10-12 CHANGING FACE OF MENTAL Nowadays 99% of patients with a mental HEALTH CARE illness are cared for in the community 13-16 FIGHTING and only 1% need to be admitted to FOR A BETTER WAY hospital for treatment 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S UR approach to caring 19 TALK OF SUICIDE for people with mental Oillness across Greater 20 GET INVOLVED Glasgow and Clyde has 21 HELP AT HAND changed dramatically and we now have a service that is the envy of much of Scotland. What’s surprising, however, is that many of the most important changes only took place in the last 15 years. As Anne Hawkins, Woodilee Hospital (above) closed in 2001 and gave way Director of our Mental Health to the mental health facilities Partnership, explained: “Up until available at the new Gartnavel relatively recently, the chances Royal Hospital (left), one of were if you had a mental illness the most modern in the UK. PRINT you would be treated in a large institution which probably dated 10 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 The changing face of mental health

were famous for their innovative CONTENTS approach to patient care and 2/6 CELEBRITIES considered far ahead of their time. “ AND DEPRESSION Listening to patients ALONGSIDE the changes in the way 7-9 HELPING TO mental health services are delivered, BEAT STRESS one of the biggest changes in recent times has been our approach to 10-12 CHANGING patient involvement. FACE OF MENTAL Anne Hawkins Anne Hawkins explained: “In the early 1990s the closest we got to HEALTH CARE CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS patient involvement was patient 13-16 FIGHTING PAGE councils in our hospitals where the FOR A BETTER WAY back to Victorian times. balance of power sat firmly with our “It was only in the 1990s that we staff and patients were kept in what 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S started to develop community mental was considered to be their place. health centres outside our main “Thankfully things have changed 19 TALK OF SUICIDE hospital sites. This not only helped to and there are now many ways in break down some of the stigma but which patients can influence the way 20 GET INVOLVED also enabled many patients to remain services are developed and delivered. in their own homes. In fact nowadays For example, we have patient 21 HELP AT HAND 99% of patients with a mental illness representatives on our management are cared for in the community and team and we carry out regular user only 1% need to be admitted to surveys using questionnaires created Hundreds of patients, with the right help and support, have returned to their hospital for treatment.” homes. by patients.” The 1990s also saw the of start of She added: “A new peer support a major hospital closure plan to help Anne believes it’s impossible to an easy one. Staff also faced great worker project is currently being fund new mental health services in the underestimate the impact of the challenges in adapting as many had to piloted at community. Patients, many of whom hospital closures. move job and retrain.” where people who have experienced had spent years in hospital, were She said: “The changes for patients She added: “It’s also worth mental illness share this to help others moved to supported accommodation were enormous and, although many remembering that while few patients recover. We also fund a number of and nursing homes. Others, with the are now leading far fuller and more mourned the passing of former mental health user organisations and PRINT right help and support, were able to independent lives, the transition from asylums like Gartloch and Woodilee, advocacy services which provide return to live in their own homes. hospital to community was not always Glasgow’s mental health institutions support and give patients a voice.” 11 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 The changing face of mental health CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS however, we know our services aren’t CONTENTS PAGE perfect and further changes will be The key necessary to keep pace with patient developments 2/6 CELEBRITIES Developing new demand and expectations.” AND DEPRESSION services NHS Boards also face a huge at a glance challenge in meeting the new national ANOTHER important change in recent 1996 – 7-9 HELPING TO commitments which have been set for years is the development of new services closes 100 years after the first mental health services. These include BEAT STRESS and facilities to meet the different needs patients were admitted to the of patients. In the past it was common specific targets to reduce the use of former asylum. 10-12 CHANGING for patients of different ages with different antidepressants, cut suicide rates FACE OF MENTAL kinds of mental illness to be treated and reduce the frequency of hospital 2001 – Woodilee Hospital HEALTH CARE together. There were few specialist admissions. Other goals include tackling closes after providing inpatient services for children and young people stigma, improving the physical health of mental health services for 13-16 FIGHTING or for specific conditions such as eating people with mental health and helping more than 125 years. disorders. people with mental illness return to work. FOR A BETTER WAY 2002 – Lennox Castle Hospital, Over the last five years, however, a Despite the scale of the new which cared for people with 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S wide range of new services have been challenges, good progress is being made introduced to improve the care and across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Anne learning disabilities, closes after 75 years. 19 TALK OF SUICIDE treatment of patients across Greater New community based services offer help Hawkins said: “By providing additional Glasgow and Clyde and beyond. These and advice for a wide range of patients, support during evening and weekends, including people with schizophrenia or 2004 - Scotland’s first mother 20 GET INVOLVED include a mother and baby unit for eating disorders. our new community crisis teams have and baby mental health unit women who experience mental illness helped many patients with serious mental opens on the Southern General 21 HELP AT HAND after the birth of a baby, Rowanbank illness remain at home. Initiatives like site. Clinic - a new medium secure care centre with eating disorders and young people the recent Scottish Mental Health and for patients with a mental illness who who suffer from psychotic illnesses like Arts Film Festival, which we supported, 2007 - Rowanbank Clinic, a may be a risk to themselves or others schizophrenia. have also helped to reduce some of new medium secure mental - and the new Gartnavel Royal Hospital, the unecessary stigma associated with health hospital, opens on the a state-of-the-art mental health hospital Future challenges mental illness.” Stobhill site. WHILE these developments have for adults and older people. Skye House, She added: “It’s important to 2007 - The first patients are a new purpose-built inpatient facility for made a huge difference to patients remember, however, that many of these admitted to the new Gartnavel young people with mental illness, will and their families, the drive to improve goals are not just the responsibility of the Royal Hospital, one of the most open on the site before the quality and range of services we NHS and we therefore need to work with modern and innovative mental the end of the year. provide continues. Commenting on the council partners, the voluntary sector health hospitals in the UK challenges ahead, Anne said: “There is PRINT New community-based services and employers if we are to meet these have also been introduced for adults no doubt we have much to be proud of, challenging targets.” 2008 – Skye House to open. 12 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 Fighting for a better way CONTENTS Doctor Liz Miller’s first engagement with mental health services came the 2/6 CELEBRITIES day two policemen and a GP burst into her flat... arrested and handcuffed AND DEPRESSION her and bundled her off to hospital in the back of a police van

7-9 HELPING TO IN 1980 Dr Liz Miller trained as MY troubles started in Edinburgh BEAT STRESS a neurosurgeon. She was the in 1989… a time when training as a 10-12 CHANGING youngest trainee in the field and “neurosurgeon… I had taken a couple of the only woman. She also began FACE OF MENTAL months off work – I was feeling a bit anxious, a second medical career in A&E not quite right. HEALTH CARE medicine… but this brilliant young “Then, on Dec 26th 1989 came a knock 13-16 FIGHTING doctor’s career was derailed at the door of my flat. My boyfriend went by mental ill health. She was to the door and two policemen and a GP FOR A BETTER WAY diagnosed with bipolar disorder in and someone else that I didn’t know were 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S the early 1990s, leading to clinical standing there… they burst into the flat … I depression. was arrested. There was a scuffle and so I was handcuffed. I was bundled off in the back of Her fightback was portrayed on 19 TALK OF SUICIDE a police van. I was a bit suspicious because TV last year with Stephen Fry in 20 GET INVOLVED I thought the IRA were in the attic and I knew the acclaimed BBC documentary they were coming to get me. But this was my 21 HELP AT HAND The Secret Life of a Manic first engagement with mental health services. Depressive. I was taken by the police to what I later Dr Miller was nominated “Mind discovered was the . Champion of the Year 2008”. “It was a week in fact before anyone told On October 1st, Dr Miller me what was going on. It was a week before I attended an NHS Greater Glasgow even got a toothbrush and a night-dress. I was in a single room under observation with a light and Clyde organised “Our Health” on permanently. There was no privacy, locked event on Mental Health attended doors, no taps on the bath and the observing by some 400 delegates. staff, both male and female, just watched every Here we try to portray the power move.” and thought-provoking essence of PRINT “I was released six months later not having her presentation... Doctor Liz Miller addresses the Our Health event. spoken to a consultant, not having spoken 13 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 Campaigning for a better way IT’S A FACT ✔ One in four Scots will experience mental health CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE a mental health problem. It wasn’t until my problems and more than to a doctor and given a bottle of tablets third admission to a mental health hospital 80% will suffer stigma or CONTENTS and told to take them, so I did, and that’s that I finally began to accept that actually discrimination as a result. where I left it.” I had got a problem. And the key to that Worryingly, this often occurs 2/6 CELEBRITIES close to home with friends and AND DEPRESSION As is the case with many people was that the nursing staff were actually family the most likely culprits diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Liz talking to people like humans. to stigmatise, followed a close 7-9 HELPING TO Miller fell into a long depression. “I was “So what lessons have I learned out of second by colleagues. depressed for three years. Every time I this? Is there a better way? There is, and ✔ Support from family and BEAT STRESS friends is the single most was alone, I wept. The thing about mental there are three elements to this. important factor in recovery. 10-12 CHANGING illness is the awful isolation. You think “Firstly, mental illness prevention needs It’s simple to give positive you are the only person there. And you’re to be on the agenda as much as recovery. support to friends, relatives FACE OF MENTAL so ashamed of it. There are the external and colleagues with mental We talk about preventing heart disease illness. HEALTH CARE stigmatising behaviours from society, but and preventing cancer. We also need to there’s also the internal shame. ✔ Those who suffer Doctor Liz Miller with Stephen Fry and prevent mental illness. When someone bipolar disorder experience 13-16 FIGHTING “I see myself now as an ex-service two members of the TV production team. gets sectioned it is absolutely dreadful, it much more intense mood FOR A BETTER WAY user… I have been off medication for is the most awful thing that can happen swings – from deep about five years in fact.” depression to extreme the ability to work flexibly. The years in to you. And when somebody needs elation or “highs”. It's not the 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S But for all the hardship during this between though have been both good sectioning then we should see that as a recurring pattern of these period of trying to come to terms with the and bad because since 1989 I had two failure in the system and a failure in the moods that causes problems, it's their severity. 19 TALK OF SUICIDE fact that her future was no longer mapped further “sections”. The downside of it community. We shouldn’t just accept it as ✔ The severe highs and lows out, it also provided the catalyst for her all is as a result of being in and out of the quickest way into hospital – sectioning 20 GET INVOLVED future campaigning. may alternate, or there may hospital a lot I don’t have a pension and is a disaster. My flat surrounded by police be long periods of stability While sectioned for the third time, Dr that financial security… I’m not saying I am cars and me being bundled away in a between them. Some people 21 HELP AT HAND Miller became aware that there were not in a privileged position but most of my police van – neighbours never spoke to with bipolar disorder mainly other doctors as patients on the ward. colleagues are on £200k a year in smart experience depression, with me again! only occasional manic phases. “I finally realised it wasn’t just me.” She GP practices in London with a healthy “Secondly, it’s to limit the damage. If I ✔ approached the psychiatrist who ran the pension fund. So mental health costs The exact causes of wasn’t distressed before I went in then I bipolar disorder aren't known, ward and asked if she should join the money… not just the Government but it certainly was afterwards. It didn’t help and but stressful life events, charity the Manic Depression Fellowship. costs people personally. unresolvable problems, we need to make these services more “He said, ‘Yes, but don’t make a career “I set up the Doctors’ Support Network or emotional damage in supportive. childhood may play a part, out of it,’” Miller recalls, descending into during that period of time. Doctors are in “And finally, there’s a need to improve possibly combined with a long, loud peal of laughter. “That’s a difficult position when it comes to mental genetic factors. recovery, do what we can to make things more psychiatric advice I haven’t taken. If health. It’s a bit like sending a policeman ✔ If you have a relative with anyone’s made a career of it, I have. to jail. We are not meant to get ill – illness better and quicker.” bipolar disorder, then your To hear Dr Miller’s presentation in full, go chance of developing it is PRINT “Work is tremendously important… is for patients and in many ways this had what helped me more than anything is a lot to do with my acceptance that I have to www.nhsggc.org.uk/our health higher. 14 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008

SIMON Bradstreet took up the post of and to encourage local and national Network Director with the Scottish action. Recovery Network (SRN) in 2004. During this time the profile of recovery Since then he has been working with a and the SRN have increased considerably wide range of committed groups and both at home and abroad. individuals across Scotland to raise the CONTENTS profile of recovery from mental health Here Simon explains more about the work problems, to learn more about the of SRN and about recovering from a mental 2/6 CELEBRITIES things that help and hinder that process illness. AND DEPRESSION 7-9 HELPING TO BEAT STRESS Network aims to help on 10-12 CHANGING FACE OF MENTAL the road to recovery HEALTH CARE OR a long time people ‘global burden of disease’. These The encouraging news is that 13-16 FIGHTING involved in mental statistics are stark and they help people can and do recover from F health worked hard to raise awareness of the need for even the most serious and long action but they do not get to the FOR A BETTER WAY raise awareness that one term mental health issues. individual experience. in four of the population Underlying this is the fact that 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S Mental health problems are recovery means different things would at some point develop disabling and potentially lethal, to different people. For some it 19 TALK OF SUICIDE a mental health problem being a significant contributory is about being entirely symptom 20 GET INVOLVED serious enough to require factor to suicide and a range of free or getting back to the way treatment. Latest figures physical health complications. things were before a period of suggest that the figure may People who experience more illness. For others it can mean 21 HELP AT HAND complex and long term mental be closer to two in five. living a satisfying and fulfilling life. health problems are amongst A life in which they enjoy greater At the same time up to one in the most excluded in society. control, perhaps using tools and three GP consultations involve They are unlikely to work and techniques to better manage some aspect of mental health still face high levels of stigma issue and poor mental health is and discrimination. Living with their mental health. It is also estimated to cost the Scottish a mental health problem can be encouraging that in Scotland we economy £8.6 billion a year devastating and its impact can be are now much better at learning in support and lost earnings. far reaching and significant. Given directly from people in recovery The World Health Organisation these circumstances it is vital that and using that learning to shape estimate that by 2020 depression we learn more about what it is and inform the way we offer support. PRINT alone will be the world’s second that helps people to recover and greatest contributor to the regain control of their lives. The Scottish Recovery Simon Bradstreet addresses the Our Health event. 15 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 Helping on the road to recovery CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE ● New learning materials being shared with Network has been working since 2004 to mental health professionals which ask them ����������� raise awareness of recovery, to learn more to consider how they relate to people and the CONTENTS about the factors which help and hinder it and impact this has on their recovery. ������������������������� 2/6 CELEBRITIES to encourage local and national action. To ● The introduction of a new type of worker help us understand more about recovery we called a Peer Support Worker, people whose AND DEPRESSION interviewed 64 people around the country who initial qualification is their lived experience of 7-9 HELPING TO described themselves as being ‘in recovery mental health issues. or recovered from a long term mental health ● The development of a new tool designed to BEAT STRESS problem.’ From this study we confirmed that help services consider the extent to which they Every year, NHSGGC awards thousands of contracts people can and do recover and we were able are helping recovery. 10-12 CHANGING to highlight key elements in people’s recovery for goods and services to businesses within the West SRN has also been working to help set up of Scotland. FACE OF MENTAL experiences. These included, but were not groups and networks around the country to If you are interested in bidding for work with the UK’s limited to: encourage discussion and local action. In HEALTH CARE largest health authority, log on to www.nhsggc.org.uk/ ● The importance of a positive identity, based addition, we have been working to promote procurement where you can… 13-16 FIGHTING on hope, self belief and personal control. a self management tool called the Wellness FOR A BETTER WAY ● The role of supportive relationships, based Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) which helps ✔ Browse and find out information regarding on trust, consistency and belief. people better manage their wellbeing and forthcoming and current tenders ● recovery. 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S The need for people to find things to do ✔ Gain insight into how NHS procurement operates which provide meaning and purpose, like In talking about recovery we acknowledge 19 TALK OF SUICIDE working, volunteering and involvement in the that it is not necessarily easy or ✔ Find out what goods and services the NHS requires arts. straightforward. Many of the people involved in ✔ Get contact details for all enquiries 20 GET INVOLVED ● Having access to effective treatments and our research described the need to persevere support at the right times. and to find ways to maintain hope through Or go to the NEW website 21 HELP AT HAND Encouragingly this research, and other the most trying times. We firmly believe that www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk where you can… similar learning which comes directly from by sharing people’s experiences through our ✔ Browse from a huge people’s experience, is being used to improve Network we can have a positive impact on people’s lives. range of current tenders the way we provide services and supports. and contracts on offer This has been described as the ‘recovery Visit www.scottishrecovery.net to approach’ or ‘recovery oriented services’. read more about these initiatives and to learn ✔ Register FREE as a This new approach, which heralds people’s more about recovery in Scotland. The website BUYER or SUPPLIER innate capacity for growth and development also allows you to sign up for regular network ✔ Submit contract offers and celebrates the knowledge and insight mailings so you can be kept informed of useful and tenders/ expressions of developed through living with mental health events and other opportunities. It also offers interest (EOI) easily at the issues, has encouraged new and innovative a chance to read what other people have said touch of a button. PRINT service models and approaches. Some about their own experiences and to access a examples include: range of resources and publications. 16 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 Stars are backing search CONTENTS 2/6 CELEBRITIES for Alzheimer’s cure AND DEPRESSION CCORDING to a recent survey, more and it looks as if the number of people with 7-9 HELPING TO people fear developing dementia in later life dementia will double within a generation.” BEAT STRESS Athan any other disease. Scotland’s universities are amongst the front 10-12 CHANGING Alzheimer’s is the single biggest cause of runners in the race to find a cure. Professor dementia, affecting one in 20 over-65s. It claims Claude Wischik and colleagues from the University FACE OF MENTAL 24 million sufferers worldwide, including an of Aberdeen have discovered a treatment that HEALTH CARE estimated 34,000 in Scotland. appears to slow the progress of Alzheimer’s 13-16 FIGHTING Some of its more famous sufferers have disease by 81%. And a team of scientists in St FOR A BETTER WAY included US President Ronald Reagan, Prime Andrews have developed a man-made compound Minister Winston Churchill, actors Charlton Heston capable of blocking and even reversing some of 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S and Charles Bronson and author Terry Pratchett. the symptoms of the disease. Best-selling author Pratchett suffers from a rare The news elsewhere is equally encouraging. 19 TALK OF SUICIDE form of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. In a major breakthrough scientists in the United The 60-year-old, who was diagnosed in early States believe they are closer to developing drugs 20 GET INVOLVED to combat the disease by identifying a drug which December 2007, has had the illness for more than Author Terry Pratchett has donated 21 HELP AT HAND two years, during which he has ‘managed to write one million dollars to research stops the build-up of a protein thought to trigger a couple of bestsellers’. projects. Alzheimer’s. He first noticed “that his typing had been going He has also personally donated $1million to the The Alzheimer’s Research Trust is the UK’s all over the place” a few years ago. At first he put Alzheimer’s Research Trust in a bid to find a cure leading research charity for dementia. The charity is dedicated to funding scientific studies to find this down to ageing but decided to go to see a for the disease. doctor while working on a manuscript and feeling ways to treat, cure or prevent Alzheimer’s disease Speaking at the recent annual meeting of the like he was “typing wearing gloves”. and other forms of dementia. The Trust has Alzheimer’s Research Trust, Pratchett said: “I am, Describing his diagnosis as an ‘embuggerance’, a number of high profile supporters, including Pratchett now dedicates much of his time to along with many others, scrabbling to stay ahead Patrons Terry Pratchett, Sir Cliff Richard and Sir raising awareness of the condition and lobbying long enough to be there when the cure comes David Frost. for more funding to support research into the along. Say it [the cure] will be soon… there’s For the latest on their research efforts, go to PRINT disease. nearly as many of us as there are cancer sufferers, www.alzheimers-research.org.uk 17 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 How simply doing a crossword could reduce the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease CONTENTS LZHEIMER’S crosswords and reading, are 2/6 CELEBRITIES disease slowly far more likely to develop AND DEPRESSION Aand progressively diseases like Alzheimer’s. destroys brain cells and 5. Get regular blood pressure 7-9 HELPING TO their connections. The and cholesterol checks. BEAT STRESS onset is usually gradual. When a person develops In the early stages, a person the disease, various types 10-12 CHANGING may become more forgetful of treatment are available. than normal. As the illness These include psychology, art FACE OF MENTAL progresses the person will HEALTH CARE therapy and music therapy, suffer from more severe as well as drug treatments. memory loss, language skills While there is no cure for 13-16 FIGHTING will deteriorate, practical Alzheimer’s, there are drugs FOR A BETTER WAY abilities will decline and it will be increasingly difficult which can help alleviate some 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S to make judgements and of the symptoms for some maintain standards. people and improve their 19 TALK OF SUICIDE By the late stages, constant quality of life. supervision is required, with If you suspect that you or 20 GET INVOLVED the patient becoming unable someone you know may be to meet even basic needs displaying signs of Alzheimer’s day coping abilities. of developing it, including maintain a healthy heart and 21 HELP AT HAND such as feeding and dressing. you should contact your Alzheimer’s is caused by genetic, environmental and strong circulation. The disease is eventually fatal. GP as soon as possible. the increasing presence of lifestyle factors. A person with Alzheimer’s 2. Don’t smoke. The damage Your GP will be able to ‘plaques’ in the brain, which What is clear is that a disease may have ‘good’ and caused by smoking on the cause ‘tangling’ of the nerve healthy body and mind provide support, advice and ‘bad’ days. They can cope body’s circulatory system information and may refer well one day, remembering endings, leading to confusion, can help delay onset of the can add to a declining brain disorientation and memory disease. The Alzheimer’s you to a specialist for further where things are and how function. treatment. to get dressed, but the next loss. Society’s ‘Be Headstrong’ 3. Exercise regularly day may not be able to cope Scientists still do not fully campaign points to five You can also get advice with these tasks. Tiredness, understand what causes practical steps that everyone 4. Keep mentally and socially from the 24-hour Dementia other health problems and the disease. Research is can take to reduce their active. People who neglect helpline (0808 808 3000) or chances of the disease: intellectual stimulation from Alzheimer’s Scotland at PRINT depression can all have an continuing into factors that impact on a person’s day-to- can affect a person’s risk 1. Eat less saturated fats to through, for example, www.alzscot.org 18 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 Why it’s good to Mental health worker talk about suicide speaks from experience CONTENTS very day, around Glasgow LifeLink, LifeLink WHEN Moira Gillespie (right) 2/6 CELEBRITIES two people in Project Manager Beryl addressed Our Health 8, she AND DEPRESSION E Scotland die by Donnelly explains how had a few hard acts to follow of suicide. While suicide it works: “LifeLink was recognised health experts and 7-9 HELPING TO can affect anyone set up in direct response celebrity figures. regardless of age, to a number of suicides Moira’s opening line gripped BEAT STRESS gender, social class or in the north of the city. the audience… “The only thing culture, younger men We’re now established as that I can ever be an expert on 10-12 CHANGING (especially those living a local centre dedicated is my own recovery and my own FACE OF MENTAL in the most deprived experience of peer support.” control in their lives, even when areas of Scotland) are to suicide prevention and HEALTH CARE Moira now works for the they may continue to live with at a higher risk and to providing support for mental health network in Greater ongoing symptoms. account for three- people who self harm. 13-16 FIGHTING Glasgow but her experience with Moira said: “For me quarters of all suicides. There are well-established FOR A BETTER WAY mental ill-health stretches right volunteering was actually the rise in the levels of suicide connections between Now a major new back to her childhood when she pathway. I had a long experience across Scotland in the poverty and ill-health, and 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S campaign has been suffered depression. of being in psychiatric units, launched encouraging 1990s. suicide and self-harm are “It took me a long, long time being in resource centres, sitting anyone who may feel The strategy, which no exception. 19 TALK OF SUICIDE to actually realise that the only in resource centres. suicidal to talk about aims to reduce the suicide “We hope we can help person that could help me was “Now in retrospect I can look it. The “Don’t hide it. rate between 2002 and 20 GET INVOLVED more people to choose me and that was a hard lesson back and think why did I sit Talk about it” campaign 2013 by 20%, gave a life when they’ve lost their to learn,” she told the Our Health there? I was sitting there waiting highlights that it’s okay to focus and some dedicated 21 HELP AT HAND relationship with living. We audience. for somebody to fix me, it was talk about feeling suicidal resources to every area of hope they can in turn pass Recovery is individual to quite easy, I was waiting for and encourages people Scotland to achieve this this on to other people, every one and international that magic pill, that pill that was to talk to someone they aim. There is a Choose through good example experience has identified that actually going to say - you are trust or to phone a helpline Life programme in every and through suicide recovery is about much more better - and it was never going to such as Breathing Space local authority area in than the absence of symptoms, happen.” or Samaritans. Scotland, each drawing in prevention training in the community.” it’s about giving people the tools You can hear the full version The campaign is a contributions from multiple to become active participants of Moira’s thought provoking vital part of a longer agencies and community If you want to talk, in their own health care. It’s presentation and other term national Choose interests. you can call Samaritans about having a belief, drive and presentations given to the Our Life strategy which was One Glasgow project on 08457 90 90 90 or commitment to the principle Health at www.nhsggc.org. launched in 2002 in set up with help from Breathing Space on 0800 PRINT that people can and do recover uk/ourhealth response to a significant Choose Life is North 83 85 87 (6pm-2am). 19 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 Getting

CONTENTS 2/6 CELEBRITIES involved AND DEPRESSION 7-9 HELPING TO in your BEAT STRESS 10-12 CHANGING FACE OF MENTAL NHS HEALTH CARE NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recently staged a special Our Health event in the city’s Royal 13-16 FIGHTING Concert Hall. It was a huge success, attracting FOR A BETTER WAY more than 400 delegates and generating real 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S debate and workshop activity. There were many speakers – mental health 19 TALK OF SUICIDE experts, clinicial professionals, personalities and former patients taking part. 20 GET INVOLVED The Mental Health event was the latest in a 21 HELP AT HAND series of Our Health events that the Health Board has organised to give more opportunity for direct database an opportunity to engage and get inequalities challenges in health and social care – involvement between service providers and users. involved in many aspects of service change, another edition will explain the new model of acute Many Board members were approached after design, consultation and participation. services healthcare with two new hospitals in the this latest event by professionals, members of the It’s a great way of staying informed on the areas north and south side of Glasgow and how patients public and individuals who have experienced or of NHS activity in which you are interested. Five can use them to get more out of their NHS. are still experiencing mental ill-health who said it editions of Health News will be posted out to Why not give us a call, drop us an email or write was hugely worthwhile and enlightening. your home each year covering a range of major Many of those who attended came from our issues… recent editions have specialised in older to us to sign up to be kept well informed and be growing number of the NHSGGC Involving People people’s services; child and teenage health and invited to future events such as our Annual Review, network. cancer services. future Our Health events and keep up to date with PRINT Joining the network offers those on our Forthcoming editions will specialise on the what’s making the news in your NHS. 20 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 You are not alone... CONTENTS Getting help Just want to talk or Mental Health service. It’s full of You can also get local information information, advice and ways to on services by contacting your 2/6 CELEBRITIES If you are worried about your need advice? get through your problems. There Community Health Partnership AND DEPRESSION mental health, ask for help. If you feel you just want to talk or are lots of videos and booklets (CHP) or Community Health and Don’t be embarrassed and get some advice without giving to download. It covers all sorts Care Partnership (CHCP). Many 7-9 HELPING TO don’t think you are alone your name, call Breathing Space of common problems – stress, provide local directories online and BEAT STRESS – we all get down at times. or the Samaritans – they will listen anxiety, depression, problems in booklet form. Just ask at any And don’t put it off - there’s and they can point you in the right sleeping and so on – have a look GP practice, health centre or social 10-12 CHANGING a lot on offer from the NHS at www.glasgowsteps.com services office. FACE OF MENTAL direction for any help or information and our partner agencies you need. Breathing Space is – there’s something for everyone! Want to get in touch HEALTH CARE to help you through. open from 6pm to 2am every Another website that the NHS Remember there are always day – call 0800 83 85 87. The supports is with people like you? 13-16 FIGHTING people who care about you. FOR A BETTER WAY Samaritans can be contacted 24 www.livinglifetothefull.com We work closely with two main If you are thinking about hours a day on 08457 90 90 90. – it also offers information and ‘self mental health users’ organisations: harming yourself or have help’. 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S Even better, help ACUMEN thoughts about ending it all, Room 2015, Mile End Mill, 19 TALK OF SUICIDE get help right away – contact yourself! Just want more 12 Seedhill Road your GP or NHS 24 – they NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde information? 20 GET INVOLVED Paisley, will be able to help. You can provides a range of ‘self help’ There are dozens of voluntary and PA1 1JS 21 HELP AT HAND contact NHS 24 on 08454 materials. All local libraries have a community organisations offering 0141 887 9103 24 24 24. ‘Healthy Reading’ section – full of mental health services. They work www.acumennetwork.org If you or someone you booklets and other materials that in partnership with NHS Greater Mental Health Network know have trouble provide information and guidance Glasgow and Clyde and offer Templeton Business Centre communicating – maybe on mental health issues. Many give practical help. There are too many because of language or simple advice about easy things to list here! 62 Templeton Street you can do to feel better. sensory impairment – let We provide an online directory Building 1 Unit 1B1 us know. We can provide If you’ve got access to the to help you find the right one for Glasgow G40 1DA communication support internet, try ‘Glasgow STEPS’. you – www.glasgowhelp.com Tel: 0141 550 8417 and interpreters. Everyone This is provided by the NHS – there are also links on the health www.mentalhealthnetwork. PRINT matters. through Southeast Glasgow’s board’s website. uk.com

21 HEALTH NEWS MENTAL HEALTH EDITION NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 Stay well this winter. Plan ahead. If you are ill, there are a wide range of health services for you and y CONTENTS your family throughout winter, including Christmas and New Year. Februar 2/6 CELEBRITIES Stay at home • Treat coughs, colds and flu by keeping warm, resting and drinking plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. AND DEPRESSION • Paracetemol or ibuprofen can reduce high temperatures and ease aches and pains. • Most people recover from viral infections like cold and flu within four to seven days. • Antibiotics won’t help with flu, colds and most coughs and sore throats.

7-9 HELPING TO y BEAT STRESS Ask your • Advice on common complaints including coughs and colds, sore throats, stomach upsets, Pharmacist head lice and athletes foot. 10-12 CHANGING • Minor Ailments Service for patients exempt from prescription charges – free advice and Januar supply of medicine without having to see GP. FACE OF MENTAL • Check www.nhs24.com for local pharmacy opening times over the festive season. HEALTH CARE Contact your GP • For more serious illnesses, make a routine appointment with your GP. (doctor) • GP surgeries will be closed for four days from Thursday 25 December 2008 13-16 FIGHTING reopening on Monday 29 December 2008. FOR A BETTER WAY • GP surgeries will also be closed for four days from Thursday 1 January 2009 reopening on Monday 5 January 2009. • Cancel your appointment if things change and you no longer need it. 17-18 ALZHEIMER’S December Call NHS 24, • For urgent medical advice when your GP surgery is closed, contact NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24. 19 TALK OF SUICIDE 08454 24 24 24 If required, you will see a GP or nurse from the NHSGGC emergency medical service. • NHS 24 can advise on dental emergencies if you are not registered with a dentist. For registered 20 GET INVOLVED patients, call your own dentist. 21 HELP AT HAND Accident & • For accidents and serious emergencies go to the nearest A&E department or call 999. Emergency/999 They are open throughout the festive period, including public holidays. November 08454 24 24 24 • www.nhs24.com www.nhsggc.org.uk

PRINT Written, edited and published by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Communications, Dalian House, 350 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G3 8YZ. Tel 0141 201 4443. www.nhsggc.org.uk Design: Alistair Nicol PR & Design, Ayr. Tel 01292 287492 Website: www.nicolmedia.co.uk 22