It appears from this article (here) that some mental health services have taken a ‘back seat’ to physical health services over the course of the lockdown. Additionally, more people than usual have developed mental health problems over this time. This combination of factors has had a negative impact which includes an increase in substance and alcohol misuse and even suicides. With society opening up again and the impact of the economic downturn being felt, mental health services remain under pressure. This means that an increase in mental health difficulties is likely to continue. The article includes some helpful telephone services that can be used in the event of a crisis and this one (here) describes the benefits of reaching out to such organisations.
Coping with a winter lockdown
One form of therapy called ‘cognitive behaviour therapy’ affects negative mood by, among other things, influencing how we interpret events. This article (here) applies this concept to coping with a winter lockdown by investigating how Norwegians cope with their long, dark, cold winters. Those who take a more optimistic view tend to cope better. These individuals see winters as challenges and opportunities rather than as being threatening.
Coping in the pandemic
Some individuals are compiling and sharing advice for coping in these tough times (see here for an example).
More about the impact of Covid 19 on mental health
As we move through this pandemic together, we hear more and more about the negative psychological impact it has left in its wake. These articles (here and here) describe how rates of depression have doubled. Here, the impact on those with dementia is described, where a third of individuals feel like ‘giving up’. Many young people from the LGBT community have also suffered (see here). This clip (here) and article (here) look at the impact more specifically on postnatal depression.
On a positive note, some individuals are appreciating the greater availability of therapy online which offers more convenience and availability (as described here).
Sea swimming and mental health
Exercise has long been known to have a positive effect on mental health. Some people have suggested that cold water immersion can also be beneficial (for instance here). This clip (here) describes how these activities can be brought together in sea swimming.
If sea swimming isn’t appealing, this article (here) may help you to find an alternative.
Mental health and creativity
Having a mental health issue is not a sign of some form of character weakness. Some of the great historical leaders and creative thinkers have experienced mental health problems. In this article [here], Stephen Fry describes a little of his experience of having a psychological condition.
Challenging common misconceptions linked to OCD
This article [here] describes the features of the mental health issue termed ‘obsessive-compulsive disorder’ (OCD). It then goes onto to say how these features are different to how the condition is commonly portrayed in mainstream and social media.
The characteristics of 'happy brains'
This article [here] lists some findings that describe the approaches that some happier people tend to take in life. These approaches are quite broad in nature but there may be some tips that some individuals can take from the article (for example, trying new things every so often or taking opportunities to form supportive relationships).
Dealing with the impact of Covid 19
The effects of this virus are bound to have a large impact on many people. For example, this article [here] details the impact that it has had to calls to the Samaritans charity. This NHS site [here] has some useful general advice about how to cope over this difficult time. This article [here] has some practical advice on how to remain productive during a lock-down. This article [here] discusses how to best cope whilst working from home. Here are some self-help books [here] that a newspaper suggests might be a helpful read over this time (I have not read them myself).
Some characteristics of happier people
This article [here] describes some features of happier peoples’ approach to life.
The potential hazards of withdrawing from anti-depressant medication
For some, withdrawal from anti-depressant medication can be difficult and so I would always advise doing this under the supervision of your doctor. Individuals seem to vary according to how difficult they find this process to be. This article [here] describes one man’s struggle associated with reducing his level of medication use.
University students suffer at least as much as the rest of us
This article [here] describes a study that indicates that mental health issues are common in the student population and, like many other groups, they sometimes struggle to access help due to stigma. Those more likely to report significant past issues are: non-binary, in their third year of university, aged between 19 and 20, from the UK, and ethnically white,
Homeopathy and autism
This entry is relevant to the one posted on 17 Feb - checking out the credentials of your therapist and their form of therapy prior to starting sessions. It appears from this article [here] that homeopaths have been offering an ineffective ‘treatment’ for autism for some time. At this point, a government watchdog is making moves designed to make them stop offering it.
Burnout
Burnout is a chronic form of workplace stress that appears to be on the rise. The article [here] describes some symptoms of the condition, as well as two individuals’ experience of it together with some experts’ perspectives. One aspect of the problem seems to be that more and more cuts to funding are occurring as a result of austerity, but both of the individuals seem to have benefited from individual counselling. This other article [here] describes the issue from a millennial’s perspective in terms of the additional stresses that some younger adults have to contend with.
Miscarriage and PTSD
Health services seem to have not always supported people who have experienced a miscarriage well in terms of their psychological care around this loss. This article [here] describes the psychological effects that this loss can have if the person is not properly supported. It also indicates some options for treatment.
Bulimia in men
About 1.5% of women are likely to develop bulimia whereas only 0.5% of men are likely to experience it over the course of their lifetime. As such, the condition is rarer in men. For this reason, it is of interest to learn [here] that the famous sportsman Freddie Flintoff is to discuss his experience of Bulimia in a BBC documentary. Some details of the condition and Flintoff’s story are described in the article.
Checking out your therapist prior to seeing them
Some of the professional titles that mental health workers use are unprotected in law. In other words, it is not defined very well who can use and not use these titles. This video [here] describes the issue. Whilst there are a lot of professional bodies who accredit therapists, a first step is to check that the mental health worker is registered with one of them. You can then research the professional body to check that they accredit a form of therapy that is known to be effective. All therapists should have a description of their qualifications and the professional body with whom they are registered, detailed within their websites. If they do not, my recommendation is to avoid using them.
Smartphone addiction
Smartphones have become essential tools for modern day life. However, this article [here] suggests that almost a quarter of young people are ‘addicted‘ to smartphones. They can become panicky or upset if they are denied access to their phones, and cannot control the amount of time that they spend on them.
Exercise addiction
Regular exercise is generally considered to be good for mental health. There have been a number of previous posts on this blog about the topic. However, this article [here] describes the impact of being addicted to exercise. For example, it can have a negative impact upon relationships and physical health.
The effects of living with undiagnosed autism
Living with an undiagnosed mental health condition can leave the individual feeling different, alienated and misunderstood. This article [here] describes this experience through the eyes of two people who were diagnosed later in life, and it also speaks a little about the condition itself.