These things are sent to….

Hello, reader.

I think many of us will know the feeling of things building up and wearing you down a bit in the process. It tests your patience, resilience and willpower as well as stressing you out at the same time.

We all know the phrase “These things are sent to try us”. In many ways, that phrase is absolutely true. Another phrase I remember (from a Star Trek film of all things) is “What the hell, nobody said life was safe” which does make me think - probably a bit too much, given I can sometimes “over-think” things. And that could quite possibly be a trait shared by many analytical people.

I think one of the things that many people do not understand about living with mental illness is the notion of “having limits”. Does this mean we are slow & stupid? It absolutely does not. Does it mean we are useless etc.? No it does not.

Everybody is different; you cannot put us into boxes or define us by what mental health condition (or the like) we have to battle. Sometimes, one good thing we can do try and do is to try and learn. Learn little things if we can, “tools to fight” with if you like. The professionals sometimes call these sorts of things “coping strategies”. In practice, the jury’s out as to whether I would call it that.

Because in a sense, ‘coping strategies’ can imply that life is not fully lived, or is like a game or exercise, where a ‘strategy’ is put in place. Whether you are faced with an illness, mental or physical, this ultimately does not mean that you cannot enjoy or be involved within things to their full extent. Where the notion of ‘limits’ become important is not necessarily in terms of placing limits upon yourself, but in learning and coming to know that there are structures – boundaries, limits, guidelines, whatever you want to call them, that you can help build in order to help you. We can construct our own limits and this can actually be a freeing thing.

For example, I may find it difficult to have a conversation with a large group of people for more than five minutes without becoming anxious and agitated. However, over time, I have learned and recognised this limit – but do not let it limit myself. Now I can relax more readily in self-awareness and therefore feel assured when I approach people for conversation, that as a result I have options if I feel uncomfortable or anxious.

Because knowing limits, is, as aforementioned, not to limit yourself – it can actually give you options. Whether you find social situations or solitude difficult, knowing your limits of comfort within these allows you to have something to work with and also develop accordingly. These then can be incredible tools to fight –self-awareness, respect and patience. They are not easy but integral implements to help you carry on building – not just in your relationship with yourself, but with others.

Although it may well feel that these things are sent to test us – every one of us is capable of having the tools to construct our way through. Because rather than just confronting the situation, we can tackle it constructively and develop both in light of our experiences and in preparing for new ones.

Songs for the journey…

Here are links to a few songs that you might be able to identify with. Happy listening!

Journeyman by Iron Maiden    -    https://youtu.be/UQLyLr3cxLw

Here to Stay by New Order     -     https://youtu.be/Z15DIchJw7Y

The Things I’ve Seen by Tremonti   -  https://youtu.be/wi1Qjb0G2iE

If you have any you’d like to share with us then please write them in the comment box or send us a an e-mail at havingawordmh@gmail.com

“These things are sent to….” 

Written & edited by Scott W (@ScottMHC14) and Emily Oldfield (@EmilyvOldfield) 

Depression is an illness, not an alibi: Will's Reflection

In this profound piece, Will Jessop, student and musician, reflects both through fiction, and through fact, of experiencing depression. 

"Ivory”

Depression is a selfish feeling, a selfish state of mind. It hisses and seethes so gently underneath the surface that its fingers feel like silk, an ugly, malnourished, decaying silk that feeds off of your unwillingness to fight.

An unwillingness that creates itself, breeding; negativity begets negativity, and so the cycle goes.

Waves breaking on the rocks jutting from the shore of your conscience.

The residue of the sea spray patters on your boots and stays for a split second, clinging, glistening. This has been happening for some time now; you’ve been standing on this beach for a while.

Black, dirty sand. The murky sea. Broken bottles.

Not a place you would choose to go.

You glance down below the surface of the shallow tide, ebbing, flowing. There’s a body in the water, but it’s mostly been overtaken by seaweed and the like. The face is still visible, though, weather-worn, speckled with grains of sand, dirt. Gaunt and expressionless, lips taut, cheekbones jutting, eyes open, eyes open, eyes dead. Screaming silently. A cracked and violent whisper under the silver glare of the moon.

The face is yours.

You take one last look around. The loneliness is pulling your heartstrings, caressing, aching, calling for you to stay just a little while longer. No harm will come from just a few more seconds of still, come on, just stay, stay firm, stay locked, stay rooted.

You run.

Fast as the wind will carry you, full pelt across the skyline, above the forests and the mountains and the savannahs of your mind, and the sun is rising, painting everything in glorious colour, bathing the world in warmth, and you are flying.

Your wings are strong, steady, assured. Your tale does not end beneath the weight of a deathless ocean. It is a brilliantly bright and spellbindingly woven tome, an uplifting, courageous, and loving story bellowed across the universe and out through the ages, bouncing from the tongues of the young and old, the gleeful and the graceful.

Your tale lives on through the joy of the others you have helped and inspired, those you have talked with and listened to, those to whom you have shown kindness and those from whom you have received it.

You are strong.

Do not let the ivory tusks that pierce your heart be enough to break your back."

 Reflection

It would be a lie to say that depression is simply an excuse for attention.

I’ve seen a lot of this idea in the media recently. The Germanwings aeroplane tragedy has seen the internet aggravated with debate and opinion; Katie Hopkins’ subsequent set of tweets deriding the perceived actions of many a depressed individual has also done the rounds, shocking many, as well as affirming the views of some others. You can’t help but notice this; the “Trending” sidebar on your Facebook homepage makes it impossible to do otherwise.

But I want to make a clear point here; Depression is an illness, not an alibi.

Living with depression is not an easy ride. Those who suffer from it know this all too well, and there are many ways and means to ensure a better quality of life for us as a whole; antidepressants, therapy, recreational activity, the list goes on. But when you treat depression as simply a fire that can be put out, a door that can be closed, you’re not providing some kind of miraculous cure.

You’re just covering an already painted wall with your own choice of wallpaper, seeing a difficult illness as you would like to see it, when the truth is far more complex.

As far as we know, Katie Hopkins is not depressed; she never has been, so her opinion holds no water. The scare-mongering headlines employed by the likes of The Daily Mail and The Mirror serve only to bait those who will listen into abhorring the very idea of being depressed, shunning anyone who dare profess suffering. But fear isn’t a solution. You can feel fear, yes, at many different things in life – but you can also feel better; and that can come from acceptance and engagement.

Talking about depression is treated akin to talking about sex; an act to be kept behind closed doors, unheard, unseen, secret and taboo. We don’t talk about it in public, but without talking about it, those who fear will remain fearful; those who wish to learn will be hard-pressed to do so; and those who suffer will continue to suffer without aid; we’ll never get anywhere.

Depression is not a monochromatic, one-shoe-fits-all kind of illness. It is not an excuse, although it may feel like one when you’re too crushed by the weight of your own self to get out of bed, when your doctor’s note diagnoses you “Depressed” even though you feel fine on that particular day. If you don’t identify with either of those states - that is how depression can feel to some. The fact is that depression is an umbrella for a myriad of feelings and mental states, and my examples are merely segments of that.

So I want to help. I want to help people suffering to make it through the day, and I want to help remove the stigma that surrounds mental illnesses such as this one. I want to help start a conversation that has been crying out to be held for some time now.

To those who are suffering: If you can, try to help yourself. Exercise; it releases endorphins and helps you to feel positive and in control. Write; getting what’s in your head out onto paper or screen is a good way to help yourself feel better. Create; if you are an artist, a musician, a dancer, try your hand at your craft, even if you don’t feel like it. Persist. It really does help. There are links to helpful things below:

Exercise: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495 - A further explanation on how exercise can help with beating depression.

Writing: http://gottcode.org/focuswriter/ - A full-screen writing program that is just you and your text.

General Help:http://dryyoureyes-startbelieving.tumblr.com/post/114948516937 - A list of things you can do to help lift yourself out of bleak moods.

To those who are fearful: if you’re afraid of it, talk about it. The key to progression is understanding and the key to understanding? Communication.

The world is hiding. Let’s put an end to that. Let’s talk about it. -

Writer: Will Jessop - visit his blog and further brilliant writing  http://chasingfootsteps.tumblr.com/Writings

Editors: Scott W @ScottMHC14

        Emily O @EmilyvOldfield

Schmidt’s Story

Salutations, reader. My name is Ryan Schmidt: prospective game, comic and trans-media writer;
soon-to be graduate of a college Game Development program; and nine-year veteran of depression. To help provide content for this fledgling blog, I figured I should prepare a short piece to talk about myself and my experience with mental illness.

September 2006 was the month when my depression began, although I had no idea at the time. When it started, I figured how I felt was just a product of my recent circumstances: I had been processing my first close family death with the passing of my grandpa, diving into a new school where my classroom escalated from eight students to forty, and trying to get adjusted to my parents’ unexpected divorce.

As my hollowing mentality lingered long after those triggers passed, I still somehow convinced myself that how I felt was nothing to worry about. “It’s just teenage angst”, I’d tell myself: “a part of the high-school experience”. As you’d presume, that wasn’t quite right. I eventually encouraged myself to find out what was happening and consulted my family physician. By that time I had an idea of what answer awaited me, and my suspicion was confirmed: I was depressed.

My doctor diagnosed me with dysthymia, now regarded in the medical community as persistent depressive disorder. I count myself fortunate that my condition is milder than most of the cases I hear about, though. More often than not, I can pull myself through the thick of it to continue being productive or get myself out of bed in the same hour I woke up.

I’d say there’s even some good that’s come from this internal torment. For example, I think being well acquainted with acute, even uncontrollable emotion has helped me become more empathetic than I would’ve been otherwise, and I also found a way to channel my times of negativity into something creative—writing—which I may not have gotten into had I not craved distraction. Those gains, whether they really stem from my depression or not, definitely keep me looking on the bright side.

That’s not to say I haven’t experienced my fair share of dark times, though. Over the course of my depression, I had a year where entertaining the thought of suicide became a daily affair. Even during that period, however, I’d never let myself go through with it. They were just ideas that would let me indulge in misguided thoughts of escape or a break from reality. I have a handful of people close to me that I couldn’t abandon like that, though; family and friends I couldn’t bear to hurt or lose. Add to that a crippling fear of death instilled through years of being a pessimistic atheist, and I’m in the game of life for as long as I can keep playing.

Overall, depression has kept my life… interesting. Right now I’d say I’m looking at the world through lenses coated in a lighter shade of grey, but that tends to fluctuate often. After almost a decade of this condition, however, there’s one thing I can say: I’ve made peace with the fact that my depression will likely linger on with me for the rest of my days. It’s a passenger joining me for the ride, sitting firmly fastened in, but I can handle it—come what may, I’m never leaving the driver’s seat.
 

Depression doesn’t drive, you do – Emily’s reflection

This is, what I am sure you will agree, an inspiring piece regarding not only facing depression but working with it.

Ryan also explores the issue of separating depression from just outward emotional reaction or ‘a product of my recent circumstances’. Undergoing emotional trauma can contribute to depression, and recognising the definition and getting yourself the support you need is important.  Yet many people confuse their emotional state only with their current circumstances – and although your current circumstances may be difficult, this does not mean that depression cannot affect you either. 

Ultimately, depression is not selective. Yet in this light, neither should people be when it comes to obtaining treatment and you deserve full emotional support for mental illness whatever your circumstances.

I also very much appreciate the driving analogy Ryan has used. In terms of depression, I have learned over time to try and keep my perspective and see myself as the driver – you can be in control, you have all the potential to be in control. Yet it sometimes feels like depression is in the passengers’ seat as Ryan says, or perhaps, even the car itself. Sometimes, in terms of a depressive episode, I can feel engulfed by a kind of negativity, bordering on emptiness.

But I can gain control. Ryan has gained control. You can gain control – and that is a brilliant thing in itself.

Ryan has expressed himself and this blog is testament to the feeling that writing is one way of how control can be gained. It is ultimately a case of being able to express yourself in whatever way you are comfortable, and this for yourself may not be writing specifically, but  there are many possibilities– art, music, film, gaming, interacting with family, community. These are things which can allow you to accelerate, reach a space you feel content with, even motivated by.

That is why the honesty of Ryan’s words is so inspiring – for example, as he reflects ‘Overall, depression has kept my life… interesting’.  If you face mental illness, it does not mean you will be defined by it nor will it wholly constitute a negative.  I  appreciate that recent headlines have not been helpful (especially in the UK newspapers) regarding the German Wings disaster. Such stigma crushes the opportunity for individuality – it reduces people to an illness. The pilot committed a tragic and dreadful act, not depression – just like if he would have suffered from any other illness, the act would still be committed by the person, not the condition.

Ultimately, you act, not your depression, and you can act now – you can still feel your breath on your opened palm, feel the warmth of a cup of tea or the comforting cool of water. You can.  The ability to experience is an enduring feature of life, and it can be fantastic.

Ryan’s piece emphasizes that you can take that action to feel, experience and enjoy life whilst still accepting depression. It is in accepting depression for what it is, not a definition of who you are, which is surely a step for progression.


With many thanks to Ryan Schmidt for his blog post. 

Editors: Emily Oldfield (@EmilyvOldfield) and Scott Waple (@ScottMHC14 )

All the labels but VICTIM is not one of them.

Trigger Warning: This blog contains topics such as sexual abuse, self-harm detail & anorexia which may be difficult to read. If you are feeling vulnerable or low, please be wary.

Rebecca’s* Story:

Throughout my life I have been given a lot of labels: anorexic, depressed, self-harmer, bipolar, dyslexic, body dysmorphic, lesbian … all of these labels, whether useful or not, I will accept. But there is always one label that sticks in my throat: victim.

When I was a child, my mum’s now ex-boyfriend realised that he could sneak into my room at night without being noticed. He knew that I was having problems with anorexia and depression and my father had an alcohol problem, so he told me he would be my dad. “Great” I thought, “a dad, just what I need”. However, he did not want to be my dad, he knew that I was a weak frightened child, he knew that “no” was the only thing I could say and he made me feel stupid for saying it. The abuse went on for a long time, far longer than it should have. I felt I lost all self-worth, self-respect and self-esteem.

Yes I may be described as possessing all of the previous labels but “victim” is one that I do not accept. This is not an appropriate label. Okay, I was subjected to sexual abuse as a child and I have in no way forgiven him, but I am a survivor NOT a victim.

It is very difficult to deal with mental health problems, whether they are triggered by past events or not, they are awful! I know that I have mental health problems. When I am upset I will put on a happy, smiley face for the whole world to see, but when I get home and am on my own I have a very different face.

The walls come down, metaphorically of course, I know that the actual walls are still very much in the same place because I will sit there for hours at a time and stare at them unable to move, eat or think clearly. At this point there is still hope, it will sometimes just pass in a few hours or a day, if it does then great, but when it doesn’t there is a problem.

After days of feeling dead inside I know what will happen.  I crave to feel sensation, to feel alive – even if it is in pain. I will tell myself of my lack of worth as I hurt myself, feeling a kind of anger rise. After that, comes the time to lie there in my own world until the floods of tears come.

Eating is another vice. Looking at me you wouldn’t know I have a problem; my ribs don’t stick out, I am not gaunt and frail looking most of the time. I had beaten anorexia at around 15, but sometimes old habits die hard. As anyone with an eating disorder knows, we LOVE food; we love it so much that we can’t trust ourselves to stop eating.

Not eating can be a punishment for my “worthless” self but bingeing is also a punishment. Forcing stupid amounts of food down me until I feel too full to move, then starving myself for days on end as a consequence afterwards. A counsellor once told me, “Anorexia is unlike any other addiction. A drug addict can give up drugs, an alcoholic can give up drink but you can’t give up food because you will die”.

I WILL DIE! This hit me, I can’t die! What about my family and friends.

This sort of thinking started to aid my recovery; I can’t die so I have to live!

What you have just read details my life and feelings around 30% of the time; the rest of the time I am a “normal” functioning person, if there is such a thing.

Recovery and Advice:

It is important to remember that everyone has set backs. Whether you have cut, starved or abused yourself in any way, it is a setback and they happen. One setback doesn’t mean you are a failure. You have had a slip, you are human, and nobody is perfect.

My next thoughts/reflections are for survivors; even if you are still suffering you are a survivor because you are still here.

For survivors of eating disorders and self-harm:

If you have scars and stretch marks from either your dark times or your recovery/management process/journey/path, DON’T BE ASHAMED! These marks are not scars, they are embellishments, parts of the past showing your strength NOW. You have starved or hurt (or both) your body yet it has remained with you through the hard times. It offers possibility – to feel, to appreciate the world and the senses, and although that can seem frightening at times, it can also be liberating. It is strong and beautiful just like you!

For survivors of depression, bipolar, anxiety etc:

Bad days/weeks are awful and it is very difficult for people who haven’t experienced that feeling themselves to understand, so try and think about this when you are in a bad mood and want to push them away. Explain to them that you are having a tough time at the minute but you love them and you are grateful for their patience.

Now about yourself. When you are sat there staring, unable to eat, sleep, or are crying in a heap, unable to get yourself out of the pit of despair; please remember that this feeling can and  does eventually pass. As hard as it is and as silly as it sounds, this is what halted my previous suicidal tendencies/thoughts.  I thought too then of my family, of their anguish if I was to leave them.

Suicide is  a lasting solution to a temporary intensity of feeling. Although depression is a long-term issue in itself,  this does not mean you can have a quality of life, an enriching experience– whether you are suffering from depression or not. It might end your suffering at that moment, but the person that finds you will have to live with that traumatic image, and possibly nightmares and flashbacks, for the rest of their lives! Is it really worth it when the feeling which forces you close to the edge  will eventually pass and you may even get better with treatment?

Also, you deserve to live. Think about all of your good qualities, when you are depressed I know this is hard, so write them down when you are having a good day, that way they are always there written down to remind you.

Another useful thing is to keep yourself busy. Try to do something you feel is or find productive – for occupation can be incredibly helpful, even if it just to wander around the supermarket. You are a valuable part of life – even just the confirmation of being able to smile at somebody across the aisle can tell you that. It may be the last thing you want to do at that very moment but distracting your mind will stop you wallowing.

You deserve to be happy!

For abuse survivors:

You are not the problem THEY ARE! The evil sick person that did this to you is the worthless, unworthy piece of shit not you! You are incredibly strong for surviving through all of this and you deserve to feel loved, wanted and adored.

If you went through the same process that I did, you were probably scared and confused and then angry. It is okay to feel all of these things; it wasn’t just your body that was affected but your mind too. While these feelings are all acceptable, please don’t accept the knock to your self-esteem and self-worth. They are dirty and messed up for what they have done, not you.

Forgiveness is another matter. Some people say that if you forgive it will make you feel better. I am personally unable to forgive him for what he did and if I had my way he would suffer. However, as I can’t do anything to him, I decided to channel my anger in more productive ways. I threw myself into my studies. I am currently in the 2^nd year of my degree, living my life to the full and I am surrounded by my loving family and friends. That stupid, pathetic little man hasn’t broken me; I am strong and have full control over my own life and body.

With regards to relationships I am finally starting to open up; I am still not completely comfortable with my own body and looks (who is?), but I understand that other people are capable of finding me attractive. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable is very difficult. LEARN TO SAY NO WHEN YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE! Please never feel that “no” doesn’t work with everyone. Most people will understand if you don’t feel comfortable, especially if it’s a partner.

Confiding in a partner can be a very positive experience, they will be more understanding and will probably respect you more for being so brave in talking to them.

You deserve to be loved and you are a strong, beautiful person!

Thank you for taking your time to read this; I know it’s hard but don’t be your harshest critic, you deserve to lead a happy, fulfilling life.

Rebecca*

(*Not her real name)

Mental Health and The Voluntary Sector

(The second joint blog post between Scott and I - originally published earlier in March) 

The voluntary sector is undoubtedly a big and important sector where so many worthwhile and diverse roles can be sought. Whether it is assisting in a charity shop or being a befriender to the elderly or being an activist in mental health campaigning, among many others.

I think it is well-known that the army of volunteers in the UK, in their respective roles save the country millions of pounds every year.

In my experience, this sector does not judge or comment about people who have “issues” as much as some other areas do. Another important difference in the voluntary sector is that you may not feel under the same “pressure” that you have in paid employment. A committed attitude is a useful trait to have, though I believe everyone cannot go into “one box” as some high-powered people would have you believe, erroneously.

Watching a debate on Mental Health in Parliament recently, it was good to hear that at least some MPs in Westminster think that those with mental health problems can benefit the community, of which volunteering is one possible avenue.

It is my belief that if you go into volunteering, then you can make a difference. And there are those that are suffering that want to contribute to their local area, and the sense of purpose they get, can in turn in time help them to feel better about their own lives, as well as themselves as people. Give it a go!

Blog written by Scott W (@ScottMHC14)  

Scott’s Blog:   mhb14.blogspot.co.uk

---------------------------------------------------------------

Volunteers (A Poem)

They work with the worth of their actions

Changing circumstance, giving chances

Achievement unfurls

- Yet there is little announcement. 

Often in silence, unheard, yet enchanting

The vantage of change

We see so often advancing.

We accredit it to adjectives ‘magic’

Or chance or even in fear

But they are the ones often there without asking

-  The volunteers. 

Comment:

I think that Scott has written such an inspiring article, highlighting both the importance of the voluntary sector in supporting people and in turn needing that support itself. With Comic Relief approaching, in this light, I think it makes it all the more evident that not only contributing to charity economically is important, but time and effort are perhaps two of the greatest things you can give. Some of the greatest acts of charity I have experienced are on what would be termed a ‘voluntary’ basis. For example, some of the greatest support I have received at times of crisis is through the work of volunteers – such as The Samaritans. It is encouragement to keep going in itself in that every day, people give their time, effort and integrity not for money but for the love of others. It so very much encourages me to do the same. 

Poem “Volunteers” & Comment written by Emily Oldfield (@EmilyvOldfield )  

Emily’s Blog: http://speakingthemindnarrated.blogspot.co.uk/

This is the second joint article in the series, co-written by Emily O & Scott W.

Do you have any comments or ideas? Something you would particularly like to see discussed or discuss yourself with us, potentially part of a blog post? Or perhaps you’d be interested in doing a guest blog? Help us to build a positive project, do comment below :) Thank you.

The First Step of Togetherness

When I returned from university just before Christmas 2014, I felt trapped, confined by my own mind. In society, especially academic environments, the mind is often something championed in the form of 'excelling' or allowing for 'success'. Adjectives such as 'bright' and 'smart' are thrown around. Yet I felt like my grip was slipping, and I was frightened. I attempted to scrabble for a surface - controlling my eating, exercising compulsively, studying for 16 hours a day - desperately trying to attach myself to something of worth. For what I had ultimately, over the years, detached myself from was - addressing my feelings, talking openly about my attitudes. I had ignored talking about my mind, I attempted what was considered as 'carrying on'. I felt like I thought on a different wavelength than what it was to live, I still often do.

Yet that is what it is to live - we all have separate, unique minds which should be celebrated. What helped me take that first step in such a realisation was that as I started to raise my voice about mental health, I found other voices eager to reply. One of the first was Scott Waple, a mental health activist from Essex. In turn, we collaborated on a joint blog post. Seeing the post in its final format in turn drove us to think - how can interaction end here? Because that is a beautiful thing about the mind - interaction doesn't have to end. In this light we have set up 'Having a Word' - this blog site dedicated to allowing people to collaborate with us through writing, regarding their experiences of mental health. Writing can be anything - from passive reflection to active and personal, anonymous, or named. Ultimately, what we want to show is that it is essential to discuss the mind and people should feel that they can do this in the way they are comfortable. Whether you can define what you feel, whether it is positive or negative, known or unknown - you can break the biggest barriers when you write. HAVING A WORD. HELPING AWARENESS. HOLDING OFF STIGMA.  

havingawordmh@gmail.com

FROM 9TH MARCH  - The first joint post!

Because to 'pull yourself together' is not a remedy

As someone who has faced mental health problems at university, and also spoken to other students, one often-given piece of advice in a university environment is ‘pull yourself together.’ The sad statement itself is metaphorical – ultimately revealing the lack of reality with which mental health is still regarded in many circles.

How can someone pull themselves together when they are struggling for a conception of what the ‘self’ is at all?

University is often advocated as a place where everything is ‘made’ – friends, an outlook, a future. Yet what is not as well publicised is the discussion that this is not a reality for many people. University is filled with its own obstacles – unfamiliarity, an array of new people, moving away from home.  In these circumstances alone it could be difficult to know what to ‘pull together’ to feel complete, so to speak.

Yet ‘pull yourself together’ is so often doled out as a recommendation, as conceptually it seems pragmatic, active.  Yet in reality, the phrase makes little sense.  In fact, how can you pull yourself together, when so much seems to be based on taking problems, situations, even your thought processes, apart? Ultimately, university is evaluated on the output of your mind. It offers promise for every individual, but also can be hugely frightening. (Editor’s comment - Student debt can also pray on the mind - £27k upper limit etc..)

Evaluation of the mind. It seems almost a cruel phrase in its singularity. But it does not have to be. That is why I am passionate about encouraging ‘evaluation of the mind’ in every sense, whether at university or not – starting with talking about it.

Having been to university myself, I was aware of growing support groups, often for specific mental health issues – such as depression, anxiety and eating disorders. These in themselves were very significant and doing great work,  but where I think more focus is needed is at the most basic level; encouraging people to talk about their minds, without any particular definition.  I myself, although suffering from depression, before talking to my GP, found the concept of attending a group designated from sufferers of ‘depression’ or ‘anxiety’, a difficult concept – I was half in denial, then feared that other attendees would be much more in need of help than I was. I was terrified of what I believed to be ‘wasting time’ – both other peoples and my own.

Time is such a significant factor. Not that I have more time to reflect myself, what I have learned is actually the importance in taking those necessary minutes to think about the mind, to talk about it. This means discussion of feelings, attitudes etc. What might sit at the edge of your thoughts and upset you, worry you etc. This is what the “Time to talk” Campaign in February emphasized. And there is hope for this to continue.

That is why I want to take action and advocate ‘pulling together’ in a new light – bringing conversations about the mind, and how we look after it, to the table. From talking about worries and fears to relaxation techniques, it is time to emphasize the importance of openness rather than a closed conduct.

We need to pull stigma apart, and pull conversation together.

Writer: Emily Oldfield - currently on leave from university. @EmilyvOldfield,

Editor: Scott Waple -Mental Health campaigner & long-time mental health sufferer.  His blog is accessible at http://mhb14.blogspot.co.uk/ or visit his Twitter at @ScottMHC14 

This is the first of what we hope to be many joint posts in terms of promoting an awareness of mental health. We were brought together creatively by discussing and raising awareness and want to show others that  through openness and honesty, there is the possibility for so much connection.

Comments? Ideas? Something you would particularly like to see discussed or discuss yourself with us, potentially part of a blog post? Help us to build a positive project, do comment below  or email at havingawordmh@gmail.com