A while ago on TV (BBC I believe), there was a programme called 'Bedlam Behind Bars'.
It looked into whether there is enough being done to support prisoners with mental health issues in America.
A lot of people will have the view that prisoners deserve everything they get, and I understand that sometimes people use mental illness as an excuse to commit crimes. It's not an excuse by any means, but if a prisoner had a physical illness, they'd be helped, so is this the case with mental illness too?
There is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental health issues, and some people still do not believe it exists...but the truth is, it does.
Whether you believe prisoners get things too easy, there's no denying that any illness needs to be treated whether that be physical or mental.
The documentary brought some seriously worrying scenarios to light, that was said to be common practice throughout the states.
Some details in the next paragraph you may be sensitive too...
The documentary visited a couple of prisons. However, Cook County Department of Corrections held the highest percentage of prisoners with mental health issues. Many sufferers were tied up in 4 point restraints, and some have even died from being left there through dehydration. One clip was shown of a psychiatric nurse striking a prisoner who was experiencing a schizophrenic episode. One prisoner was being so badly, his heat stopped due to his chest being compressed, and passed away. Five years later, and there was no punishment for his killers, but they were still on paid leave pending investigation. Almost 100 people with mental health issues have died from abuse or neglect since 2003.
During a short interview with the owner of one of the prisons, he said that mental health was being criminalised.
The programme highlighted some serious issues. It came to the conclusion that the mental health illness sufferers who could not access the treatment the needed, would end up in prison. It even went as far as to say prisons have become asylums.
So, this programme highlighted many problems in the American criminal justice system. Whether you believe criminals get everything they deserve or not, this is a breech of human rights.
How common is this throughout the states? And is this the case for the UK criminal justice system too?
It's never possible to tell whether documentaries are showing a balanced view. This one seemed to show so many negatives, and not one positive. I believe this was to highlight the situations that should not happen.
Many people will say it was biased, but I believe it was to demonstrate the desperate need for a complete overhaul of the mental health system in America.
It was a hard watch, and I'm sure this is NOT ALWAYS the case 100% of the time, but it was shocking that people with mental health issues are still treated like animals.
It needs to change!
Showing posts with label Mental_Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mental_Health. Show all posts
Tuesday, 29 July 2014
Friday, 3 January 2014
Minds Like Ours
Many of you who read my blog are aware of a mental health non-profit organisation called Minds Like Ours.
Here's everything you need to know:
"In July 2013 BBC Three ran a mental health season called “It’s A Mad World” . It featured many incredible programmes including Don’t Call Me Crazy, OCD Camp, Inside My Mind and Diaries of a Broken Mind. Taking part in Diaries of a Broken Mind was a young woman called Bex, who lives with agoraphobia. Once the show was aired Bex could not believe the positive response coming from people all over the internet; it gave her an idea.
Just three days later…
Here's everything you need to know:
"In July 2013 BBC Three ran a mental health season called “It’s A Mad World” . It featured many incredible programmes including Don’t Call Me Crazy, OCD Camp, Inside My Mind and Diaries of a Broken Mind. Taking part in Diaries of a Broken Mind was a young woman called Bex, who lives with agoraphobia. Once the show was aired Bex could not believe the positive response coming from people all over the internet; it gave her an idea.
Just three days later…
3 days after Diaries of a Broken Mind was aired Bex and a friend James put together Minds Like Ours." - Taken from the Minds Like Ours website
What we do:
Minds like ours is a non-profit organisation ran by those affected by mental health for those also affected by it.
The forum creates a large community feel where all sorts of discussions are held and we all get to know each other. Our aim is to stamp out the stigma surrounding mental health and provide support for those who are affected by it.
How you can help:
Are you or a loved one affected by mental health? Would you like to share your story? To get involved head to the website : www.mindslikeours.co,uk
Check out our shop here: http://mindslikeours.co.uk/get-involved/shop/
Links:
- Website
- Forum
- Twitter
All other Minds Like Ours (MiLO) social media activities can be found from the website.
Please check out these amazing blogs from MiLO Directors/Ambassador
Friday, 6 December 2013
Huffington Post
So today my first ever blog for Huffington Post was published. Quite a day! I am now officially a blogger for Huffington Post. Check out the website : www.huffingtonpost.com
The subject of my first blog for them is mental health at university...
Please take a look/comment/share: http://www.huffingtonpost.
Thanks.
Will be back to posting regularly soon!
Lucy
The subject of my first blog for them is mental health at university...
Please take a look/comment/share: http://www.huffingtonpost.
Thanks.
Will be back to posting regularly soon!
Lucy
Monday, 25 November 2013
#MythBustingMonday
Sorry for neglecting the blog... I'm back blogging as people actually miss reading them apparently.. Ummm WHAT?!
Every Monday at Minds Like Ours we have our myth busting Monday where we bring to light common misconceptions regarding mental health.
Here are my top 8 (I don't know why 8):
- #1 : Mental health issues are caused by the people suffering from them
- Truth: Although people do need to take responsibility for their own thoughts/feelings associated with their disorder, the fact they deal with MH issues is not their fault! There's a difference between taking responsibility and being the cause.
- #2 : All mental health disorders are lifelong
- Truth: Not all mental health disorders are lifelong. Some are, but not all. MH disorders can be treated with therapy and medication...you can often recover.
- #3 : If I admit I'm struggling with my MH I will be admitted to hospital
- Truth: The minority of MH patients actually receive inpatient treatment. The largest percentage never need to be in hospital, though in some cases it is neccessary for their own well-being.
- #4 : If I can't handle my own MH without help then I'm weak
-Truth: It often takes more courage to seek help than it does to keep struggling. You would seek help if you were physically that ill, so why not for your mental health?!
- #5 : People with mental health issues are violent
-Truth: Statistics prove that those suffering with mental health issues are more likely to be the victim of violence than actually be violent themselves. This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
- #6 : It's always easy to talk about how you're feeling/coping
-Truth: Not everyone knows who they can talk to about these things. Even if someone is surrounded by the most supportive friends/family it can still be so hard to speak up. MH patients often don't feel worthy of the help or try to ignore it in the hope it'll get better on it's own...This is simply not true. It can be so hard to open up and tell anyone, especially those closest how you're feeling when it's negative.
- #7 : If you live with a mental illness then you're weak
-Truth: those with MH issues often find day to day things extremely difficult. These things are often simply tasks the majority of people don't take any notice of such at eating, getting up and looking after yourself. Therefore, it takes great strength and courage to still live your life whilst dealing with MH illness.
- #8 : MH patients can't enjoy life
-Truth: There's a misconception that all MH patients just sit in bed all day every day. In actual fact, the majority of MH patients live their life to the fullest. Their lives may be different to most people's and they sometimes may not be able to do things others can, but most MH patients try and make the most of everyday when they can
Every Monday at Minds Like Ours we have our myth busting Monday where we bring to light common misconceptions regarding mental health.
Here are my top 8 (I don't know why 8):
- #1 : Mental health issues are caused by the people suffering from them
- Truth: Although people do need to take responsibility for their own thoughts/feelings associated with their disorder, the fact they deal with MH issues is not their fault! There's a difference between taking responsibility and being the cause.
- #2 : All mental health disorders are lifelong
- Truth: Not all mental health disorders are lifelong. Some are, but not all. MH disorders can be treated with therapy and medication...you can often recover.
- #3 : If I admit I'm struggling with my MH I will be admitted to hospital
- Truth: The minority of MH patients actually receive inpatient treatment. The largest percentage never need to be in hospital, though in some cases it is neccessary for their own well-being.
- #4 : If I can't handle my own MH without help then I'm weak
-Truth: It often takes more courage to seek help than it does to keep struggling. You would seek help if you were physically that ill, so why not for your mental health?!
- #5 : People with mental health issues are violent
-Truth: Statistics prove that those suffering with mental health issues are more likely to be the victim of violence than actually be violent themselves. This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
- #6 : It's always easy to talk about how you're feeling/coping
-Truth: Not everyone knows who they can talk to about these things. Even if someone is surrounded by the most supportive friends/family it can still be so hard to speak up. MH patients often don't feel worthy of the help or try to ignore it in the hope it'll get better on it's own...This is simply not true. It can be so hard to open up and tell anyone, especially those closest how you're feeling when it's negative.
- #7 : If you live with a mental illness then you're weak
-Truth: those with MH issues often find day to day things extremely difficult. These things are often simply tasks the majority of people don't take any notice of such at eating, getting up and looking after yourself. Therefore, it takes great strength and courage to still live your life whilst dealing with MH illness.
- #8 : MH patients can't enjoy life
-Truth: There's a misconception that all MH patients just sit in bed all day every day. In actual fact, the majority of MH patients live their life to the fullest. Their lives may be different to most people's and they sometimes may not be able to do things others can, but most MH patients try and make the most of everyday when they can
Thursday, 19 September 2013
#TherapyThursday
Thursday already (yaay)
I'm so excited as I'm moving from home on Sunday. All exciting times.
With us at MiLO Thursday is known as #therapythursday. So, we're not pretending to be professionals and if you need help I encourage you to visit your GP or look at our helpline page: http://mindslikeours.co.uk/helplines.html
However, we use Thursday to share ideas and thoughts that may help brighten someone's day or give them a way of coping that we've found to help some of us
1) Music :
- So whether you're a musician, you sing or you don't have a musical bone in your body, music can be a great way of helping you through the hard times. If you're a musician, maybe writing your own music/songs is a good release for you. For others, just listening to music, whether it's music that cheers you up or music that really explains how you feel can help. A good cry now and again to music can do the world of good!
2) Writing :
- If you have a love of writing, this could be the one for you. Whether it's poetry, keeping a diary, writing down random words, or writing exactly how you feel...it may help you to process your emotions and deal with them better...and hey, who doesn't love a good rant or moan form time to time?! Sometimes it may help to burn these afterwards, but sometimes it helps to keep them and see how far you've come! Everyone's different...
3) Talking :
- If there's someone around you trust and can talk to - great, do it! However, if there isn't, simply speaking out how you feel to yourself when there's no one around can also help you process things and make them easier to deal with. Sometimes when we keep everything in our head, the world/situations can seem a lot worse than they actually are.
4) Art :
- Now, for the more creative of you this could be the one for you! Art is often an expression of someone or their emotions. Whether it's a painting, drawing, photography, 3D art... etc etc....it can be a good outlet. Many people use art to express their feelings, whilst others just enjoy it as it takes their mind of things for a while.
5) Just relax :
- Now and again, all we need is to just sit and be in a peaceful environment. For some that's out in the world, being one with nature, whilst for others it's in the comfort of their own home.. All depends on what you fancy. But try to just sit/lay down, relax and not think of a single thing... Easier said than done! One way of doing this is to concentrate on a candle flame whilst trying to clear your mind of everything! Good luck... it's harder than you think
6) Breathe :
- Deep, slow breaths allow us to reduce our heart rate and calm a little. One technique: breathing in slowly through your nose... then when you're breathing out through your mouth, pretend there's a candle right in front of you and you aren't to blow it out... it slows your breathing right down
For those of you who don't like the whole imagining thing and would rather something real, count in your head whilst breathing in, then start again from one breathing out and see how high you can count. The higher the number you get to, the slower your breathing.
7) Positivity :
- This comes in all forms.. whether it's thinking of all the good things you've done, reading positive/inspirational quotes, making plans for the future, or simply doing something constructive... this can be a good way of keeping yourself in the right mind-set
8) Helping :
- For many people, the best therapy is actually helping other people. This could be as simple as tidying the house to help whoever you live with, or something bigger as in volunteering for charity work or for anything at all. It gives us a sense of purpose and often reassures us that we're not useless... because NO ONE IS USELESS.
I'm so excited as I'm moving from home on Sunday. All exciting times.
With us at MiLO Thursday is known as #therapythursday. So, we're not pretending to be professionals and if you need help I encourage you to visit your GP or look at our helpline page: http://mindslikeours.co.uk/helplines.html
However, we use Thursday to share ideas and thoughts that may help brighten someone's day or give them a way of coping that we've found to help some of us
1) Music :
- So whether you're a musician, you sing or you don't have a musical bone in your body, music can be a great way of helping you through the hard times. If you're a musician, maybe writing your own music/songs is a good release for you. For others, just listening to music, whether it's music that cheers you up or music that really explains how you feel can help. A good cry now and again to music can do the world of good!
2) Writing :
- If you have a love of writing, this could be the one for you. Whether it's poetry, keeping a diary, writing down random words, or writing exactly how you feel...it may help you to process your emotions and deal with them better...and hey, who doesn't love a good rant or moan form time to time?! Sometimes it may help to burn these afterwards, but sometimes it helps to keep them and see how far you've come! Everyone's different...
3) Talking :
- If there's someone around you trust and can talk to - great, do it! However, if there isn't, simply speaking out how you feel to yourself when there's no one around can also help you process things and make them easier to deal with. Sometimes when we keep everything in our head, the world/situations can seem a lot worse than they actually are.
4) Art :
- Now, for the more creative of you this could be the one for you! Art is often an expression of someone or their emotions. Whether it's a painting, drawing, photography, 3D art... etc etc....it can be a good outlet. Many people use art to express their feelings, whilst others just enjoy it as it takes their mind of things for a while.
5) Just relax :
- Now and again, all we need is to just sit and be in a peaceful environment. For some that's out in the world, being one with nature, whilst for others it's in the comfort of their own home.. All depends on what you fancy. But try to just sit/lay down, relax and not think of a single thing... Easier said than done! One way of doing this is to concentrate on a candle flame whilst trying to clear your mind of everything! Good luck... it's harder than you think
6) Breathe :
- Deep, slow breaths allow us to reduce our heart rate and calm a little. One technique: breathing in slowly through your nose... then when you're breathing out through your mouth, pretend there's a candle right in front of you and you aren't to blow it out... it slows your breathing right down
For those of you who don't like the whole imagining thing and would rather something real, count in your head whilst breathing in, then start again from one breathing out and see how high you can count. The higher the number you get to, the slower your breathing.
7) Positivity :
- This comes in all forms.. whether it's thinking of all the good things you've done, reading positive/inspirational quotes, making plans for the future, or simply doing something constructive... this can be a good way of keeping yourself in the right mind-set
8) Helping :
- For many people, the best therapy is actually helping other people. This could be as simple as tidying the house to help whoever you live with, or something bigger as in volunteering for charity work or for anything at all. It gives us a sense of purpose and often reassures us that we're not useless... because NO ONE IS USELESS.
We all have that special something about us that makes us unique, so we are all needed to work together for better. We're all individuals with the power to change our own lives and help those around us change theirs.
#TherapyThursday
#TherapyThursday
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
#TerrificTuesday
So, recently I joined the wonderful Minds Like Ours (MiLO) which has become a non profit organisation. As of today I've been made an ambassador for depression on the MiLO forum (yay).
Minds Like Ours is a non profit organisation run by those affected by mental health issues, for those affected by it.
We have a Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/pages/Minds-Like-Ours/697755603571289?fref=ts
Twitter account : www.twitter.com/MindsLikeOurs
A website: http://mindslikeours.co.uk/
Youtube account: http://www.youtube.com/user/MindsLikeOursTube
and also a forum: http://mindslikeours.boards.net/
What's is about?
- MiLO's aim is to stamp out stigma surrounding mental health
- Our forum is there to provide support and share ideas
- The website is the main hub which provides useful helplines whilst also giving a way to access our shop, facebook page, forum and twitter.
- The shop is there for people to buy items that raise awareness for mental health in the hope of breaking down the stigma
What's this got to do with me?
- So many people in the UK are affected by mental health, with an estimated 1 in four personally dealing with a mental health issue in the course of a year
- This means it's very likely that you or someone you know is affected
How can you help?
- MiLO welcome people from all walks of life to join our campaign to break down the stigma
- You can help by liking our facebook page, re-tweeting us, joining our forum, or sharing any of our links
- If you were feeling strongly about helping the cause, you could write a blog or make a video sharing your stories or experience regarding mental health and we'll get them posted on our website/youtube account
#TerrificTuesday is to share things that make us happy and to generally think of the positives of life
My terrific Tuesday:
- This little fella makes me happy
- Looking at photos of places I've been and people I've been with
- Positive quote
Join with us in #TerrificTuesday
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