In my years of being involved with many cancer patients, I could not help but be fascinated with the connection between the body and the mind. I was amazed how often patients who were told by their specialist that they had only three months to live, would almost always die within three months, yet patients who developed their own 'healing program' whereby they were able exercise some degree of control over their illness, would on many occasions enjoy a significantly improved standard of general health, and often achieve a much improved prognosis. So it is with people who set out to improve their general health and well-being. Those who undertake a strict diet, for example, but fail to embrace what it is they are doing, or maintain an underlying self-doubt about their ability to succeed at anything, including the diet, inevitably fail. Similarly, those who are constantly stressed and feel under pressure need to do more than just take drugs. They need to consider not only their mental attitude but also examine their diet, as there is a definite connection between the food we eat and our levels of stress and general well-being. Simply mentioning the concept of the mind playing a role in the quest to becoming well, makes some doctors feel very uncomfortable. It is easier, of course, for a doctor to prescribe some drug to assist with stress or weight loss for example, for this is 'scientific'. Using the mind to assist in the healing process is 'unscientific'. Yet every day we witness the immense power of the mind, without giving it a single thought. Consider the concept of cutting your finger. Within seconds the blood clots in order to save you from bleeding to death. Why does it it instinctively know how and when to do this? It is because we have been blessed with a natural 'live' mechanism that aims to keep us very much alive! Imagine what is taking place in a person's normal daily routine, which simultaneously involves the mind in a stunning range of complex decisions and co-ordinations. The act of thinking, eating, renewing our cells, expressing emotions, blinking, and even using the toilet, involves processes which could not be directed by the world's finest computers. Recently, whilst watching a game of cricket, I considered the processes involved in a batsman hitting two runs. In order to do this the batsman has 0.2 of a second to calculate the velocity of the ball, it's rate of decline and the angle of descent to decide in what direction the ball is to be hit, what degree of power, at what time the feet and arms are required to move and in what direction, and the adjustment of the eyes for vision. This whole process takes place in just 0.2 of a second; and we call this 'just hitting two runs!' A friend of mine, who must be described as a true sceptic when it comes to the power of the mind, believes that there is no proven connection between the mind and any physical changes to the body. I thought about this and looking down at his trousers announced that he had left his fly undone. "Oh! Excuse me", he said, clearly embarrassed and blushing slightly. To his surprise his zipper was very much in the correct place, but it was interesting to note the red blush still evident across his face. I asked him to consider this small incident, and think about the fact that just a few words could set in motion a whole range of chemical responses throughout his body resulting in his face actually changing colour. The mind does have the capacity to bring about physical changes. To watch people under hypnosis being told that they are standing in the Antarctic is equally interesting as inevitably they break out in 'goose-bumps' and start to shiver with cold. Yet their physical body is in a television studio under warm lighting! In 1998 a leading USA University conducted an interesting experiment with some 120 students. The students were shown three separate movies at the campus theatre over several days. The movies they watched, in order, were a film about the holocaust, then a video about gardening, followed by a story about the life of Mother Teresa. After each movie, blood samples were taken from every student. The samples were then tested to measure each student's immunity level. The results showed that following the first movie the immunity levels of most students fell. After the gardening video was shown, the immunity levels of the students remained steady, yet following the movie about Mother Teresa a significant increase in immunity was detected. There is no doubt the mind is incredibly powerful and used in conjunction with good eating habits, exercise and stress reduction, complete well-being can be achieved. Self-image is the key.... The goal of weight-loss or general well-being needs to incorporate positive mental images. When embarking on a program to become well again, many people become frightened to consider the mind-body connection. Yet an underlying mind-set that reinforces the automatic failure mechanism will almost certainly ensure that the goal is never achieved and the person is left with reinforced feelings of being a failure. Self-image plays a critical role in those suffering from disease as they try to heal themselves. Hippocrates summed up the importance of the mind-body connection when he said he would rather know what sort of person has a disease - than what sort of disease a person has!
This is an extract from 'Creating Health....Yourself' a book by Ross Taylor with Dr Ian Brighthope. This book is available from Lifeforce Seminars In'tl, PO Box 125, Greenwood WA 6924 Australia.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Positive thinking - by Ross Taylor
"You'll just have to be positive," is a term frequently used but usually not understood. Just ask any top football coach if he feels that by just 'thinking positive' his team will win the game, and he'll quickly tell you that life isn't that simple. The issue of positive thinking and the task of approaching life with a positive mental attitude, which demands that we confront our weaknesses and fears, often leads us 'blokes' to run for cover as we are not raised on the basis of being open about how we feel. I often wondered why it should be like this, until recently when I read a quote from Thomas Golden, a well known author on the subject of healing and grieving who said: "Men tend towards a hierarchical nature, viewing the world in terms of who is governing whom. Women, on the other hand, tend to view the world through the lens of who is relating to whom." After some reflection, I decided that in many cases this statement is true. I know in my own case, when facing cancer, it was initially very difficult to speak openly about my feelings and to express any fear or worry that I felt. This may sound a little strange perhaps, but that is how many men feel, and the suppression of feelings is as a result of the way we have been raised. "OK", says Gerry, "so what has this got to do with creating good health, or positive thinking, for that matter?" Well, it has a lot to do with it, as suppressed anger and fear, combined so often with resentment and self-doubt, can contribute to the onset of a wide range of illnesses and disease. Usually, just for a bit more excitement, we also add a dose of stress from everyday living and our lives become a misery! Hugh Prather put it well when he said, "There must be a better way of going through life besides being pulled through it kicking and screaming." OK, so let's look at positive thinking and how it can be used as an effective tool in creating good health....Positive thinking, positively! In confronting an illness, or starting out on a program to create significantly better health, the way in which we approach the task ahead is critical to its success. The mind is such a powerful force that it can either destroy or help you achieve your goals, depending upon your mind-set. One of the first rules to understand about 'positive thinking' is that we are talking about an approach that allows us to develop a 'positive' attitude in setting about determining our goals. We are not talking about 'thinking positive' all the time as this disallows us the opportunity to acknowledge where we are coming or starting from. Let me give you an example. Let's assume you are 10kgs over-weight and you have decided to follow the weight reduction program as detailed in my book. Many people fall into the trap of saying to themselves, "Now I must be positive, and I mustn't even think any negative thoughts about my weight." This mind-set is, of course, very destructive as with the right approach it is important to acknowledge that you are overweight and this is your starting point for your journey to improved health. It is also important to acknowledge that along the way there will inevitably be some 'bumps' but this is simply part of the process and that is OK. Dr Ian Gawler, a good friend and author of many fine books on the subject of cancer and meditation, provided me with a useful analogy about positive thinking, that I would like to share with you. Dr Gawler explained that developing an attitude of positive thinking was a bit like looking at a road map in order to find a specific destination. Sure, you need the map, and you also need the details of the final destination, but you need something else that is vital: a starting point. For without it you cannot plan your journey and you can't determine where you are coming from! Therefore it is OK to acknowledge where you are now, and what is your starting point, no matter how difficult the road ahead may appear to be. The essential elements of positive thinking....OK, so we want to develop a positive approach to being well and creating good health. So where do we start? In developing this approach, let's consider the following strategies which are necessary to ensure we progress in the right direction. Establish a clear goal. The first thing we must do is to clearly establish what it is we want to achieve; what is our goal? It should be achievable, and we should be able to monitor and measure how we are progressing. In developing a clear goal, it is best to actually write down what it is we wish to achieve. Remember I stressed the importance of setting targets that you feel you can honestly 'go for'. With regard to diet, you may decide to reduce the amount of coffee you drink from six to two cups per day. This is better than committing yourself to eliminating coffee completely, and then cheating on yourself! So be realistic and honest with yourself, as it will only be you who is let down if your goals are not achieved. I was speaking to a friend recently about vegetable juicing, and he explained that he was finding it increasingly difficult to juice every day. "I feel so guilty when I miss a day," he explained. My advice to this friend was simple. Set a goal of juicing four days each week, and deliberately plan to have an enjoyable rest on the other days. So, by actually scheduling several juice-free days into his plan, all the guilt and associated stress was removed. "But I can juice every day," says Gerry. Fine, in fact I juice every day as this is part of my own healing program. So if this is what you wish to aim for, then 'go for it' but establish your goals clearly and measurably. Do whatever it takes....Once you have set your goals it is vital to do whatever it takes to get where you want to go. To achieve the goal you must be genuinely committed and you must want to follow this program because you are committed to its outcome. If you are doing it because your spouse or sister/brother has pressured you, then the chances of success are slim. You must be resilient. Along the way there will be temptations to give up or cheat just a little. Develop this resilience and determination to see this through to the achievement of your goal.Embrace what you are doing. You really have to feel good about setting off on this journey to achieve your desired goal. Being 'half-committed' is a bit like wanting to take a shower but only wanting to get half wet. You can either be wet or dry, but you can't have an each way bet! By thoroughly embracing your 'creating good health' program you will feel it doing you good. Remind yourself every day that your actions are helping to achieve your desired goal. Enjoy what you are doing....If you are not enjoying the program you have set, then go back and re-evaluate the original goals, as it is almost impossible to progress positively unless you are having fun and enjoy what you are doing.So in developing your goals, consider what it is that you are prepared to put up with. Ask yourself "Am I prepared to be overweight, or depressed?" This is a choice you can make. You don't have to do this, and the options are yours, so make them clearly, and not only commit to them, but embrace the program you have set.
This is an extract from 'Creating Health....Yourself' a book by Ross Taylor with Dr Ian Brighthope. This book is available from Lifeforce Seminars In'tl, PO Box 125, Greenwood WA 6924 Australia.
This is an extract from 'Creating Health....Yourself' a book by Ross Taylor with Dr Ian Brighthope. This book is available from Lifeforce Seminars In'tl, PO Box 125, Greenwood WA 6924 Australia.
Coping with the effects of work-related traumatic incident stress
If, as an employee or emergency service worker, you have been involved in a traumatic incident you may experience a range of feelings and reactions - both positive and negative. As (say) an emergency worker you can experience very positive reactions. You may have helped others to survive. You may have got through a situation which would 'test the best'. You know about the intensity and personal satisfaction which comes from this type of achievement. However, some incidents demand a response from you which may place extreme pressure on your coping skills. You can experience some negative reactions after a traumatic incident. This fact sheet might help you to understand some of the common reactions other people have experienced in similar situations. Feelings and reactions you may experience .... Fear....for your own safety and those you care about; of returning to your workplace; of being left alone or having to leave loved ones; of breaking down and losing control; of a similar event happening again; just plain fear. Sadness....for deaths, injuries, or losses. Guilt....for things said and done; for things not said and done; for being better off than others. Anger....at what happened; at whoever caused it and/or allowed it to happen; at the waste of life; at the senselessness of it all; at people who don't understand; about why this is happening to you; with yourself for feeling this way. Memories....of what happened; of other traumas and losses in your life. Remember that although you may be an emergency worker with skills to deal with traumatic incidents, you are still a real human being who reacts normally to these types of events. You may be confused or worried by some of the physical and emotional reactions you may experience. Although these reactions can be distressing and cause you discomfort, they are part of a normal stress reaction to a traumatic event. You may experience: sleep disturbance or bad dreams; seeing the event over and over; being irritable and/or jumpy; difficulty concentrating; feeling down or 'flat'; nausea or upset stomach; muscle tension which can cause headaches and other physical aches and pains. Relationships.... Traumatic experiences can bring people closer together. Sometimes strains and tensions can appear with workmates, partners, family or friends. You may find it difficult to talk about what you have been through. You may not want to burden them with your problems. You may think that they're not as understanding as you would like them to be. Changes in your behaviour may worry or annoy them. Family members, generally, can also access your employer's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Reducing the effects of traumatic incidents..... As an emergency worker or an employee you have probably already some ideas about what works best for you after a critical or traumatic incident. Everyone is different and people cope in different ways. Whatever works for you is fine. Here are some further things other people have found useful in reducing the effects of any stress you may experience soon after the event. None of them are 'shoulds' - 'shoulds' only give you another job to do! Try not to be hard on yourself for what you are going through; allow yourself to have your feelings; take special care when driving or riding; keep a journal, write down your thoughts and feelings; physical activity is often helpful; maintain as normal a schedule as possible, eat well balanced and regular meals; don't make big life decisions or changes if you can avoid it; spend time with friends and others who are supportive, but have some time-out to rest and relax more; do things that you would normally enjoy doing; talk to people about your experience; recurring thoughts, memories are normal, they will fade over time - the traumatic experience has been significant to you; don't overdo alcohol or drugs. When to seek further assistance....if you feel you cannot handle the intensity of feelings or reactions you are experiencing right now; if your normal ways of coping are not working for you; if you continue to have disturbed sleep and/or nightmares; if you don't seem to be getting 'back to normal' as soon as you would expect; if there is no one you can talk to about how you are feeling; if your personal life or work performance is suffering. Where to seek assistance....with your employer's or organisation's EAP, or Welfare Services. Your local general practitioner; the local community health centre - (Bowral - 02 4861 8000); the local community mental health service - (Bowral - 02 4861 8000)
Saturday, July 25, 2009
The SANE Guide to mental illness for the workplace
This Guide helps you to understand mental illness and it's treatment, and suggests ways to work with and support colleagues in your workplace who are affected. Mental illness is common and is part of life. Nearly every workplace will have someone who experiences a form of mental illness at some time, and it is important that they feel understood and supported - as with any other illness or disability such as asthma, diabetes or a hearing impairment, for example. Work is an important part of our lives. It not only provides us with an income and a position in society, but is also a place to learn new skills and to meet people. Getting back into employment can also be an important part of recovering from an episode of mental illness. Those affected are highly motivated to work and can be as productive as any other worker, except for occasions when they experience episodes of illness or longer-term disability. This Guide focuses on those situations, therefore - where a colleague's mental illness is making things difficult for them at work. Understanding and support can make all the difference for them and for minimising potential negative effects on the workplace.
How to help: Practical advice on how to help. Being aware of mental illness and the effects it may have on people in the workplace is important for a number of reasons - to the person affected, to colleagues, to managers and employers, and to productivity as well. Improved productivity. Untreated mental illness costs the Australian economy hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Familiarity with the effects of mental illness, how it is treated, and simple modifications which can be made in the workplace to provide support, are actually good for productivity. When the workplace maintains someone in a job through a period of being unwell it is far less costly than losing them and having to recruit and train someone new. Improved workplace environment. When employees feel respected and cared for, they generally feel better about themselves and the work they do. This leads to better morale, and a happier, more productive workplace. We are all potentially affected. One in five of us will be affected by a form of mental illness at some time in our lives. An understanding of mental illness and its impact on the workplace is helpful, therefore, whether it is a work colleague, friend, family member or even yourself who is affected. Duty of care: Discrimination of someone in the workplace, or having a workplace which is unhealthy or unsafe, can have legal implications. It is important, then, to understand everyone's legal rights and responsibilities regarding mental illness in the workplace. How to help a colleague affected by mental illness: Understand: Mental illness is greatly misunderstood, and those affected are often stigmatised and treated disrespectfully because of this. No one expects you to be a psychiatric expert, but understanding the basic facts, such as symptoms and effects on everyday functioning, can dispel myths and help you be more aware of how it feels for your colleague when they are unwell. Support: Mental illness can have a serious effect on a person's life. This effect varies from person to person. Some have very occasional episodes of being unwell and recover in a relatively short period of time, as they would from a bout of 'flu or a minor injury. Others experience longer-term psychiatric disability requiring workplace modifications. It makes a big difference to those affected when someone makes the effort to understand and offer support. People with mental illness can sometimes feel left out or not listened to. It is important to remember to include them in discussions, meetings and social events. Act: When someone with a mental illness is receiving appropriate treatment and support, they may not need additional help at work. When they become unwell, though, it can be confusing to know where to turn for help. Avoid giving advice on dealing with mental illness (unless qualified to do so). Instead, focus on getting professional help. Ask the person if they have discussed with their manager or anyone else at work what appropriate action should be taken, and if they have a contact number for their doctor or mental health service.
Here are some examples of helpful and unhelpful ways of reacting to a colleague affected by mental illness. Tanya: Tanya is 42-years old and is employed as a bank teller at the branch where you work. While chatting to you in the lunchroom, she mentions that she has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Unhelpful reaction: Change the subject and avoid talking to her again. Helpful reaction: let her continue to talk about her illness if she is comfortable doing so, and be supportive and encouraging. Ask if she would prefer you not to mention her diagnosis to others. Talk to her again at lunchtime, especially if she is sitting alone and would like company. Jim: Jim is 38-years old and works in the same team as you at an insurance company. He has just returned to work after a month away recovering from an episode of depression, which he has openly discussed. Unhelpful reaction: Avoid engaging with him, and make jokes about him being lazy. Helpful reaction: In a relaxed way ask how he is going, and offer to bring him up-to-date on what has been happening in your area while he has been away. Kate: Kate is 34-years old and has just started at the building supplies company where you work. In a week you will be travelling interstate together for training, and your manager tells you, with Kate's consent to let you know, that Kate is a person with schizophrenia. Unhelpful reaction: Tell Kate you are aware of her diagnosis and badger her with insensitive questions. On the trip, talk behind her back about her illness. Helpful reaction: behave naturally with Kate and get to know her. If she mentions her illness, ask her to let you know if there is anything you can do to help on the trip. How to help when you are a supervisor: Managers and employers have an important role in supporting workers with a mental illness, to everyone's benefit. Discussing mental illness: If an employee has disclosed that they have a mental illness, it is important to be willing to talk about their condition with them and to express support. At the same time, it is important to be frank about any productivity issues involved and how you can work together to address these - emphasise strengths and then look at areas where support is needed. Discuss too, their right to confidentiality and an agreement on when it would be appropriate to contact a doctor or family member if they become unwell at work. This support from management can make a great difference to someone's confidence and ability to work well. If they are willing for their condition to be generally known, discuss whether it would be helpful to give fellow-workers some basic information. If an employee has not disclosed they have a mental illness but you are concerned they may be affected, do not hesitate to express these concerns to them as you would with any other health issue. Ask a senior manager or human resources manager who might be the best person to speak with the employee, and how it can be done in a confidential, respectful and appropriate way. Making a plan: Once an employee has been diagnosed with a mental illness, it can be useful to discuss any workplace modifications that are helpful to the person and to maintaining their productivity. Some modifications worth considering are:Working hours: For some people, working 9-5, Monday to Friday, is not the most practical option. A provision for working part-time, using time-in-lieu and working from home at times, can be more productive for people affected by mental illness. Provision for medical appointments, extended leave and leave-without-pay may also be necessary, as with any other illness. Environment: The work environment itself can make a difference to how well someone feels and how well they are able to work. Discuss with the employee whether issues such as noise and degree of interaction with the public or other employees affect them, and what modifications are reasonable to manage these. Ask about other simple steps too, such as whether writing all instructions down would be helpful (where these would usually be given verbally), if their illness has affected short-term memory, for example. Allowing a longer period for training and induction is also an easy and cost-effective step that can make a big difference. Being prepared: Talk to the employee about you can both be prepared should they become unwell at work. For example, they may become depressed and unable to focus on tasks, start to feel anxious or even paranoid. If this happens, it would be a great help for you to have agreed on what should be done, such as calling their doctor to make an appointment. Accessing support: Investigate what other workplace support may be available. Larger organisations may have an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) available. A local employment service may have a specialist consultant able to provide on-site or off-site support. CRS Australia (Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service) may also be able to help through its 'Jobs in Jeopardy' program. Understanding the law: You should also be aware of relevant legal rights and responsibilities - for example, the Disability Discrimination Act, which makes it unlawful to treat and employee less favourably because of a disability, and occupational health and safety legislation. How can I apply these tips to everyday situations? The following scenario describes how these tips can be used to work effectively with someone affected by mental illness. Read this, than think about how you would deal with the scenario yourself. Helping Jake: You are the manager of a supermarket. Jake has worked on the checkout for three years, and he has told you that he had a period of depression before that. He is well-liked and efficient, but has not turned up for work on several occasions recently. He has also started looking untidy and has stopped engaging with customers. What do you do? Understand: Make a time with Jake to discuss work performance and mention your concerns about absenteeism, appearance and lack of concentration. Ask if there is any reason for this. If not, remind him of what he has told you about his depression. Ask if he thinks this may be an issue again, and if it is worth discussing how he currently feels with his doctor. Support: If depression is the cause of the change in Jake's behaviour, ask whether he would benefit from some time off, and discuss his entitlements to sick and holiday leave, as well as any work modifications that would help. Adjust other empoyees' shifts so that there is no resentment of Jake 'creating work' for them. Act: Discuss with Jake whether more flexible rostering would help, working fewer hours until he feels well enough to work full-time again. Check whether Jake wants other employees to know he has depression and respect his wishes. Talk frankly to Jake about the need to dress tidily and engage with customers. If talking to customers is difficult, discuss moving him temporarily to another, less stressful area of the workplace. Employers in the Southern Highlands may wish to give consideration to having their employees supported to access the Mental Health First Aid Training Program. For on-site training opportunities groups of 15-20 staff can be trained in each group. This is a 12-hour approved course provided only by qualified and accredited Trainers. Details about the course and contact with local Trainers is available on the MHFA website: www.mhfa.com.au There are 2 accredited Trainers attached to the Bowral Mental Health Service.
This post is an excerpt of the Guide produced by SANE Australia - a national charity helping people affected by mental illness. SANE Australia produces a wide range of Guides and other useful publications on mental illness - for consumers, carers, health professionals,students and the general community. For details, see the SANE website www.sane.org or call (03)9682 5933.
How to help: Practical advice on how to help. Being aware of mental illness and the effects it may have on people in the workplace is important for a number of reasons - to the person affected, to colleagues, to managers and employers, and to productivity as well. Improved productivity. Untreated mental illness costs the Australian economy hundreds of millions of dollars every year. Familiarity with the effects of mental illness, how it is treated, and simple modifications which can be made in the workplace to provide support, are actually good for productivity. When the workplace maintains someone in a job through a period of being unwell it is far less costly than losing them and having to recruit and train someone new. Improved workplace environment. When employees feel respected and cared for, they generally feel better about themselves and the work they do. This leads to better morale, and a happier, more productive workplace. We are all potentially affected. One in five of us will be affected by a form of mental illness at some time in our lives. An understanding of mental illness and its impact on the workplace is helpful, therefore, whether it is a work colleague, friend, family member or even yourself who is affected. Duty of care: Discrimination of someone in the workplace, or having a workplace which is unhealthy or unsafe, can have legal implications. It is important, then, to understand everyone's legal rights and responsibilities regarding mental illness in the workplace. How to help a colleague affected by mental illness: Understand: Mental illness is greatly misunderstood, and those affected are often stigmatised and treated disrespectfully because of this. No one expects you to be a psychiatric expert, but understanding the basic facts, such as symptoms and effects on everyday functioning, can dispel myths and help you be more aware of how it feels for your colleague when they are unwell. Support: Mental illness can have a serious effect on a person's life. This effect varies from person to person. Some have very occasional episodes of being unwell and recover in a relatively short period of time, as they would from a bout of 'flu or a minor injury. Others experience longer-term psychiatric disability requiring workplace modifications. It makes a big difference to those affected when someone makes the effort to understand and offer support. People with mental illness can sometimes feel left out or not listened to. It is important to remember to include them in discussions, meetings and social events. Act: When someone with a mental illness is receiving appropriate treatment and support, they may not need additional help at work. When they become unwell, though, it can be confusing to know where to turn for help. Avoid giving advice on dealing with mental illness (unless qualified to do so). Instead, focus on getting professional help. Ask the person if they have discussed with their manager or anyone else at work what appropriate action should be taken, and if they have a contact number for their doctor or mental health service.
Here are some examples of helpful and unhelpful ways of reacting to a colleague affected by mental illness. Tanya: Tanya is 42-years old and is employed as a bank teller at the branch where you work. While chatting to you in the lunchroom, she mentions that she has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Unhelpful reaction: Change the subject and avoid talking to her again. Helpful reaction: let her continue to talk about her illness if she is comfortable doing so, and be supportive and encouraging. Ask if she would prefer you not to mention her diagnosis to others. Talk to her again at lunchtime, especially if she is sitting alone and would like company. Jim: Jim is 38-years old and works in the same team as you at an insurance company. He has just returned to work after a month away recovering from an episode of depression, which he has openly discussed. Unhelpful reaction: Avoid engaging with him, and make jokes about him being lazy. Helpful reaction: In a relaxed way ask how he is going, and offer to bring him up-to-date on what has been happening in your area while he has been away. Kate: Kate is 34-years old and has just started at the building supplies company where you work. In a week you will be travelling interstate together for training, and your manager tells you, with Kate's consent to let you know, that Kate is a person with schizophrenia. Unhelpful reaction: Tell Kate you are aware of her diagnosis and badger her with insensitive questions. On the trip, talk behind her back about her illness. Helpful reaction: behave naturally with Kate and get to know her. If she mentions her illness, ask her to let you know if there is anything you can do to help on the trip. How to help when you are a supervisor: Managers and employers have an important role in supporting workers with a mental illness, to everyone's benefit. Discussing mental illness: If an employee has disclosed that they have a mental illness, it is important to be willing to talk about their condition with them and to express support. At the same time, it is important to be frank about any productivity issues involved and how you can work together to address these - emphasise strengths and then look at areas where support is needed. Discuss too, their right to confidentiality and an agreement on when it would be appropriate to contact a doctor or family member if they become unwell at work. This support from management can make a great difference to someone's confidence and ability to work well. If they are willing for their condition to be generally known, discuss whether it would be helpful to give fellow-workers some basic information. If an employee has not disclosed they have a mental illness but you are concerned they may be affected, do not hesitate to express these concerns to them as you would with any other health issue. Ask a senior manager or human resources manager who might be the best person to speak with the employee, and how it can be done in a confidential, respectful and appropriate way. Making a plan: Once an employee has been diagnosed with a mental illness, it can be useful to discuss any workplace modifications that are helpful to the person and to maintaining their productivity. Some modifications worth considering are:Working hours: For some people, working 9-5, Monday to Friday, is not the most practical option. A provision for working part-time, using time-in-lieu and working from home at times, can be more productive for people affected by mental illness. Provision for medical appointments, extended leave and leave-without-pay may also be necessary, as with any other illness. Environment: The work environment itself can make a difference to how well someone feels and how well they are able to work. Discuss with the employee whether issues such as noise and degree of interaction with the public or other employees affect them, and what modifications are reasonable to manage these. Ask about other simple steps too, such as whether writing all instructions down would be helpful (where these would usually be given verbally), if their illness has affected short-term memory, for example. Allowing a longer period for training and induction is also an easy and cost-effective step that can make a big difference. Being prepared: Talk to the employee about you can both be prepared should they become unwell at work. For example, they may become depressed and unable to focus on tasks, start to feel anxious or even paranoid. If this happens, it would be a great help for you to have agreed on what should be done, such as calling their doctor to make an appointment. Accessing support: Investigate what other workplace support may be available. Larger organisations may have an EAP (Employee Assistance Program) available. A local employment service may have a specialist consultant able to provide on-site or off-site support. CRS Australia (Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service) may also be able to help through its 'Jobs in Jeopardy' program. Understanding the law: You should also be aware of relevant legal rights and responsibilities - for example, the Disability Discrimination Act, which makes it unlawful to treat and employee less favourably because of a disability, and occupational health and safety legislation. How can I apply these tips to everyday situations? The following scenario describes how these tips can be used to work effectively with someone affected by mental illness. Read this, than think about how you would deal with the scenario yourself. Helping Jake: You are the manager of a supermarket. Jake has worked on the checkout for three years, and he has told you that he had a period of depression before that. He is well-liked and efficient, but has not turned up for work on several occasions recently. He has also started looking untidy and has stopped engaging with customers. What do you do? Understand: Make a time with Jake to discuss work performance and mention your concerns about absenteeism, appearance and lack of concentration. Ask if there is any reason for this. If not, remind him of what he has told you about his depression. Ask if he thinks this may be an issue again, and if it is worth discussing how he currently feels with his doctor. Support: If depression is the cause of the change in Jake's behaviour, ask whether he would benefit from some time off, and discuss his entitlements to sick and holiday leave, as well as any work modifications that would help. Adjust other empoyees' shifts so that there is no resentment of Jake 'creating work' for them. Act: Discuss with Jake whether more flexible rostering would help, working fewer hours until he feels well enough to work full-time again. Check whether Jake wants other employees to know he has depression and respect his wishes. Talk frankly to Jake about the need to dress tidily and engage with customers. If talking to customers is difficult, discuss moving him temporarily to another, less stressful area of the workplace. Employers in the Southern Highlands may wish to give consideration to having their employees supported to access the Mental Health First Aid Training Program. For on-site training opportunities groups of 15-20 staff can be trained in each group. This is a 12-hour approved course provided only by qualified and accredited Trainers. Details about the course and contact with local Trainers is available on the MHFA website: www.mhfa.com.au There are 2 accredited Trainers attached to the Bowral Mental Health Service.
This post is an excerpt of the Guide produced by SANE Australia - a national charity helping people affected by mental illness. SANE Australia produces a wide range of Guides and other useful publications on mental illness - for consumers, carers, health professionals,students and the general community. For details, see the SANE website www.sane.org or call (03)9682 5933.
NSW Community Mental Health Strategy 2007-2012
From prevention and early intervention to recovery -
Summary
What is the NSW Community Mental Health Strategy 2007-2012?
The NSW Community Mental Health Strategy 2007-2012 describes the future model for community mental health services in NSW. This model provides a framework for improving responses to the needs of people with a mental illness or disorder and their families and carers. It covers services delivered across NSW, across the age range, across diverse communities and in collaboration with service partners. The purpose of this Strategy is to guide NSW Health, NSW Area Mental Health Services and non-government organisations (NGOs) in the implementation of this model.
The Strategy is underpinned by significant investment from the NSW Government - over $939 million over five years will be spent on the initiatives outlined in the Strategy. What does the Strategy aim to achieve? The Strategy aims to achieve improved outcomes in mental health by delivering comprehensive recovery oriented community mental health services across NSW. These services will: promote mental health and well being; embed a recovery approach to service delivery; prevent and/or intervene early in the onset or recurrence of mental illness; improve evidence based practice in community supports and services; enhance community responses to mental health emergencies and acute care needs. The Strategy renews a focus on community mental health and highlights a reform of mental health services to strengthen and develop the capacity of the mental health workforce (public and NGO) and key service partners, GPs other primary health care services and other government agencies. Rehabilitation is positioned as a core program for all public sector and NGO mental health services. Access to rehabilitation from the earliest point of contact with services will assist to promote the recovery of people with a mental illness or disorder. Principles of Community Mental Health Care: All of the community mental health services outlined in the model apply recovery-focused service principles. This is supported through applying evidence-based practices, ensuring service integration and providing individualised care to encourage consumers' community participation. Promotion, prevention and early intervention initiatives are also essential to enhance the well being of the overall community and ensure early access to treatment. Each of these latter five principles are inter related, as they are all aspects of providing recovery focused care. The service is also supported by underlying frameworks to ensure the quality and safety of care. What is the NSW Community Mental Health Service Model? The Strategy outlines a community mental health service model comprising two key components: Specialist Community Mental Health Services; Community Mental Health Partnerships.
Summary
What is the NSW Community Mental Health Strategy 2007-2012?
The NSW Community Mental Health Strategy 2007-2012 describes the future model for community mental health services in NSW. This model provides a framework for improving responses to the needs of people with a mental illness or disorder and their families and carers. It covers services delivered across NSW, across the age range, across diverse communities and in collaboration with service partners. The purpose of this Strategy is to guide NSW Health, NSW Area Mental Health Services and non-government organisations (NGOs) in the implementation of this model.
The Strategy is underpinned by significant investment from the NSW Government - over $939 million over five years will be spent on the initiatives outlined in the Strategy. What does the Strategy aim to achieve? The Strategy aims to achieve improved outcomes in mental health by delivering comprehensive recovery oriented community mental health services across NSW. These services will: promote mental health and well being; embed a recovery approach to service delivery; prevent and/or intervene early in the onset or recurrence of mental illness; improve evidence based practice in community supports and services; enhance community responses to mental health emergencies and acute care needs. The Strategy renews a focus on community mental health and highlights a reform of mental health services to strengthen and develop the capacity of the mental health workforce (public and NGO) and key service partners, GPs other primary health care services and other government agencies. Rehabilitation is positioned as a core program for all public sector and NGO mental health services. Access to rehabilitation from the earliest point of contact with services will assist to promote the recovery of people with a mental illness or disorder. Principles of Community Mental Health Care: All of the community mental health services outlined in the model apply recovery-focused service principles. This is supported through applying evidence-based practices, ensuring service integration and providing individualised care to encourage consumers' community participation. Promotion, prevention and early intervention initiatives are also essential to enhance the well being of the overall community and ensure early access to treatment. Each of these latter five principles are inter related, as they are all aspects of providing recovery focused care. The service is also supported by underlying frameworks to ensure the quality and safety of care. What is the NSW Community Mental Health Service Model? The Strategy outlines a community mental health service model comprising two key components: Specialist Community Mental Health Services; Community Mental Health Partnerships.
What is an eating disorder?
What are eating disorders? Anorexia and bulimia are the two most serious eating disorders. Each illness involves a preoccupation with control over body weight, eating and food. People with anorexia are determined to control the amounts of food they eat. People with bulimia tend to feel out of control where food is concerned. Anorexia affects two out of every 100 teenage girls, although the illness can be experienced earlier and later in life. Most anorexia sufferers are female, but males also suffer from the disorder. Bulimia affects one in six females from the late teens. More females than males suffer from bulimia. While these rates show that few people meet the criteria for eating disorders, it is far more common for people to have unrealistic attitudes about body size and shape. These attitudes may contribute to inappropriate eating habits or dieting practices. Both illnesses can be overcome and it is important for the person to seek advice about either condition as early as possible. What are the symptoms of anorexia? Anorexia is characterised by: a loss of at least 15% of body weight resulting from refusal to eat enough food, despite extreme hunger; a disturbance of perceptions of body image in that the person may regard them as fat, overestimating body size the thinner they become; an intense fear of becoming 'fat' and of losing control; a tendency to exercise obsessively; a preoccupation with the preparation of food; making lists of 'good' and 'bad' food. Usually, anorexia begins with a weight loss, either resulting from a physical illness or from dieting. Favourable comments cause the person to believe that if thin is good, then thinner is better. The body does not react well to starvation, and erratic eating behaviour begins to dominate the person's life. About 40% of people with anorexia will later develop bulimia. What are the symptoms of bulimia? Bulimia is characterised by: eating binges which involve consumption of large amounts of calorie-rich food, during which the person feels a loss of personal control and self disgust; attempts to compensate for binges and to avoid weight gain by self-induced vomiting, and/or abuse of laxatives and fluid tablets; and a combination of restricted eating and compulsive exercise so that control of weight dominates the person's life. A person with bulimia is usually average or slightly above average weight for height, so is often less recognisable than the person with anorexia. Bulimia often starts with rigid weight reduction dieting in the 'pursuit of thinness'. Inadequate nutrition causes tiredness and powerful urges to binge eat. Vomiting after a binge seems to bring a sense of relief, but this is temporary and soon turns to depression and guilt. Some people use laxatives, apparently unaware that laxatives do not reduce kilojoules/fat content, and serve only to eliminate vital trace elements and to dehydrate the body. The person can make frantic efforts to break from the pattern, but the vicious binge/purge/exercise cycle, and the feelings associated with it, may have become compulsive and uncontrollable. A person with bulimia may experience chemical imbalances in the body which bring about lethargy, depression and clouded thinking. What causes anorexia and bulimia? The causes of anorexia and bulimia remain unclear. Biological, psychological and social factors are all involved. For some people, some of the following may compound low self-esteem and contribute to the onset of anorexia or bulimia. Social influences: This includes media and other presentations of the ideal shape in western societies as slim and fit, and a tendency to stereotype fat people in a negative manner. Personal factors: changes in life circumstances such as the onset of adolescence, breakdown of relationships, childbirth or the death of a loved one;fear of the responsibilities of adulthood; poor communication between family members, or parental reluctance to allow independence as children mature; or a belief that love from family and friends depends upon high achievement. Biological factors: This includes chemical or hormonal imbalances (perhaps associated with adolescence). What are the effects of anorexia and bulimia? Physical effects: The physical effects can be serious, but are generally reversible if the illnesses are tackled early. If left untreated, severe anorexia and bulimia can be life-threatening. Responding to early warning signs and obtaining early treatment is essential. Both illnesses, when severe, can cause: harm to the kidneys; urinary tract infections and damage to the colon; dehydration, constipation and diarrhoea; seizures, muscle spasms or cramps (resulting from chemical imbalances); chronic indigestion; loss of menstruation or irregular periods; and strain on most body organs. Many of the effects of anorexia are related to malnutrition, including: absence of menstrual periods; severe sensitivity to the cold; growth of down-like hair all over the body; and inability to think rationally and to concentrate. Severe bulimia is likely to cause: erosion of dental enamel from vomiting; swollen salivary glands; the possibility of a ruptured stomach; and chronic sore throat and gullet. Emotional and psychological effects: These are likely to include: difficulties with activities which involve food; loneliness, due to self-imposed isolation and a reluctance to develop personal relationships; deceptive behaviours relating to food; fear of the disapproval of others if the illness becomes known, tinged with the hope that family and friends might intervene and provide assistance; and mood swings, changes in personality, emotional outbursts or depression. What treatment is available? Changes in eating behaviour may be caused by several illnesses other than anorexia or bulimia, so a thorough physical examination by a medical practitioner is the first step. Once the illness has been diagnosed, a range of health practitioners can be involved in treatment as the illnesses affect people physically and mentally. These may include psychiatrists, psychologists, dietitians, social workers, occupational therapists and nurses. Outpatient treatment and attendance at special programs are the preferred treatment for people with anorexia. Hospitalisation may be necessary for those severely malnourished through lack of food. Treatment can include medication to assist severe depression and to correct hormonal and chemical imbalances. Dietary education assists with retraining in healthy eating habits. Counselling and specific therapies are used to help change unhealthy thoughts about eating, and educating the person that the family and friends are supportive.
Where to go for help. your local general practitioner; your local community health centre (Bowral (02) 4861 8000); your local community mental health service (Bowral (02) 4861 8000).
Where to go for help. your local general practitioner; your local community health centre (Bowral (02) 4861 8000); your local community mental health service (Bowral (02) 4861 8000).
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wingecarribee Carers News
This local Carers News is produced by the Southern Highlands Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which has received generous support from the Springett Family Foundation specifically to produce the Carers News four times a year. You can contact the SHF through their email: carersnews@gmail.com or through the mail to: Southern Highlands Foundation, PO Box 853, Bowral 2576.
The following services are just some of the local services described in the Carers News for the first quarter of 2009. IDEAS online: If you have access to the internet, the IDEAS website provides a high quality accessible web portal for people with a disability, and people with age related disability - their families, carers and other supporters, to access and search for information that promotes their independence. www.ideas.org.au They also have a toll free phone number: 1800 029 904, and a TTY phone number: (02) 6947 3377. What is TTY? The telephone is a vital element in our daily living. For most of us, the telephone provides a convenience that we take for granted. However, for deaf people the convenience as well as the life-saving capacities of the telephone have, until recent years, been inaccessible. Today, a deaf or speech impaired person can make telephone calls using a TeleTypewriter (TTY). With a TTY, the conversation is typed rather than spoken and direct communication is possible with anyone who has a similar device. Calls placed to or from a non-TTY user can be placed through the Telecommunications Relay Service. A growing number of government agencies and businesses are installing a TTY to provide direct phone communication to and for their deaf employees and customers. Availability of this service is denoted with a TTY preceeding the telephone number. To find out more, contact the Deaf Society of NSW: E: info@deafsociety.com - Ph: (02) 9893 8555 - TTY: (02) 9893 8858 - Fx: (02) 9893 8333
The Disability Trust (formerly known as the Illawarra Disability Trust) TDT has announced that "Parmenter House", their new respite home in East Bowral offers a home-away-from home atmosphere so that a Carer will feel comfortable leaving a loved one in the care of others. For more information about "Parmenter House" and the other services provided by TDT, please contact Peg Ludwig on (02) 4872 4975 or www.disabilitytrust.org.au
Coping with grief - when counselling might be needed. Grief is a natural reaction to loss, and recovering from it is also usually a natural process. It takes time and it takes patience and support from those who are close to us. Sometimes however, a person may need the help of a professional counsellor to resolve issues that cause some distress to an individual. The Southern Highlands Bereavement Care Service offers counselling that is supportive and confidential, and aims to assist the individual to find their own way through the darkness of a terrible loss. Karen Mundell and Bruce Schubert are experienced in providing a listening ear and one that can help. The Bereavement Care Service is located in the grounds of the Bowral Hospital and can be contacted on (02) 4861 1701. There is also a web page with resources: www.shbcs.org.au
Interchange Wingecarribee Inc (IWI) Interchange Wingecarribee Inc (IWI) has been assisting people with disabilities, the frail-aged and their carers in the Wingecarribee Shire for over 20 years. They currently run 20 programs, the majority of which are government-funded and are designed to assist eligible people to remain living at home independently. Services provided under thee programs include respite, social support, recreation, case management, domestic assistance, personal care and community participation. "Springett House" was set up in 2006 to provide overnight respite in a home-like setting in the Southern Highlands. It was the first of its kind in this area and continues to be very well patronised. Eligible clients can also attend Day Programs at "Springett House", undertaking activities such as learning basic living skills, numeracy and literacy; crafts; minor home maintenance; and participating in recreation. For further information contact IWI at 59 Kirkham Road Bowral, or PO Box 1284, Bowral 2576. Ph: (02) 4862 2644 - Fx: (02) 4862 1563.
Southwest Sydney Community Care Centre of Anglicare: NSWSWSCCC of Anglicare NSW has the following services for Carers: South West Sydney: (a) Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre. The Centre provides: Advice and support to assist the carer in performing their caring role on an emergency, short-term, or planned respite options. Single access point providing information on services available in the community for Carers. Referral service for longer term assistance to support the Carer on an ongoing basis. The Centre assists Carers of people who are frail aged or with: a disability (physical and intellectual); an acquired brain injury; chronic illness; mental health issues/psychiatric disability or autism; palliative care needs; dementia and/or challenging behaviours. South West Sydney: Carer Services Program: short term and emergency respite; respite for Carers of younger people with severe and profound disability; young carers program; mental health respite program; commonwealth carelink - information and advice service. To contact your local Centre - SWS Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, during standard business hours: Tollfree - 1800 052 222. For emergency respite support outside standard business hours: Tollfree - 1800 059 059. Calls from mobile phones - charges will apply. Funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, and the Department of Family, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs - South West Sydney: (b) Support Coordination Program: The Support Coordination Program supports older parent Carers of an adult son or daughter with a disability to maintain their caring role for as long as possible, by providing support and respite opportunities and to plan and to prepare for a transition from parental care. What services do we provide? case management: needs assessments case plan, evaluation and review. Information and referral. Home visits. Carers Assistance Packages. Who can access this service? Parent Carers aged 65 years and over who are caring for their adult son or daughter with a disability, also some non-parent providing the 'parental' care may be eligible. Priority for access will be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Carers aged 45 years and older, and parent Carers that are currently not accessing any disability or family support services. How to contact: Tel: (02) 9728 0252 - 9am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday) Funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
The following services are just some of the local services described in the Carers News for the first quarter of 2009. IDEAS online: If you have access to the internet, the IDEAS website provides a high quality accessible web portal for people with a disability, and people with age related disability - their families, carers and other supporters, to access and search for information that promotes their independence. www.ideas.org.au They also have a toll free phone number: 1800 029 904, and a TTY phone number: (02) 6947 3377. What is TTY? The telephone is a vital element in our daily living. For most of us, the telephone provides a convenience that we take for granted. However, for deaf people the convenience as well as the life-saving capacities of the telephone have, until recent years, been inaccessible. Today, a deaf or speech impaired person can make telephone calls using a TeleTypewriter (TTY). With a TTY, the conversation is typed rather than spoken and direct communication is possible with anyone who has a similar device. Calls placed to or from a non-TTY user can be placed through the Telecommunications Relay Service. A growing number of government agencies and businesses are installing a TTY to provide direct phone communication to and for their deaf employees and customers. Availability of this service is denoted with a TTY preceeding the telephone number. To find out more, contact the Deaf Society of NSW: E: info@deafsociety.com - Ph: (02) 9893 8555 - TTY: (02) 9893 8858 - Fx: (02) 9893 8333
The Disability Trust (formerly known as the Illawarra Disability Trust) TDT has announced that "Parmenter House", their new respite home in East Bowral offers a home-away-from home atmosphere so that a Carer will feel comfortable leaving a loved one in the care of others. For more information about "Parmenter House" and the other services provided by TDT, please contact Peg Ludwig on (02) 4872 4975 or www.disabilitytrust.org.au
Coping with grief - when counselling might be needed. Grief is a natural reaction to loss, and recovering from it is also usually a natural process. It takes time and it takes patience and support from those who are close to us. Sometimes however, a person may need the help of a professional counsellor to resolve issues that cause some distress to an individual. The Southern Highlands Bereavement Care Service offers counselling that is supportive and confidential, and aims to assist the individual to find their own way through the darkness of a terrible loss. Karen Mundell and Bruce Schubert are experienced in providing a listening ear and one that can help. The Bereavement Care Service is located in the grounds of the Bowral Hospital and can be contacted on (02) 4861 1701. There is also a web page with resources: www.shbcs.org.au
Interchange Wingecarribee Inc (IWI) Interchange Wingecarribee Inc (IWI) has been assisting people with disabilities, the frail-aged and their carers in the Wingecarribee Shire for over 20 years. They currently run 20 programs, the majority of which are government-funded and are designed to assist eligible people to remain living at home independently. Services provided under thee programs include respite, social support, recreation, case management, domestic assistance, personal care and community participation. "Springett House" was set up in 2006 to provide overnight respite in a home-like setting in the Southern Highlands. It was the first of its kind in this area and continues to be very well patronised. Eligible clients can also attend Day Programs at "Springett House", undertaking activities such as learning basic living skills, numeracy and literacy; crafts; minor home maintenance; and participating in recreation. For further information contact IWI at 59 Kirkham Road Bowral, or PO Box 1284, Bowral 2576. Ph: (02) 4862 2644 - Fx: (02) 4862 1563.
Southwest Sydney Community Care Centre of Anglicare: NSWSWSCCC of Anglicare NSW has the following services for Carers: South West Sydney: (a) Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre. The Centre provides: Advice and support to assist the carer in performing their caring role on an emergency, short-term, or planned respite options. Single access point providing information on services available in the community for Carers. Referral service for longer term assistance to support the Carer on an ongoing basis. The Centre assists Carers of people who are frail aged or with: a disability (physical and intellectual); an acquired brain injury; chronic illness; mental health issues/psychiatric disability or autism; palliative care needs; dementia and/or challenging behaviours. South West Sydney: Carer Services Program: short term and emergency respite; respite for Carers of younger people with severe and profound disability; young carers program; mental health respite program; commonwealth carelink - information and advice service. To contact your local Centre - SWS Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre, during standard business hours: Tollfree - 1800 052 222. For emergency respite support outside standard business hours: Tollfree - 1800 059 059. Calls from mobile phones - charges will apply. Funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, and the Department of Family, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs - South West Sydney: (b) Support Coordination Program: The Support Coordination Program supports older parent Carers of an adult son or daughter with a disability to maintain their caring role for as long as possible, by providing support and respite opportunities and to plan and to prepare for a transition from parental care. What services do we provide? case management: needs assessments case plan, evaluation and review. Information and referral. Home visits. Carers Assistance Packages. Who can access this service? Parent Carers aged 65 years and over who are caring for their adult son or daughter with a disability, also some non-parent providing the 'parental' care may be eligible. Priority for access will be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Carers aged 45 years and older, and parent Carers that are currently not accessing any disability or family support services. How to contact: Tel: (02) 9728 0252 - 9am to 5 pm (Monday to Friday) Funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care.
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