Mental Health
&
Open Source
Mike Bell - @mikebell_
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Preamble
Developer
Doctor, Mental Health
Professional
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An important stat
1 in 4 British adults, in
any one year
1 in 6 experiences this at
any given time
(The Office for National Statistics Psychiatric Morbidity
report, 2001)
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What's this talk
about?
- My Story
- Recovery
- Getting Help
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Why is this talk
important?
Difficult subject
Stigmatised
Weakness
Physical and Mental health are linked
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Backstory
16 years old - ME/CFS
12 years of silence
Breakdown in 2014
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What is ME/CFS?
Extreme fatigue
Muscle aches
Headaches
Brain fog
It’s estimated that 250,000 people in the UK suffer from CFS
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Chronic-fatigue-
syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx)
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Potential causes
Viral
Immune system
Hormones
Misc psychiatric
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Depression &
Anxiety
What if I get found out?
What if people notice?
What if I can't do my job?
What if I lose my job?
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Anxiety Attacks
A dark cloud
Panic
Ancient programing - Fight or Flight
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Imposter
Syndrome
Ties in with anxiety and depression
No basis in fact
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Home, Work and
Relationships
3 Pillars of life
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Home
Safe haven
Place to unwind
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Work
Make money
Stretch your mind
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Relationships
Friends, Family, Partners
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Realisation
A difficult step
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Seeking help
Approximately one
person in 28 was in
contact with mental
health services in 2013/14
http://www.hscic.gov.uk/catalogue/PUB15990/mhb-1314-
ann-rep.pdf
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GP
Great source of information
“You come to the doctor for any issues with your body, a
cold or a sprained ankle, your mind is part of your body so
why wouldn’t you come to a doctor?”
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Local mental
health service
Self or Doctor referral
More information -
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/mental-
health-services-explained/Pages/accessing%20services.aspx
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Counselling -
Traditional
Talking to a professional
Easier to talk to
Freedom to express yourself
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Counselling - CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Active type of therapy
Changing the way you think
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Medication
50 million prescriptions
for antidepressants were
issued in 2012
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23553897
Touchy subject
- Citalopram
- Propranolol
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Mindfulness
Living in the moment
Responding not reacting
Knowing your limits
Being kind to yourself
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Mindfulness -
Reacting
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Mindfulness -
Finding the time
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Cathartic Writing
Blogging
Diary
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What can you do
as a Family or
Friend?
Listen
- It's not about you
Space
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What can you do
as a company?
Look out for your staff
Support phased return
Regular checkups
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Nearly there
3 Panic attacks
2 incidents of Imposter Syndrome
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Questions?
Image from http://talbotanimalclinic.com
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Resources
2007 Mental Health Fundamental Facts
http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/content/assets/PDF/publications
view=Standard
Breathworks Mindfullness
http://www.breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk/
Accessing Mental Health Services
http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/mental-
health-services-explained/Pages/accessing%20services.aspx