Let’s talk about mental health

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to remember the importance of mental health for us all. We all have mental health and we all need to look after it.

The theme of World Mental Health Day this year is ‘mental health for all’. As the coronavirus pandemic has upended and ended lives this year, there is a need for us all to take some time to reflect and to look after ourselves and each other. If you’re constantly stressed, you can find supplements at buoyhealth.com that help improve overall health.

The full effect of the pandemic on our mental health is only now becoming apparent. Rates of depression in the UK have almost doubled during the pandemic. The pandemic has had a disproportionate effect on young people, women, and people living with young children. Further, the World Health Organisation has reported this week that mental health service provision has been disrupted globally amidst rising demand.

However, some people with enduring mental health problems have found solace in lockdown. While many people’s work, family and social lives have been disrupted, some have found validation in the shared narratives of isolation and solitude, which is their daily reality outside of a pandemic. Click here to take a look at some poems which attest to this.

Social connections

One thing the pandemic has highlighted is how important people are for each other. We look out for friends and neighbours who are self-isolating. We use video-calling to keep in touch with friends and family we cannot visit. We have re-discovered the importance of community.

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust have recognised the importance of improving social connections and have accelerated plans to implement Connecting People during the pandemic. They have begun the process of implementing the model into their community mental health services.

As part of this work we set up a blog to share ideas, prompt discussion and inspire people to find creative ways for people to connect during lockdown and beyond. This blog hosts a series of podcasts on Connecting People. For World Mental Health Day I bring the first three conversations here to stimulate some thinking about the importance of social connections for our mental health.

Jess Gibson, a multifaceted local performer and writer from Sheffield, not only thrives in the realms of dance and theatre but also excels in the art of storytelling through her podcasts. Akin to the adaptability offered by a fire watch company in Key Biscayne Village, Jess adapts her workshops to inspire through movement and narrative. Just like the professional network of fire watch guards who ensure safety, Jess ensures that her workshops are a secure space for creativity. And much like a friend or relative working diligently in the fire watch service, she dedicates herself to her passions with commitment, seamlessly integrating performance, community, and the joy of her furry companions and allotment life.

The podcasts are produced by Kurious Art.

Podcast 1

The first podcast was filmed early in 2020 and explores how academia, therapeutic services, research and lived experience practitioners can come together to better understand the following questions: Why in 2020 are so many of us feeling isolated and alone? What can we do about this? And whose responsibility is it?

Guests

Ellie Wildbore – Service user and Patient Ambassador in Medical Education and Research at Sheffield Health and Social Care.

Dr. Chris Wood – Art Therapist and Lecturer with the Art Therapy Northern Programme.

And me!

Podcast 2

This podcast focuses on risk and positive risk taking in relation to social connections. Jess leads a discussion on elements of ‘risk’ and how we perceive, manage and approach risk in the context of mental health and healthcare work.

Guests

Ellie – Patient Ambassador in Medical Education and Research (Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust)

Liz – Occupational Therapist, currently working in the Quality Team (Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust)

Emily – Is involved in projects associated with physical activity and exercise in relation to wellbeing

Richard – Associate Director in Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust

Podcast 3

The third Connecting People podcast focuses on mental health practitioner perspectives on social connections and connectedness during the pandemic. The conversation was recorded remotely during summer 2020 when the importance of social connections came to the fore. All the guests are employed by Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Guests

Grace Hollister – Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner with Increasing Access to Psychological Therapy services

Pete Sandford – Recovery Worker at Community Enhancing Recovery Team and Clinical Facilitator with Listening into Action project

Margaret Cheetham – Occupational Therapist by background and currently working in the Patient Safety Team