Tag Archive | BACP

Today is World Mental Health Day 2012

Oct10

Raising awareness of mental health issues is critical if we are to reduce the stigma attached to mnetal illness and help people recover in a safe and understanding environment.

Today is World Mental Health Day and the focus is on the “Black Dog” that is depression.

If you know someone who is depressed and don’t know how to deal with it take time today to find out more about this illness and read up on how you can help.

If you suffer with depression yourself, you must seek help. This is a treatable condition and you will get better. It just takes time. Go and see your GP or contact a relevant organisation for more information.

Information is available from;

Depression Alliance

MIND

Royal College of Psychiatrists

BACP

Samaritans

CALM

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I did it!

Jul17

Readers of my previous post will know that I had applied to BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) to become a Lay Member for the BACP Register Advisory Board.

I finally had my interview last Friday (13th) and today I received confirmation that I have been successful.

I am so pleased that 6 months after submitting my details I have made it past the finishing post and I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.

I know that I can bring a lot to the table and whilst it will be hard work at first, I expect the challenge to be rewarding in the medium/long term.

Can’t wait to start.

Job interviews-scary monsters

Jul13

Goodness me! That was scary. I had a job interview today for the first time in more than 8 years.

I pride myself of my flexible and outward-looking perspective on life. I understand that at almost 50 years of age, that at some point I will need to bow out gracefully and allow the younger generation to come in and supply the dynamic and exciting solutions to the challenges that we face now. That’s progress. But, I’m just not ready.

I had an interview today. Not for a paid position, but for a voluntary post on the Regulatory Board of  the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP). I had prepared, and I am passionate about helping those dealing with mental illness from both a professional and personal perspective but let’s not beat about the bush here, I was grilled relentlessly about my suitability for the role.

This was no surprise as it is just the approach I would have taken when dealing with such a serious committment and whether I do or whether I don’t get the job, I respect the decision made by the interview committee. Mental health and its management is dear to my heart and it has to be dealt with properly. BACP  takes the regulation of counsellors and therapists very seriously and whilst registration with them will be voluntary,  I can only hope that anyone who is involved in advising those with mental health will undertake the necessary training and continued professional and educational development to ensure that vulnerable people are given the best care available.

Anyone with mental health problems deserves proper treatment from qualified professionals. There is no room for amateurism in the treatment of mental illness and only those who have been trained in the various treatments available and their advantages and risks should be in this privileged position. Unless a person is trained properly, how can they possibly determine the best treatment? The best therapist?

I for one would not be so arrogant as to advise someone unless I had studied mental health and the therapies available.

Perhaps this is because I am a risk management adviser by profession.  

Or perhaps my common sense gene kicks in and tells me that I shouldn’t mess with something I know very little about, despite my personal experience.

By all means seek help. But seek professional help, from someone who is qualified to advise.

Depression-back on track

Jul8

Thankfully, the last 6 months have seen my mental health stabilise and I have enjoyed a sustained period of “wellness”. I am still wary that low mood can take over again but as soon as I spot the signs I’m on the case immediately and take preventive measures to stave off a relapse. It’s not easy and it sometimes takes a lot of energy and determination but I’m getting there and feel that I have the dreaded “dog” under control. I have to admit that sometimes I am still forced to tell some little white lies to gain some precious “me time” but on the basis that in the medium and long-term my actions benefit everyone, I don’t feel at all guilty and see it as managing my health to the best of my ability in the circumstances. Sadly, there are still too many people who don’t understand the ups and downs and unpredictability of mental illness and I’m not prepared to jeopardise my recovery just to accommodate the stubborn few. I am definitely back on track.

As far as helping and motivating others to come to terms with their mental health issues, cascading information and being proactive is concerned lots of things happened last week which gave me a long-awaited kick up the bum and reinforced my concern that there is still a lot of work to be done and there are too many people out there just waiting for help.

Firstly, I have an interview on Friday with the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP) to be appointed a lay-member of their Regulatory Advisory Board. This is an exciting and amazing opportunity for me to become more involved in the field of mental healthcare provision and I will be able to contribute so much…….as long as the interview goes well and I am successful. I hope that they will see how passionate I am about certain matters and give me the opportunity to voice my concerns and suggestions for improvement. My head is bursting with ideas and I need a forum to voice them and (hopefully) gain access to a pool of resource able to help me put them into practice.

At work I have been quietly looking for people who are prepared to join me as a Mental Health Champion on the Disability Steering Group and this week, I have found three people who can help drive my initiatives forward. This is so important as I already have a full-time job and cannot spend the time I would like in developing my ideas into practical solutions for our employees. Small changes can make a huge difference but I can’t do it on my own. More people = more success.

My interview for the Sunday Telegraph magazine went well but won’t be published until later in summer when they get back to normal after the holidays. I look at the delay as a positive as by delaying publication, we will get a wider readership and more publicity. That can only be a good thing.

I am working a 4-day week this week then I am on holiday for 10 days. I need the break and I am looking forward to having my son back in the UK after his watersports holiday in Spain, seeing my sister and my newly engaged lovely niece Pippa and meeting my nephew’s two new kittens (to date, nameless).  

Roll on Thursday!