• Home
  • about littlegreycells
  • Mental Health
  • NHS
  • News
  • Features

littlegreycells

~ blogs, news and features on mental health and the NHS

littlegreycells

Category Archives: Mental Health

Euthanasia and chronic mental illness – an uncomfortable discussion

26 Sunday Jun 2016

Posted by kipdudden in Blogs, Mental Health

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

euthanasia

Many people in favour of legalising euthanasia fail to consider its implications for those suffering from long term mental health conditions. Earlier this month, a woman in her 20s, suffering from several chronic psychiatric conditions, was helped to die by a doctor in Holland. The unnamed Dutch national was the victim of sexual and physical abuse, which spanned over 10 years; she was reported to have been suffering from anorexia nervosa, PTSD and chronic depression. Many who struggle with severe mental illness deal with unbearable pain, while also being subjected to futile treatments that only further diminish their quality of life. But can this ever justify medically ending their life?

In the UK, the idea of a young, physically healthy individual undergoing assisted suicide does not sit comfortably with most people. Yet last year, 56 people in the Netherlands suffering from mental illness received the lethal injection, increasing from just 11 in 2013. In 2015, 13 per cent of the Belgians who were euthanised did not have a terminal condition, and around three per cent suffered from psychiatric disorders.

Without medical intervention, it is certain many of these patients would have taken matters into their own hands: perhaps succeeding, leaving family and friends to deal with huge emotional trauma. Or perhaps failing, and possibly doing lasting physical damage which would only add to their misery.

An article in the New Yorker reported that Dirk De Wachter, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Leuven, reconsidered his opposition to euthanasia after a patient whose request he had rejected set up a camera in front of an Antwerp newsagents and set herself on fire. In contrast to these disastrous outcomes, a formal process of medicalised euthanasia is not only safe but may help loved ones to understand, engage and prepare. The article went on to suggest that some physicians find euthanasia requests useful since they create an opportunity to make therapeutic interventions with patients who may not otherwise have sought medical help. And many, given time and treatment, may decide they want to live.

The interactions between autonomy, nonmaleficence and beneficence are both ancient and intricate. Discussion in the UK surrounding euthanasia for psychiatric conditions remains hypothetical – although there are stories of people in Britain receiving assessments by the Swiss clinic Dignitas, under such circumstances. This is an imaginably painful scenario for friends, family and the of course the patients themselves. And while capacious patients’ wishes are ultimately infallible, our thoughts should also go to who must carry them out. Ethics aside, any physician who approves or performs such a procedure will surely be left with lasting internal conflict – is it too much to ask of a single profession, that it both save, and take lives?

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Like this:

Like Loading...

New hope for anorexia sufferers

03 Thursday Mar 2016

Posted by kipdudden in Mental Health, News

≈ Leave a comment

Research published this morning has shown magnetic brain stimulation could play a role in the treatment of anorexia. The study by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IOPPN) involved 60 volunteers. This is the first randomised trial to investigate this type of treatment in eating disorders.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Like this:

Like Loading...

Israel joins Fashion’s battle with Eating Disorders

30 Wednesday Dec 2015

Posted by kipdudden in Mental Health, News

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

anorexia, eating disorder

On New Years Day legislation designed to protect models in Israel will come into force. Is 2016 the year the fashion industry will take responsibility for it’s role in the prevalence of eating disorders? 

Israeli legislation which makes it a legal requirement for models to have a BMI over 18.5 will become active on January 1.

Adi Barkan, a fashion photographer, gynecologist, lawyer and member of Knesset started the campaign for healthier body image after the death of the model Hila Elmaliah.

Earlier this month French MPs voted in favour of similar legislation intended to combat eating disorders in the fashion industry.

The french bill will mean models have to  be confirmed as healthy by doctors in order to work. It also forces magazines to label Photoshopped images “touched up”.

Anyone found to have broken the law will be liable for a fine of €75,000 and up to six months in prison.

Previous drafts have proposed a minimum BMI for models however the idea resulted in protest by the fashion industry. This bill leaves the decision in the hands of doctors. Physicians will be asked to take into account a number of factors including weight, age and mental well-being.

In Britain

There is currently no legislation outlining a minimum BMI or health certificate for models in the UK.

The British Fashion Council (BFC) established an agreement with UK designers in 2008 following the publication of Fashioning a Healthy Future a report into models’ health.

The agreement outlined several measures:

  • A ban on models under the age of 16 at London Fashion Week:
  • The provision of healthy food and drinks for all workers backstage at fashion shows.
  • A BFC funded eating disorder awareness seminar for model agencies staff delivered by B-EAT.

At the same time the BFC introduced it’s own auditing process to monitor these measures. There is however no audit data or report available on the BFC website.

Following the reports publication, the BFC also commissioned an independent feasibility study which found: “the modelling industry (models, modelling agencies and Equity) universally reject the proposed introduction of Model Health Certificates in London.”

Rosie Nelson

An Australian born model, who has been featured in Vouge, has started a petition on change.org following a London based fashion agencies request that she get “down to the bone”, despite repeatedly losing weight.

Rosie is petitioning Minister for Women and Equalities, Caroline Dinenage, to create a law to protect models from getting dangerously skinny.

Meet @rosalienelson, the amazing model campaigning to change the World of fashion. https://t.co/b85vMHWMSm pic.twitter.com/BV9IjZKnuS

— Liberty in Love (@LibertyinLove) December 2, 2015

Congrats to France for regulating health checks for models! Let's hope the UK can follow in France's petit footsteps 👣🇫🇷 @David_Cameron

— Rosie Nelson (@rosalienelson) December 21, 2015

In her petition she said: “The agencies managing and recruiting models have a responsibility to the well-being of girls on the catwalk at fashion week, and in the industry as a whole.”

The petition still requires 33,000 signatures to meet it’s target. To sign Rosie’s petition click here

Legislation elsewhere

In Denmark brands must carry out ‘psychological and physical’ evaluations before working with models in order to spot eating disorders or mental health issues, according to the nation’s Fashion Ethical Charter, established in 2007.

It also states models must also be 16 or over in order to receive money for their work although younger models are said to receive sample garments in lieu of actual payment.

Similar measures have been taken in countries across Europe. Spain and Italy currently ban models with a BMI below 18 from taking part in Madrid fashion shows.

WHO guidelines state that an adult with a BMI below 18 is considered malnourished, and 17 severely malnourished.

Featured Image accredited to José Goulão

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Like this:

Like Loading...

London Nightline: Listening Saves Lives

13 Sunday Dec 2015

Posted by kipdudden in Features, Mental Health

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

depression, nightline, PTSD, samaritans, suicide

“I have made two attempts to kill myself. At the time I really felt there were no other options and that people would be better off without me” says Maxine Williamson

Through her twenties, she battled depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Like most people, she believed suicide was a selfish option. But once you reach that point, misery masks itself like logic and you can come to some warped conclusions. “I actually thought it was the least selfish thing to do.”

The distressing root of her illness made her feel she couldn’t talk to her family. She felt like she was a burden. When you’re moving to a big city or starting university, friends can be difficult to find. Tougher still to find ones who you feel able share things with that you’ve never put into words before.

Suicide amongst students is a problem. There has been a 49% increase in student suicides between the years 2007-2011, according to data from the Office for National Statistics. Whilst male student suicides were up 36%, female student suicides almost doubled in the same period. It is likely those numbers are even higher now.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Like this:

Like Loading...

Should children be taught about Mental Health?

08 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by kipdudden in Blogs, Mental Health

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

children's mental health, depression, mental health

850,000 children in the UK have mental health problems, according to the children’s mental health charity youngminds. This equals around three children in the average classroom. 

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Like this:

Like Loading...

Woman Refuses Treatment following Suicide Attempt

02 Wednesday Dec 2015

Posted by kipdudden in Mental Health, News, The NHS

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

human rights, mental capacity act, mental health, suicide

In a question of mental capacity a woman known as C has been ruled the right to refuse life saving treatment following a paracetamol overdose.

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Like this:

Like Loading...

Have your Parents ever asked you about your Mental Health?

30 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by kipdudden in Blogs, Mental Health, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Your Dad picks you up from Uni for the Christmas holidays. You get in the car, he asks how you’ve been, you say fine. He knows you’ve been finding things tough but it doesn’t seem like he really wants to hear about it. Sound familiar?

Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Like this:

Like Loading...

GP Trainee Commits Suicide Fearing Suspension for Drinking

27 Friday Nov 2015

Posted by kipdudden in Mental Health, News, The NHS, Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

doctors, GMC, GP, junior doctors, NHS, suicide

Dr James Halcrow, 34, had been told not to drink by General Medical Council (GMC) following his self referral for  “other issues he was having”.

He was found dead by friends in his flat in Manchester’s Northern Quarter on June 24. An inquest heard he had hanged himself due to fears he would fail an alcohol test.

Since his death it has come to light he had won the national award ‘Trainee GP of the Year’. The note which was found with his body read: “I’m sorry.”

At the inquest into his death Ian Halcrow, his father and former soldier, said: “He had an amazing number of friends. He thrived on friendship and had a very close family as well.” According to the Manchester Evening Standard.

He added: “He chose to refer himself to the GMC off his own back. He was a very honest person and felt it was the correct thing to do as a responsible individual and medical practitioner.”

Dr Halcrow had attended two interviews with the GMC both leaving him hopeful of getting the restrictions lifted. However he felt the final interview had gone badly after he said he would drink socially once the GMC had finished their investigation.

Coroner Dr Jean Harkin said of his death: “It is clear James was an excellent doctor, so much so he was given an award. He was very sociable and this restriction affected him deeply and affected the social side of his life also”

Doctors at Risk

In 2014 a doctor under investigation by the GMC was 20 times more likely to commit suicide than a member general public according to figures from the Department of Health.

South London GP and blogger Dr Una Coales, who has herself faced investigation from the RCGP said:

“The GMC must reform and ensure they arrange counselling and support for any doctor they are investigating or putting under restrictions that may affect employment and pay.”

 

If you feel affected by any of the issues raised here and need someone to talk with the Samaritans are always happy to listen. They provide a 24 hour, free and confidential service:

Call 116 123

Featured image accredited to  DarkoStojanovic 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Like this:

Like Loading...

The Full Monty – A story of Men’s Mental Health

26 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by kipdudden in Mental Health

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

depression, erectile dysfunction, mental health, steel works, suicide, The Full Monty

The Full Monty tells the story of a six unemployed men from Sheffield who decide to form a striptease act in an attempt to change their fortunes. But they confront a number of mental health issues along the way.

The film was a major critical success grossing over $250 from a budget of less than $3 million. This made it the highest grossing film in the UK until it was outsold by Titanic.

The Full Monty gathered critical acclaim in a number of fields winning 35 awards including recognition for choreography and an Oscar for best music:

 

 

But looking back it’s down to earth discussion of male mental health issues also deserves recognition.

On their journey the six former steelworkers confronts depression, suicide erectile dysfunction (ED), and body image in the wake of redundancy.

However light hearted, the film normalises mental illness by demonstrating it’s frequency.  It shows that ‘blokey’ men can have non judgmental conversations about mental health. It also highlights the value of peer support but doesn’t shy away from how difficult men find it to talk about these issues.

Although peer support is advocated by the Royal College of Psychiatrists it isn’t always enough.  From a mental health perspective, the most frustrating element of the lovable characters stories is their failure to seek professional help.

The effects of Unemployment

The Full Monty also tackles the impact of unemployment which has a huge effect on psychological well-being. So much so research indicates unemployed people are two to three times more at risk of death by suicide than fully employed people.

A study looking at the effects of unemployment in Bradford took people who lost their job during the 2009-2010 economic recession. It found three main experiences that made involuntary unemployment a serious detriment to mental health:

  • Inability to pursue goals: Immediately people are unable to save, buy/do the things they want. In the long term career is damaged or lost.
  • ‘Spoiled identities’: People suffer an identity crisis during the image transition from someone who works to someone who doesn’t. They may experience ‘unemployment stigma’ and ‘welfare stigma’.
  • Destruction of routine: People suffer a loss of structure and motivation in their lives.

 

If you feel affected by any of the issues and need someone to talk with the Samaritans are always happy to listen. They provide a 24 hour, free and confidential service:

Call 116 123

Featured image accredited to C Jill Reed

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Like this:

Like Loading...

Computer Says No – New Study says Computerised CBT Doesn’t Work for Depression

25 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by kipdudden in Mental Health, News

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

cbt, depression, GP, IAPT, NHS

A study by York University academics has revealed computerised CBT (cCBT) does not reduce symptoms of depression.
Continue reading →

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts

Most popular

  • #smallthings
    #smallthings
  • Labour candidate for London Mayor Sadiq Khan helps celebrate World Mental Health Day
    Labour candidate for London Mayor Sadiq Khan helps celebrate World Mental Health Day
  • Jeremy Hunt’s claims GPs will become Obsolete face Severe Criticism from both Academics and Doctors.
    Jeremy Hunt’s claims GPs will become Obsolete face Severe Criticism from both Academics and Doctors.
  • Research Suggests Inadequacies in the Physical Care of the those Suffering from Mental Ill-health
    Research Suggests Inadequacies in the Physical Care of the those Suffering from Mental Ill-health
  • Anxiety & Depression - The Empathy Trap
    Anxiety & Depression - The Empathy Trap
  • Suicide: A Not-So Silent Epidemic.
    Suicide: A Not-So Silent Epidemic.

Follow on Facebook

Follow on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

My Tweets

Archives

  • June 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
%d bloggers like this: