Who Am I? Brian Glass – Choose Life Training Co-ordinator for East Lothian I am an accredited trainer for SMHFA, safeTALK and ASIST I have a mental illness I am in recovery Helped today by my co-trainer in MHFA – Sue Cairns

What is Health? ‘ ... a state of (complete) physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.’ (World Health Organization)

Mental Health ‘Mental health influences how we think and feel about ourselves and others, as well as how we interpret events. It affects our capacity to learn, to communicate and to form, sustain and end relationships. It also influences our ability to cope with change, transition and life events, such as having a baby, moving house, or experiencing bereavement.’ (Friedli 2004)

The Mental Health Continuum Maximum Mental Wellbeing Has a diagnosis of a serious mental health problem but copes with life well and has positive mental wellbeing No diagnosable mental health problem and positive mental wellbeing Minimum Mental Health Problems Maximum Mental Health Problems Has a diagnosis of a serious mental health problem and poor mental wellbeing No diagnosable mental health problem but poor mental wellbeing Minimum Mental Wellbeing

Mental Health and Difference Mental health is made worse by: Stigma Poverty Deprivation Racism Discrimination.

Strands of Inequality Age Disability Gender Race or ethnic background Religious belief Sexuality.

Protective Factors Staying active Being involved Having choice Making decisions

Fight or Flight Physiology 9

Fight or Flight Physiology 10

Fight or Flight Triggered by perceived threat Brain not able to separate one kind of threat from another Stress of stigma or bullying Relationship difficulties Demanding Letter in RED Money worries Lorry approaching at speed. 11

Signs of Depression An unusually sad mood that does not go away Loss of enjoyment or interest in things that were once enjoyable Lack of energy and tiredness. Loss of confidence in self Feeling guilty when not at fault Wanting to die Difficulty in concentrating Moving more slowly than usual or being more agitated or unsettled than usual Sleep problems – too much or too little Appetite problems – too much or too little.

More Signs of Depression Be more emotional or show almost no emotion Think badly of themselves Believe others think badly of them Have trouble concentrating or be confused Withdraw from others or constantly seek reassurance.

Other Areas Covered in MHFA Attitudes to Mental Health/Illness Recovery Listening Skills Alcohol and Drugs and their effect on Mental Illness Suicide Psychosis Self-harm Depression Anxiety

For further information on SMHFA visit: www.smhfa.com Learn More Three hour suicide alertness skills training. Learn how to recognise people with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide intervention resources. Two day suicide intervention skills training. Learn to be willing, ready and able to intervene to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Skills-based training on risk management for suicide. For further information visit the Choose Life website: www.chooselife.net For further information on SMHFA visit: www.smhfa.com

Contact Details 0131 653 1086 Chooselife@changeschp.org.uk My direct dial number. If I am not there, which is highly likely being part time and doing training, leave a message I will respond…sometime!