Syd Barrett took a left turn and never came back, Andrew Voyce did. Why?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Hopkinson ◽  
Andrew Voyce ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Left Turn ◽  
Intractable Problems ◽  
History Of ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the stories of Syd Barrett musician, with Andrew Voyce, and their respective recovery journeys. Design/methodology/approach The authors use collaborative autoethnography to share their own perspectives on Syd Barrett and to contrast his story with that of Andrew, a co-author. Findings Both Syd and Andrew experienced serious mental distress. While Syd had only limited contact with mental health services, Andrew’s contact was extensive, with a 20-year history of admissions and discharges. In the end, when the psychiatric services listened to Andrew’s concerns and acted on them, he was able to enter into the journey of recovery. Research limitations/implications The authors are restricted in the amount of available information on Syd Barrett, especially that related to mental health problems. The story of Andrew shows how recovery is possible even after years of serious mental illness. Practical implications Andrew’s story shows why professionals should never give up on people, with even the most seemingly severe and intractable problems. Could services have done more for Syd? Social implications Mental illness still attracts huge stigma. Today there is a much more open culture. Would Syd have come out about his own struggles with mental health had society been more open? Originality/value Bringing together two stories of mental distress enables the authors to explore the concept of recovery.

Remarkable lives: Jen Waring in conversation with Jerome Carson

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-159
Author(s):  
Jen Waring ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Many ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Jen Waring. Design/methodology/approach – Jen provides a short biographical description of her life. She is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings – Jen talks about her long battle with mental health problems and what has sustained her over this time. She talks about the crucial importance of support from both loved ones and professionals, as well as medication. Research limitations/implications – Single case studies are of course just one person’s story. Given Jen is an academic biologist, she not only has a unique way of looking at mental illness, she can see the potential of developing approaches in the biological understanding for people experiencing mental distress. Practical implications – Jen’s account shows the need for long-term support for more severe mental health problems. There are no quick fixes! It also highlights the need for interventions at biological, psychological and social levels. Social implications – People need “somewhere to live, someone to love and something meaningful to do” (Rachel Perkins). Many sufferers do not have all three. Services may only be able to provide two of these. Originality/value – Accounts of mental illness recovery by academics can often provide the authors with amazing insights into the world of the mentally distressed. They can also serve as an inspiration to the many students who experience mental distress.

The development and results of the European Mental Health Integration Index (2014)

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 205-210
Author(s):  
Peter John Huxley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Community Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Integration

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on the development and results of the Mental Health Inclusion Index. Design/methodology/approach – Data gathering and interviews with key policy makers in 30 countries in Europe (the EU28 plus Switzerland and Norway). Data gathered enabled the production of an 18 indicator benchmarking index ranking the 30 countries based on their commitment to integrating people with mental illness. Findings – The main findings were: mental illness exacts a substantial human and economic toll on Europe, and there is a substantial treatment gap, especially for people with common mental health problems. Germany’s generous social provision and strong healthcare system put it number one in the Mental Health Integration Index. The UK and Scandinavian states come next. The lowest-scoring countries in the index are from Europe’s south-east, where there is a long history of neglect of mental illness and poorly developed community services. One needs to understand that the leading countries are not the only ones providing examples of best practice in integrating those with mental illness. Employment is the field of greatest concern for people with mental illness, but employment is also the area with the most inconsistent policies across Europe. A distinction can be made between countries whose policies are aspirational and those where implantation is support by substantial and most importantly sustained, resource investment. Europe as a whole is only in the early stages of the journey from institution- to community-based care. Lack of data makes greater understanding of this field difficult, and improvement can only be demonstrated by repeated surveys of this kind, based on more substantial, comprehensive and coherent information. Research limitations/implications – Usual caveats about the use of surveys. Missing data due to non-response and poverty of mental health inclusion data in many European countries. Practical implications – The author reflects on the findings and considers areas for future action. The main implications are: better services result from substantial, but most importantly, sustained investment; and that employment is most important to people with mental health problems, but is one of the most inconsistent policy areas across Europe. Social implications – Supports the need for consistent investment in community mental health services and more consistent employment policies in Europe. Originality/value – This survey is the first of its kind in Europe, and was conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit in London, and sponsored by Janssen.

scholarly journals Community Perception towards Mental Illness among Residents of Gimbi Town, Western Ethiopia

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Misael Benti ◽  
Jemal Ebrahim ◽  
Tadesse Awoke ◽  
Zegeye Yohannis ◽  
Asres Bedaso
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Family History ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Community Perception ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Information ◽  
History Of

Background. Despite the increased burden of mental health problem, little is known about knowledge and perception of the public towards mental health problems in Ethiopia. Methods. Community based cross-sectional study was conducted among selected 845 Gimbi town residents from May 28 to June 28, 2014. Results. Out of the total study participants, 304 (37.3%) were found to have poor perception (a score below mean five semantic differential scales for positive questions and above mean for negative questions) of mental illness. Being above 28 years of age (AOR = 0.48 CI (0.23, 0.78)), private workers (AOR = 0.41 CI (0.19, 0.87)), and lack of mental health information were found to be associated with poor perception of mental illness (AOR = 0.133 CI (0.09, 0.20)). Absence of family history of mental illness was also found to be associated with poor perception of mental illness (AOR = 0.37 CI (0.21, 0.66)). Conclusions. Significant proportions of the community in Gimbi town were found to have poor perception of mental illness. Poor perception is common among old aged, less educated, private workers, those unable to access mental health information, and those with no family history of mental illness. Mental health education on possible causes, treatment options, and possible outcome of treatment to the community is required.

Mental health, permanent housing, and peer support through community living in the Fairweather Lodge: implementation through collaboration

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles Bermingham ◽  
Christopher F. Manlick ◽  
William Ming Liu
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Housing Program ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
History Of ◽  
Employment Needs

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explain the history of the Fairweather Lodge Program, its utility, the development of one program in a small Midwestern city, the role of psychology, and the importance of disseminating information about the program to combat homelessness. Design/methodology/approach – This paper takes a short case study approach to describing the evolution of a peer support-based housing program for individuals with serious mental illness and a history of homelessness. Findings – The Fairweather Lodge facilitates peer support, community engagement, stable housing, and work engagement in those struggling with mental illness and homelessness. Originality/value – The Fairweather Lodge Program is a program intended to support the mental health and employment needs of individuals with severe mental illness who are at increased risk of homelessness. Housing alone often does not address the complex needs of chronically homeless individuals.

Promoting well-being and reducing stigma about mental health in the fire service

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenna Moffitt ◽  
Janet Bostock ◽  
Ashley Cave
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Promotion ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Fire Service ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Promotion ◽  
Random Allocation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Training Conditions

Purpose – Workplace stress is a particular issue in the fire service. Research suggests this is related to excessive demands, relationships with senior managers, changing roles and exposure to traumatic events. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact on managers of three mental health promotion interventions. First, a locally developed course entitled “Looking after Wellbeing at Work” (LWW), second, an internationally developed training course: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). Third, an hour-long leaflet session (LS). Design/methodology/approach – This study used a random allocation design. In total, 176 fire service line managers were randomly allocated to one of the three training conditions: LWW, MHFA, or a control condition (LS). Participants completed The Attitudes to Mental Illness Scale (Luty et al., 2006) and a locally developed “Mental Health Stigma Questionnaire” pre- and post-intervention. Results were analysed using a MANOVA. Participants were also asked to complete a general evaluation, rating all aspects of the courses from poor to excellent. In total, 30 participants were also chosen at random to conduct telephone interviews about their experience of the course. Results were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings – The LWW and MHFA courses were associated with statistically significant improvements in attitudes to mental illness and knowledge/self-efficacy around mental health, comparing pre- and post-scores, and comparing post-scores of the two training courses with a LS. The general evaluations of the LWW and MHFA courses indicated the mean rating for all aspects of both training conditions was good to excellent. Two themes were identified across the qualitative interviews: participants described they were more able to recognise and respond to mental health problems; and participants described changing attitudes towards mental health. Research limitations/implications – The strengths of this study are the number of participants, random allocation, and multiple facets of evaluation. The quantitative evaluation is limited, as one of the questionnaires has untested psychometric properties. The control condition was limited as it was only offered for one hour, making comparison with two-day training problematic. The qualitative evaluation was useful in gaining descriptive data, however, it may have been possible to conduct a more in-depth analysis with a smaller number of participants. Originality/value – The results from this study indicate that providing training in mental health awareness and promotion was considered helpful, by managers in the Fire Service and had positive outcomes for attitudes and understanding about mental health. While there are limitations, initial results of training in mental health promotion are promising. Such training has the potential to promote the public's mental health and wellbeing, and improve the quality of life for people with mental health problems.

Patsy Flanagan in conversation with Jerome Carson

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 174-177
Author(s):  
Patsy Flanagan ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Patsy Flanagan. Design/methodology/approach Patsy provides a short background to her life story and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Patsy shares with us a journey of suffering that started when she was only five, to today where she feels she has been saved by motherhood and would like to save others through her books. Research limitations/implications Case studies illustrate the complexities and the richness of human experience and help us understand mental health and mental illness better. Practical implications Patsy makes a heartfelt plea to those contemplating suicide, “I beg of you, reconsider. Life can improve”. Social implications To tackle the mental health epidemic we are witnessing, Patsy says we must start conversations about mental wellbeing in childhood. Schools have a vital role to play. Originality/value Patsy states that creativity and empathy can arise from suffering. Her own story bears witness to this.

The Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland – a unique and influential voice

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 137-147
Author(s):  
Colin McKay ◽  
Heather Welsh
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Learning Disabilities ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Persons With Disabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities ◽  
History Of

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the unique and independent role of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland. Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the reader through the history of the Commission, its changing status, roles and responsibilities, its influence and impact, and current priorities. It is based on details of the Commission ' s development, narrative from current employees and published investigations and advice. Findings – The Mental Welfare Commission has advanced significantly since its original establishment. It plays a vital role in protecting the human rights of people in Scotland with learning disabilities and mental illness, by visiting those who are in receipt of care or treatment, investigating situations of concern, providing advice and guidance, monitoring the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 and shaping relevant policy and legislation. Originality/value – This paper provides an introduction to the work of the Commission, which will be of value to readers in Scotland and beyond. It illustrates its importance in preserving the rights of individuals with learning disabilities and mental illness in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other legislation.

Maddi Faith in conversation with Jerome Carson

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-16
Author(s):  
Maddi Faith ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Maddi Faith. Design/methodology/approach In this single case study, Maddi gives a short background and the origins of her mental health issues and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Maddi tells the authors how her problems developed in her childhood and of the journey she has been on since. Research limitations/implications Single case studies provide a single perspective. Yet are they of any less value than a commentary by an academic? On the contrary, many offer unique insights into how the authors provide services for people with mental health problems, and of better ways to help them. Practical implications Maddi raises the issue of “falling between services”, with the result that the individual concerned does not receive the help they need. Social implications The persistent stigma of mental health problems is an issue that will need to be addressed for decades if it is to be overcome. Personal witness is vital in tackling this issue. Maddi has already done a lot to address this through her work at University. Originality/value The Trust the second author worked for, for many years used to have a staff “Made a Difference” award. Maddi surely deserves such an award for her own efforts to develop our understanding of the realities of mental health problems.

Recovery heroes from the past: Charles Dickens (1859:2003): “it was the best of times it was the worst of times”

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-84
Author(s):  
Gail Longworth ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Charles Dickens ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Historical Record ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Personal Resilience ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of the novelist Charles Dickens. Design/methodology/approach Several biographies and articles about the life of Charles Dickens were examined, to see if there was evidence that he experienced mental health problems. Findings While Dickens has been acclaimed for his ability to authentically portray the living conditions of the poor in the nineteenth-century Britain, there is comparatively little historical record of the fact that he may have experienced bipolar disorder. This paper suggests that he displayed many of the characteristic symptoms of bipolar. Research limitations/implications The story of Dickens’ own childhood is an amazing example of personal resilience. It no doubt enhanced the quality of his writing, but it may also have “sown the seeds” of a later mental illness. Practical implications So much attention has been focused on the colourful characters from Dickens’ novels, but little on the problems of the man himself. Social implications The story of Charles Dickens is as fascinating as any of the fictional characters he created, if not even more intriguing. His story confirms the link between writers, creativity and mood disorders. Originality/value Given the huge attention and worldwide acclaim paid to the books of Charles Dickens, which have inspired numerous films as well as musicals, it is surprising how little attention has been paid to the author himself and his struggles with mental illness.

Reducing the cost of mental health problems at work – what can companies do?

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Piers Bishop
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Scientific Management ◽  
Annual Review ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Human Needs ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The number of companies reporting mental health problems among staff is increasing. The author argues that initiatives to help staff cope with these difficulties are too late and that it is the duty of organizations to develop a workplace culture and environment where people can be motivated but calm and that other benefits will also flow from this. Design/methodology/approach The paper reports findings from the CIPD, HSE and NHS as background to a discussion of how auditing unmet human needs might be expected to improve mental health at work. Findings The paper suggests that a relatively simple and inexpensive approach could change the landscape of human emotion at work and that the process would embed a new culture of understanding and coaching in management. Research limitations/implications The conclusions would not necessarily extend to repetitive manufacturing processes and implementation would be difficult in organizations wedded to early twentieth century “scientific” management principles. Practical implications The paper has implications for organizations operating in the “knowledge” economy where the management has an interest in developing and retaining a happy and energized staff. Social implications The paper has implications for people whose lives are affected by stress generated by the working environment and culture. Originality/value This paper fits two identified needs: to suggest better ways of supporting staff who might develop mental health problems at work and to suggest a framework that will fill the gap left by the approaching demise of the annual review or appraisal process.

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