Email Announcement March 2005
ONE BIG LAUGH
There’s a marathon comedy event being held in Edinburgh in aid of Depression Alliance Scotland on 30th March 2005, through to 1st April – an attempt at the world comedy record! Organised by Glasgow stand-up, Michael McEwan, the event will be held at the Three Tuns, Hanover Street, Edinburgh. Check out the website - www.onebiglaugh.com . Michael and his colleague, Mac Star, both know how it feels to have depression and are keen to challenge the stigma associated with the illness. We hope that as many people as possible will go along to support the event.
************************************************************
NATIONAL DEPRESSION WEEK 18TH – 25TH APRIL 2005
National Depression Week is coming. We want to encourage people with depression not to suffer in silence, and contact us and find out about ways of getting help and support. We have put together an information pack containing a poster and leaflets, if you would like one of these please contact us on 0131 467 3050 between 10am and 2pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
************************************************************
IN THE NEWS – Don’t just suffer in silence
It’s OK to ask for help, but we find it hard to make the first steps when it comes to emotional problems. Many people become expert at burying uncomfortable or stressful feelings that we fool themselves into believing that they have really disappeared. Others are affected by stigma against depression and other mental health problems and feel ashamed. However if you find yourself getting into difficulties such as not sleeping at night, mood changes, abusing alcohol or other substances, or even working or cleaning too much, you may feel you would like to look for some type of support. Even practical support like someone going with you to a doctors appointment could help. Asking your friends and family for help can be hard but if you are direct and specific it could be useful. If speaking to someone who doesn’t know you would be easier it is worth considering approaching support organisations or visiting your GP who may be able to refer you to a professional counsellor. These days more and more employers are recognising that an emotionally healthy workforce is an effective workforce so it is worth checking if your employer has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
The Scotsman 21/03/05
(this article is available online at http://news.scotsman.com/archive.cfm?id=300912005 – you may have to register to read it)
************************************************************
STORIES OF RECOVERY
In April and May the Scottish Recovery Network(SRN) will be travelling Scotland gathering people’s personal stories of recovery from long term mental health problems. It is hoped that information from these stories will assist others on their own recovery journey. It is also envisaged that this evidence will help carers, communities and professionals gain a better understanding of what factors help or hinder recovery.
If you are interested in sharing your experiences please contact story@scottishrecovery.net or phone Niki on 01620 893551.
Story collection days will take place in:
Edinburgh on Friday 15th April,
Glasgow on Friday 22nd April,
Aberdeen on Friday 29th April,
Dundee on Friday 6th May,
Dumfries on Friday13th May,
Inverness on Friday 20th May
All expenses will be reimbursed, lunch will be provided and all participants will be remunerated with a £15 gift token.
Further information about the Scottish Recovery Network can be found on www.scottishrecovery.net
************************************************************