July 2010 Archives

Is it possible to win the war on drugs?

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 30, 2010 12:06 PM | No Comments
A news story in the Scottish Sun today suggests it isn't. I would tend to agree - lots of countries have tried fighting it and put a lot of money into it, and none have won it. Given that - isn't it time to change tack?

While I'm here, and because it's Friday, here's a rather random item. Apparently having a car in an unpopular colour is associated with a significant reduction in the chances of it being nicked.

Forests and friends, two things that are good for you

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 28, 2010 2:10 PM | No Comments
The Guardian has two stories today about things which are good for your mental health.

A strong circle of family and friends can boost your health more than exercise, losing weight or giving up smoking, according to psychologists.

And, walking in the woods can help tackle depression and stress.

Meanwhile, the BBC reports on the latest fears that a new version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, a guidebook used by psychiatrists, could lead to more people being diagnosed with a mental health condition.

Mother's affection, a bad day and a death in custody

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 27, 2010 11:19 AM | No Comments
Here's a round up of interesting mental health related items I have noticed today:

An account of the death in custody of a mental health patient in London, from the BBC.

CNN examines the links between a mother's affection in childhood and later anxiety in adults.

And the science behind having a bad day and how to make it a better day, in Mind Hacks.

Can sport really be Britain's "hidden social worker"?

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 26, 2010 11:23 AM | No Comments
So suggesteth Lord Coe in an article in the Mail today.

I think he has a good point, particularly in relation to work with young people. Ready access to sport every night of the week would keep a lot of kids out of trouble.

There's a bit more to social work than that of course, but I do hope the Olympics can have the effect that Coe predicts.

It was also a rare treat to have the words social worker used in the Mail without being seen as some sort of insult.

Feel free to join the debate on this one on CareSpace.

Blood test for depression, anxiety guidance and lying

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 22, 2010 4:55 PM | No Comments
Here are a few things I spotted today.

Apparently scientists may soon be able to develop blood tests to identify major depressive disorder. How useful would this be?

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is consulting on new guidance for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder.

And why lying to avoid confrontation is not a good idea.

A mental health camp for the UK

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 22, 2010 4:06 PM | No Comments
Over on the internet.artizans blog they are hoping to set up a mental health camp in the UK, similar to one that was recently set up in Canada.

The idea is to bring people together to examine how developments in technology and new media can help people with mental health problems and promote positive mental health.

It sounds like an interesting idea and the organisers are currently looking for people who want to get involved or can help.

Young people shape mental health services and why it's good to be busy

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 21, 2010 2:45 PM | No Comments
Two items for you today.

Firstly, the Guardian covers a new project in which young people get to shape mental health services for their peers. Sounds very worthwhile.

Secondly there is a story that certainly rings very true with me. Research suggests we are happier when we're busy but unfortunately we have an inbuilt instinct to be idle, an 'evolutionary vestiges that ensure we conserve energy' BPS Research Digest says.

Tackling depression without drugs

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 20, 2010 2:58 PM | No Comments
Back from a short break and just wanted to point you to a piece in the Guardian about a new book by a clinical psychologist about beating depression without using drugs.
Continue reading Tackling depression without drugs.

Living with psychosis and the resilience movement

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 13, 2010 3:25 PM | No Comments
There's a good piece in the Independent in which Erica Crompton talks about her experience of psychosis, her treatment and the stigma attached to it. Well worth a look.
Continue reading Living with psychosis and the resilience movement.

Social worker stops boy jumping off bridge

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 12, 2010 11:05 AM | 1 Comment
There's a great good-news story about social worker Paul Child who has received an award after talking down a boy who was threatening to jump off a bridge.
Continue reading Social worker stops boy jumping off bridge.

Friday roundup: creativity, Alzheimer's and the importance of Noggin

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 9, 2010 2:37 PM | No Comments
Here is a triumvirate of items that have crossed my radar on this balmy Friday.

Firstly, the Press Association reports on new research into a potential cure for Alzheimer's - positive but very early days.
Continue reading Friday roundup: creativity, Alzheimer's and the importance of Noggin.

New thinking about personality disorder

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 7, 2010 11:05 AM | No Comments
There's a very interesting article in Psychology Today on emerging thinking about personality disorder.
Continue reading New thinking about personality disorder.

Mental health and alternative medicine

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 6, 2010 2:56 PM | 2 Comments
One American mental health care centre is embracing holistic medicine in a bid, I guess, to treat the whole person rather than their illness.
Continue reading Mental health and alternative medicine.

The illusion of free will

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 6, 2010 2:32 PM | No Comments
Time carries an article about the growing body of evidence which seems to suggest that we are far more motivated by unconscious processes than we may have imagined.
Continue reading The illusion of free will.

Is it wrong to use the term 'mental'?

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 5, 2010 12:00 PM | No Comments
The Telegraph has picked up on a tweet by Sally Bercow, the wife of the speaker of the House of Commons. 
Continue reading Is it wrong to use the term 'mental'?.

New blog and poetry by Alzheimer's sufferer

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By Simeon Brody, community editor, on July 1, 2010 5:13 PM | No Comments
A CareSpace user called Norrms has started blogging about his life with early onset Alzheimer's.
His posts are powerful and well worth checking out.
Continue reading New blog and poetry by Alzheimer's sufferer.
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Mad World highlights the latest research, policy and debate about all things mental health along with some social work stuff and the odd piece of random nonsense, just to keep you on your toes.

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