Depression Support Thread

Tiff_2

Hi guys!
All right, all right - I'm coming!... ... I tell you - some people!...mutter...mutter...

''On the third day of December, Tiffy said to me...

'The Price Of Christmas Spending On Mental Health...
[quote=Reported in Medical News Today 11th Jan. 2008]An online poll of 116 people by the mental health charity Mind found that respondents were stressed and anxious about repaying their Christmas spending. Here is a summary of the survey's findings:

19 per cent of people felt less able to manage their mental health because of worries about paying off the cost of Christmas

25 per cent were feeling depressed

20 per cent will have problems meeting their rent or mortgage payments this month

Over 50 per cent admitted they had spent more than they could afford on Christmas

39 per cent used credit cards to cover the cost of Christmas

33 per cent estimated that it would take them more than six months to pay off their Christmas spending debt

Mind's Chief Executive Paul Farmer said: "Christmas is an expensive time of year but it's not just your wallet that could be hurt by excessive spending. Financial worries can have a devastating impact on mental health and can lead to serious problems such as stress, anxiety and depression."
"People who have mental health problems are already more likely to be living in poverty, with many dependent on benefits because they are too ill to work. Worries about finances and the prospect of not being able to afford the essentials like food, heating and electricity will only add to their distress."
"We are concerned that the predicted credit crunch in 2008 will result in more people experiencing money worries which could have a detrimental impact on their mental health. That's why this year Mind is launching a major new study investigating the real toll that poverty and debt has on mental health."
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/93715.php' [/quote]

At some point with holiday finances and over-stretching ourselves in many ways, I think we have to take a step back and ask ourselves just what kind of gift could we be giving ourselves for most of the coming year? :eek: :money:

Peace of mind is surely the best gift of all.;)

Safe journeys, guys.
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

Tiff_2

Hi guys!
Evenin' all. Always wanted to say that! I have something a little different in mind tonight, folks - a little detour if you will...
Pssst - look what I found at the Ministry of Elf!!!

''On the fourth day of December, Tiffy said to me...

Father Christmas: Health Report
Every year, as Christmas approaches, Santa Claus visits his local health centre for a check-up. We have had exclusive sight of his doctor's report. It raises serious questions about whether this year's toy deliveries can be guaranteed. First, the railways, then the floods and now this!

Name:Mr S. Claus, aka Father Christmas, St Nicholas, St Nick
Age: approx 1,720 (born c. 280 AD)
Marital status:Single, but lives with numerous elves and several animal companions
Nationality:Originally from Asia Minor, now lives at North Pole
Occupation:An early Christian bishop turned toy-deliverer. Also the patron saint of children and seafarers.
Case notes.
Comment:
Mr Claus is in remarkably good shape for a man of his age. (He already exceeds the life expectancy of the average European male by 1,651 years.) However, his large waist circumference and higher than recommended body mass make him vulnerable to heart disease and diabetes.
Recommendation:
He should eat fewer mince pies (200 calories each) and consume at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day.

Comment:
Mr Claus informs me that he prefers his sleigh to cruise at 10,000 metres to avoid bad weather and I am therefore concerned about his vulnerability to altitude sickness. I am also worried that, when he enters UK airspace, he might be mistakenly identified on radar as an intruder and shot down.
Recommendation:
He should ensure his sleigh keeps below 3,000 metres at all times. If he does go higher, he will need to carry oxygen. Having consulted the RAF on his behalf, I have advised him to file a flight plan prior to departure and install an identifying transponder. In any event, so long as he shows no hostile intent, I am assured he will be escorted safely into UK airspace.

Comment:
The Met Office informs me that the temperature in Finnish Lapland on Christmas Eve can reach minus 20 degrees Centigrade. In London, it may be about minus one and in Glasgow minus two. The patient is clearly at considerable risk of hypothermia and frostbite.
Recommendation:
Warm clothing is essential. The British Mountaineering Council tells me he should wear: six layers of clothing, including three inner layers of thermal insulation and an all-in-one down suit; three pairs of gloves; three pairs of socks and plastic boots; a tubular scarf; and a balaclava, hat and hood.

Comment:
Mr Claus says he enjoys a glass of whisky in each house he visits. (There are over seven million households with children in Britain alone.) While he feels the alcohol could help reduce his risk of heart disease, I consider the consumption of several million units of alcohol in one night makes severe intoxication inevitable, an injury highly likely and death a serious possibility.
Recommendation:
The patient has been advised to have 'none for the road' and, even when not driving, to limit his intake to four units a day. Given his obvious alcohol dependency, this will be a struggle but counselling is available. Mr Claus may wish to drink Coca-Cola instead (after all, he is sponsored by the company) but he should be aware that each 330 ml can contains the equivalent of seven teaspoons of sugar.

Comment:
Mr Claus's occupation carries considerable risks: exposure to soot in the chimneys through which he frequently descends can cause skin and lung cancers as well as ulcers on the corneal surface of the eye; climbing up and down roofs and chimneys presents obvious risks of falling; and back trouble could result from lifting a heavy sack of presents.
Recommendation:
The Health and Safety Executive warns that work at a height exceeding two metres requires either scaffolding or firmly-secured ladders. I have therefore advised Mr Claus to enter buildings only by the front door. (If he insists on using his traditional route, goggles, a face mask and hard hat will be essential.) Attendance at a training course on safe lifting techniques is also recommended.

Comment:
On Christmas Eve, Mr Claus has to complete a heavy workload before a fixed deadline. Stress and fatigue are inevitable, increasing the risk of irritability, mood swings, errors and accidents.
Recommendation:
The patient should tackle his stress by taking up meditation or yoga. The colour red can cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure so he should consider changing his coat to a more relaxing blue. He should spread his workload over several nights or, better still, change to a daytime shift.

Comment:
Mr Claus is required to work in close proximity to large numbers of children in air-conditioned shopping malls. This increases the likelihood of colds and flu.
Recommendation:
Given the patient's age, a flu vaccination is advisable. He should also increase his immunity by regular moderate exercise (this will also help him lose weight) and taking a vitamin supplement.

Comment:
Having been a Catholic bishop, Mr Claus is understandably reluctant to discuss his sexual health. He also reports no urinary problems and, surprisingly for his age, may therefore be free of prostate trouble.
Recommendation:
I recommend a precautionary rectal examination and blood test for signs of prostate enlargement. In line with the clinic's policy to encourage safer sex, Mr Claus should be offered written information and a supply of condoms.

How could you?! Fancy putting a senior citizen through this every year - I hope you're ashamed of yourselves!
Maybe this is another good reason for our spending to be reined-in,deer?! (sorry - couldn't resist!)
Don't worry - I'm already on medication!

Hope to be back tomorrow. Be kind to yourself.
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

Tiff_2

Hi guys!
Me again.

'On the fifth day of December, Tiffy said to me...

Diabetic? Have A Sweet Christmas!
Yesterday, I posted about Santa's health but, I also thought about things that can make a real difference to diabetics at Christmas.
Hopefully, these links below from diabetes charities may give a few ideas for a variety of Christmas foods, ideas for diabetics partying and even ideas for a Christmas gift hamper for a diabetic person. It just goes to show that you don't necessarily have to pay a fortune for specialised foods and gifts.

Now remember, I'm not a professional or a medical Tiff in any way, so please always consult your own doctor first and don't take any risks with your health.

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Guide-to-Diabetes-extra-pages/Christmas-2008/Enjoying_yourself_at_Christmas/

http://www.diabetes.co.uk/newsletter/newsletter_articles/Christmas-guide-on-how-not-to-let-diabetes-spoil-your-fun.html

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Guide-to-Diabetes-extra pages/Christmas2008/Enjoying_yourself_at_Christmas/Christmas_hamper_ideas/

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Guide-to-Diabetes-extra-pages/Christmas-2008/Enjoying_yourself_at_Christmas/Eating_out_and_going_to_parties/

http://www.diabetes.org.uk/Guide-to-diabetes/Guide-to-Diabetes-extra-pages/Christmas-2008/Enjoying_yourself_at_Christmas/Tipsy_tips/

I hope this post will make the celebrations a little bit different this year for some diabetics.
Hopefully back tomorrow. Hang in there folks - only another 20 of these to go!

Safe journeys guys.
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

Tiff_2

Hi guys!
How's us tonight? Here we go...

''On the sixth day of December, Tiffy said to me...

Planes, Trains and Automobiles...Oh and Coaches and Ferries too!

Well unlike Mr.Claus, we don't all have the room in our mid-terrace palaces to house a herd of reindeer, so for the rest of us -

General public transport information:
http://www.pti.org.uk/

Travel corrections that might not appear on different sites - a good link to double check your times etc.
http://directgov.transportdirect.info/web2/SeasonalNoticeBoard.aspx
www.arrivatrainswales.co.uk/engineeringworks.aspx

Student Travel:

Yes, I know - but they're allowed to come home legally apparently!
http://www.isic.org/sisp/index.htm?fx=isic.discounts.country&card.type=ISIC&country.code=GB

Coach and rail services:
http://www.nationalexpressgroup.com/nx1/media/news/sub_news/pr2008/2008-10-15b/

Ferry timetables and offers:
http://www.aferry.co.uk/timetable/ferry-timetables.htm
http://www.aferry.co.uk/specialoffers/offersuk.htm

Flights :
A range of information on one site covering all of London's airports on one site
http://www.euromost.info/flight_arrivals_flight_departures_london_airports_information_stansted_heathrow_gatwick_luton_city.php

Travel assistance for disabled people and other travellers:
Department for Transport Mobility and Inclusion Unit
www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/

Gatwick Travel Care:
Room 3014B
South Terminal
Gatwick Airport
West Sussex RH6 0NP
T 01293 504 283 (weekdays 9am-5pm, weekends 9am-4pm)
Offers information, advice and support to travellers, visitors and airport staff.

Heathrow Travel Care
Queen's Building Room 1308
Heathrow Airport
Hounslow TW6 1BZ
T 020 8745 7495 (weekdays 9am-5pm)
E [EMAIL="heathrow_travel_care@baa.com"]heathrow_travel_care@baa.com[/EMAIL]
Offers information, advice and support to travellers, visitors and airport staff.

National Express Assisted Travel Team
0845 7225 225
http://www.nationalexpress.com/
Provides specialist support on coaches across the UK.

National Rail Enquiries
0845 6484 950
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Provides information about all UK rail travel, including train company information and promotions, train times and special assistance.

RADAR
12 City Forum
250 City Road
London EC1V 8AF
T 020 7250 3222
E [EMAIL="radar@radar.org.uk"]radar@radar.org.uk[/EMAIL]
W www.radar.org.uk
Campaigning and advisory body, set up by and for disabled people. It works for better lifestyles for disabled people and their families. Publishes a guide to places that can accommodate people with disabilities.

Travel in Wales: http://www.traveline-cymru.org.uk/

Travel in Scotland:
http://www.destinationscotland.com/guidetoscotland/links.asp

Travel in Northern Ireland:
http://www.translink.co.uk/

Hopefully there's some useful information for travel during the holiday season. Never hurts to double-check your arrangements BEFORE you leave the house though!

Tiffy's Disclaimer:
I will not be held liable for the inevitable delays and screw-ups of the British Transport System - even if there are leaves on the line!!!

That's it for tonight guys - hopefully back for the countdown from 19, tomorrow.
Be kind to yourself folks.
Much Love,
Tiff xxx

Stephb1986_2

I wish i wasnt here anymore

Tulip

Stephb1986 wrote: »

I wish i wasnt here anymore

:hello: Steph,

Why whats wrong? You dont have to say if you dont want to.

Katie

Stephb1986_2

Hi Katie, How are you hun?

Steph xx

shazrobo

hi steph, whats up hun, has something happened?
hugs
shaz xxx

maytaurus

Tulip

Stephb1986 wrote: »

Hi Katie, How are you hun?

Steph xx

I am fine thanks Steph


Katie