Session 10 - Therapies and Medication

In todays session we talked about the need for medication and how it can change and vary depending how we are feeling and in some cases may not even be needed at all. Everyones different and it's so useful to have a supportive and approachable GP who won't just keep handing out the same tablets but will work with you to assess your needs. You also need good communication with your doctor when coming off medication as sometimes it's important to come off gradually and also to understand the side effects of various meds.

In our handouts we had today there was a useful list of the different types of antidepressants, tranquilisers etc with the possible side effects, cautions, interactions and notes on withdrawal. There was also information on Talking Therapies eg. seeing a therapist and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and on complimentary therapies like Herbal remedies and massage.

A good session with lots of personal stories coming out about experiences with medication and other subjects too. Everyone seems so comfortable with each other now.

Session 11 - Spirituality and Mental Health

I admit I found this session the least interesting - it was about what spirituality means and what the difference is to religion (religion tends to be more organised and structured whereas spirituality is more private and doesn't depend on an organised religious system).
We discussed how being spiritual can be helpful in reducing stress but how sometimes spirituality can become unbalanced and unhealthy eg when people start thinking they are 'chosen' by God and exempt from the usual rules of society or when someone strives too hard to live a virtuous life and to help others and neglects themselves.
We had to make a list of 10 of our virtues, choosing from a list. I struggled to find two to describe myself, oh dear!
Next week Graduation and a party!!

Session 12 - Graduation!

This was a nice relaxed session, we all had some food and each of us had our photo taken with our certificates, see mine below (am with tutors Robin and Zelly).

I am so glad I did this course and I hope Mind can keep it going as they are so short of funding.

Well done Jenny, you have done so well and I've enjoyed following your updates on each stage of the course. Great photo!
Peter