The Power of Storytelling: Amy's story

Amy writes about her experience of Dermatillomania for the Student Minds "Power of Storytelling" Campaign

-Amy Walker

 Hello, I’m Amy Walker from Under the Surface. I am an 18 year old blogger in Scotland that currently blogs in her spare time. My blog posts are based on things I am passionate about such as my personal experiences and opinions. I also blog regularly about mental health.

What has inspired you to share your story?

When I discovered that my mental health problem had a name and diagnosis rather than it being a bad habit, I took great comfort in reading about others who have Dermatillomania. I would search it on twitter and read blog posts about it. I started blogging shortly after and was asked to write a piece for Stigma Fighters Teen. Writing for them made me realise that not only were there other people who suffered from mental health issues, but they were also incredibly passionate about helping to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. The sense that there was a real community of people on the Internet and on social media, who were collectively working together to reduce the stigma around mental health, was something that I really wanted to be involved in.

Has telling your story helped you?

Each time I tell my story through blog posts on various sites, I feel refreshed. It is a little reminder that, again, it is not a bad habit but something much stronger that I am trying to fight. These little reminders are important, especially in situations where I tend to question myself and ask myself why I do certain things. Writing about mental health issues has allowed me to combine my passion for writing and my avid interest in mental health. This has not only helped me, but also has allowed me to do something that I enjoy and makes me happy.

Has telling your story helped anyone else?

I really hope so! I can’t say for sure because Dermatillomania is not well known about and a lot of people suffer without knowing they have it. However, I feel that I am achieving my main aim, which is to raise awareness about many different mental health conditions.

What did you find hardest about sharing your story?

It is the hurdle I have still not jumped which is sharing it with people I know. I am only close to a few people in my personal life who are aware I have Dermatillomania. However, they don’t know that I write about it. Those that are not close to me have no idea about either. I have planned to share my blog soon, but I want to get into a routine and build more of a community first.

Do you have advice for someone who is thinking of sharing their story?

If you are nervous then you can test the waters by Guest Posting on other sites, which gives you the opportunity to distance your story from your personal social media/site. You can also remain anonymous until you have received some feedback and are more confident with your decision to share your story.

Do you have any useful information on your mental health condition?

Dermatillomania is one of many body focused repetitive behaviour conditions. The condition involves repeatedly picking at areas of the body. Personally, I pick at skin on my scalp on a daily basis. I also occasionally pick at my face and lips. Although the condition is something that I do to myself physically, it is to do with what is going on in my mind. Dermatillomania is often linked to other mental health conditions such as OCD and anxiety.

For those who suffer with conditions such as Dermatillomania, information and helpful advice can be found on the following websites:

http://www.skinpick.com/dermatillomania

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dermatillomania/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.bandbacktogether.com/dermatillomania-resources/

Booking an appointment with your GP can also provide support in terms of diagnosis and treatment. 

Are you interested in getting involved in The Power of Story Telling Blog series? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch blog@studentminds.org

Caring for a family member and moving to university: Ben's Story

When Ben moved to Oxford for university, he found himself suddenly unable to care for his mum any more. Watch his vlog to find out how he copes with being far from home and how he adjusted to uni life.

Hope Support help young people who have a close family member with a terminal or life threatening illness. They have supported young people face to face in Herefordshire and Gloucestershire since 2009, and recently have launched ‘Hope Online’, a nationally accessible online support service.

Find out more about Hope Online at: hopesupport.org.uk/online-support.html
Facebook: facebook.com/hopesupport/
Twitter: @hope_support
Instagram: @hopesupport

Putting your health first: How leaving University aided my recovery

 Naomi tells us about how making the decision to leave University helped her recovery.

-Naomi Harding

This is the story of how I faced my demons and left University to give myself time for recovery. I hope that by telling my story, it will encourage anyone suffering in silence to make the first step in helping themselves. Being nice to yourself can be challenging but I’ve found that the more you try, the easier it gets.

My difficulties started near the end of my second year at university in London. I didn’t feel like my case was bad enough to qualify for counselling, I thought they would wonder why I was there. I thought I should be able to manage everything on my own, and certainly didn’t want to go dredging up a past I had successfully put behind me (or so I thought). Needless to say, I thought wrong. I needed the help very much. I sought help from my university counselling service, which was very supportive and helped me finish the year. It was a big step to overcome, but I really benefited from my first counselling experience.

Then it was summer, and although that had its own challenges, I assumed my mental health would be better by the beginning of third year. When I moved back into my flat in London for the start of term, I still wasn’t any better. I felt anxious on my own but afraid of talking to my friends. I isolated myself, even from my flatmates. Getting back into research for my dissertation was slow, and even when I could concentrate, it was hard to find the motivation or courage to go to the library to work with my classmates.

I ended up spending more and more time at home with my parents as they live just outside London. I gained a lot of strength from the support given by my family. My boyfriend at the time was always on the other end of the phone. He talked me through the scariest times when I was alone. I was reluctant to admit it, but I needed something to change. Eventually, I realised that I didn’t actually have to stay at university, (I wasn’t getting anywhere anyway!) and it was pointless trying to continue. My whole degree was going to be marked on this final year, so the pressure was high. Being so close to the finish line, I worried that taking time out would mean I was giving up, somehow confirming I was weak (that’s depression for you, not the truth!).

I had to face up to the truth that I couldn’t just knuckle down and smash out my final year, I was too unwell. I couldn’t see this at the time but I had to start caring for myself, put my health first and get the support I needed. Once I had made the decision to defer (with a lot of help from my nearest and dearest), a weight was instantly lifted from my shoulders. There were no negative implications for my previous grades or future study, and I was going to give myself some time to recover and regain control of my life. My course leader was fantastically supportive and understanding of my mental health difficulties, and she was with me along each step of the deferral process. Talking to the right people helped me feel confident in my decision and I felt sure deferring was the best thing for me.

Taking time out of university and moving back home to my parents hasn’t been an instant miracle cure, but I haven’t regretted my choice for a second. Living with my parents has been conducive to my recovery, the support and care I’ve received from my family has been immeasurable. Through a combination of countless visits to my GP, CBT therapist, a mindfulness course and daily home yoga practice, I have come a long way in 4 months. There is certainly no direct route to recovery, it’s a winding path, but I’m firmly on it now. I feel confident now that when I’m ready, I can take this opportunity to make a fresh start and look to finish my degree elsewhere. Allowing the time for my recovery has actually given me more time to learn about myself, and discover the infinite opportunities I could take.

So, if I could give any wise words of advice to others in a similar situation to me, it would be to not hurry your degree, put your health first, and take your time.

If you're struggling at University and considering deferring or leaving, there is academic support available. Speaking to your academic tutor, a Students Union representative, welfare tutor or a member of the University's support services can help give you the necessary support throughout the process.

Meet the Student Minds team!

Student Minds is currently recruiting a Head of Operations and two graduate roles. To find out more about these positions and to apply visit www.studentminds.org.uk/join-the-team. 

As staff recruitment for the charity opens, the Student Minds team talk about their experiences as part of the charity, the Worthwhile Graduate Scheme and life in Oxford.

Vicky, Head of Volunteering

For a number of years I have wanted to be part of a team working towards positive change. Joining Student Minds, I was excited to be involved with a variety of national projects and to support our incredible volunteers to do amazing things at their university. I have had so many amazing opportunities with Student Minds, allowing me to grow as an individual whilst being part of an incredibly supportive, dedicated and enthusiastic team and doing work around a cause that is very close to my heart.


Emily, Volunteer Support Officer

On a day to day basis I support our national network of volunteers to break down stigma, increase awareness and run peer support groups on their university campus. Being part of the Worthwhile community has really enriched my year; I am surrounded by passionate, motivated and compassionate individuals not only at work but on a wider basis too. Plus, Oxford is a lovely place to live – it is all too easy to get accustomed and forget but now and then I do take a mindful moment to look up and think – ah yeah, nice!


Nush, Projects and Relationships Officer

Being part of a young charity has been the most exciting thing for me- there is a really sense of working in a team when you can collectively decide on the direction a charity should be taking. For Student Minds itself, working with a staff team that is so dedicated to improving student mental health has allowed me to cultivate a perspective of 'care' that has changed my view on other aspects of my life. With the work we do, it has given me to opportunity to understand what it truly means to listen and support someone, what is means to be open with other and how to be open- minded.

Rachel, Networks Development Officer for Student Minds and The University Mental Health Advisers

Leaving the uni bubble and stepping into the working world has been a massive learning curve, challenging at times, but also incredibly refreshing. The induction I received on starting was really thorough, supportive and really helped me settle into the team. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the Worthwhile Scheme - the training allows me learn new approaches to challenges at work, and hear from other people doing similar things. Being a part of a cohort of graduates is a great way to start your career in the charity sector - with an emphasis on open-minded collaboration and support.

Nicholas, Campaigns and Communications Officer

The main things that made me so excited to work for Student Minds were the thought of getting a chance of doing a varied job with lots of responsibility, being able to work closely with students at a grass-roots level and staying connected to the people we're supporting. I've learnt a huge amount so far this year, both from the ongoing support and skills sharing within the team and in monthly training sessions from the Worthwhile grad scheme. My role has been flexible and fast moving, so I've been able to take on lots of responsibilities outside just my job description. It's been fantastic working at Student Minds, the team have been incredible to work with and inspire me every day!

Krishna, Team Assistant

I have had the pleasure of working with Student Minds for over 2 years from the varying perspectives of a student, campaigner, intern and employee. As a charity, Student Minds focuses on the mental well being of not just hundreds of students and volunteers across the country, but also the individuals within the charity. It is amazing to be part of such a caring, open and passionate team that made my move to Oxford much less scary!


Want to find out more...?

Student Minds is currently recruiting a Head of Operations and two graduate roles. To find out more about these positions and to apply visit www.studentminds.org.uk/join-the-team.

You can also read about our Chief Executive Officer Rosie and her life at Student Minds via the guardian article ‘What I’ve learned as a young charity CEO.’

To learn more about what Student Minds does, take a look at the Annual Report. It includes information about the development of Student Minds’ university groups, the Positive Minds programme and the launch of exciting training programmes and partnerships.

The Power of Storytelling: Seb's Experience

Seb writes about his experiences with depression and anxiety for our Power of Storytelling campaign.

My name is Seb Baird, and I am a mental health campaigner and digital comms professional. I currently work for the national mental health campaign Time to Change; while I was a student at Oxford I founded the University’s Mind Your Head campaign. I am also a trustee and volunteer for Student Minds. My story was first published published here. 

What inspired you to tell your story?

I experienced depression and anxiety periodically during my degree. I was afraid for most of my first year that I was going to fail my course, and the anxiety around my studies dominated my life, making it hard to sleep, relax or have a real social life. During my second year I experienced a depressive episode, which again made it difficult to function: everything slowed down, I found it hard to work, and isolated myself away from my friends. 

As I started to tell my close friends about what I had gone through, it became clear that many of them had experienced similar things. It was obvious that being a young adult in a high-pressure environment like Oxford made us all vulnerable to mental health problems, but there was still an enormous taboo around it: none of us felt comfortable having the label of ‘depression’ or ‘anxiety’ attached to our public identities. I told my story to try and change that, and set up Mind Your Head to help other people to tell their stories too - to show that experiencing mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. 

Has telling your story helped you?

Yes, in a couple of ways. Firstly, I think speaking out about your own mental health has allowed me to put it in better perspective; the more I talk about it - whether publicly or privately - the better I understand my mind and the better I get at managing my mental health. Secondly, being honest about my mental health has helped me to develop stronger relationships with the people around me. Having been honest with them about what I’m going through, I think I’m able to connect with my friends in a more genuine way.

Has telling your story helped others?

I don’t want to be presumptuous, but I think it has. I remember, the day my story was first published online, an overwhelming number of people messaged me to tell me about their similar experiences. And just recently, five years after it was first published, another friend wrote to say she identified with a lot of what I went through, and was glad to hear that it wasn’t just her. In my experience, sharing my story has helped people in a similar situation to know that they are not alone, and it has helped give them permission to talk about what they’ve gone through, even if they don’t do it publicly. 

What did you find hardest about telling your story?

I don’t love the spotlight, so it was difficult at first to come to terms with the self-promotion involved in telling my story. I was worried that people might think I was attention-seeking, or bragging, for being public about my mental health problems. And maybe some people do think that! But I probably don’t want to be friends with those people, and I realised quite quickly that the positives of telling my story - giving people hope, a sense of community, and permission to talk - were more than worth any risks. 

Do you have any advice for anyone who’s thinking of sharing their story?

There are a couple of things to think about:

• Are you ready for a lot of feedback? In my case, almost all of the responses I got were positive, or empathetic, but even those can be hard to deal with if you’re not used to being the centre of attention! 
• Are you ready to listen to others? Speaking out about your experience will probably mean that some of your friends/network who are currently experiencing mental health problems will reach out to you for support. You should be prepared for that to happen. 
• Are you prepared for the long-term? I shared my story online, so when you search my name the first things that come up are all about my mental health problems. I thought long and hard about that, and I’m okay with it, but you need to be aware that some of these things might never go away. 

Are you interested in getting involved in The Power of Story Telling Blog series? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch blog@studentminds.org

Learning to understand Anxiety

One student writes about how they cope with anxiety at university and how they found what works best for them.

-Anonymous

Anxiety is tough.

For me, it always has been. Ever since I was a teenager, I knew something wasn't quite right. My friends were starting to go out more - gone were days of Xbox 360 FIFA tournaments with a pizza for dinner. It wasn't that I was left out, if anything I was always surrounded by numerous people, be it at school or on Facebook to attend a particular event. But I just didn't want to. I didn't feel comfortable.

I shrugged it off as just quite a high level of shyness. I'd been pretty shy from a very young age, so I thought such occurrences were just natural. Yet, when I left behind the world of GCSE's and then A-Levels, which I still thoroughly enjoyed, along came University. I was horrifically nervous, but I plucked up the courage to give it a go. The first week was something I never thought I’d do. I went out constantly, interacted a lot with people, engaged with a number of sports. Everything seemed so easy.

But then it hit me.

I wasn't being myself. The sports side of it, yes. The social interaction, no. I soon became scared and didn't want to even talk to people in my dorm, let alone the house accommodation I was in. So much so I would only cook when people went out, I didn't answer my door when people knocked on it and pretty much shut everything out. I now knew I had anxiety. But this is how I'm dealing with it:

1) Close friends

You may think you're alone, but you're not. It wasn't until the start of 2016, the second semester, that I realised I have to try to beat it. I worked with some very close friends back at home to settle my mind and it really helped. Positive reinforcement was and still is key to my mind-set.

2) University help

I first used a fortnightly Skype conversation to figure out what works best for me. Social anxiety was a massive problem, but these talks with someone part of the university made me much more confident in what I did.

3) Take little steps

Clubbing and interacting in massive groups isn't for everyone, especially me. I'm the type who likes to play FIFA with a couple of mates or watch back-to-back episodes of Friends with my girlfriend. So realising that early on when you've just moved to University is vital. Find people that like you for you and have common interests, don't just try to fit in. 

4) It's okay to say no.

When asked out somewhere, if you really don't want to go, just say no. Pretty much everyone understands. It is the over thinking aspect that affects you, because you believe that voice in the back of your mind that says they won't like you because you didn't go out is telling the truth. Trust me, it isn't.

5) Take a step back.

If Skype chats or close friends isn't something you can achieve to help manage the situation, then don't feel obliged to do them. For me, someone with social and health anxiety, the best thing is getting through to your mind. Try mindfulness, a type of breathing meditation, do hobbies, try something new. Listen to the rational mind, not the emotional. Will not going clubbing be important in six months time? Answer - no. Take a step back, access the situation and then make an informed decision.

The last year has been tough for me, even in recent months. But positivity is the right way forward. 

Reading this is already a step, let's push on from here.

How to Deal with Inpatient Treatment

Chloe talks about the struggles of inpatient treatment, and from personal experience suggests some tips and tricks to help you deal with inpatient treatment

- Chloe Murray

Being away from family and friends can be hard for anyone. But being without them whilst you're trying to overcome your demons and recover is extremely difficult. As well as feeling homesick, you feel scared and alone, stranded in a hospital surrounded by strangers, all battling their own issues. It can all seem exceedingly daunting.

I've been there; in a psychiatric hospital. So I'd like to share some tips for anyone who is facing inpatient treatment too, in order to make your stay there as short and sweet as possible.

1. Make friends- From personal experience, I found the hospital environment a very caring, supportive and non-judgemental place to be. So make the most of it, and be yourself (not your illness)! You will see other patients at their very worst. You'll laugh together, cry together, and you will undoubtedly develop a bond with others that no-one else can understand.

2. Put yourself first- Yes, I said make friends; they will help you along your journey to health. But, you must always remember why you are in hospital - to recover, and you must put all of your energy and strength into that!

3. Be honest- I know it's hard to talk about your feelings. You might fear being judged but the doctors and nurses in hospital are 100% on your side. They genuinely care and want you to get better and be happy! 

4. Do as you're told- Again, I know this is much easier said than done. If your therapist has asked you to keep a thoughts diary - do that! It might seem silly at the time, but you have to make the effort! If your dietician has given you a meal plan to follow, try your absolute best to stick to it.

5. Don't rush- Recovery cannot be rushed. Even if that means staying in hospital a little longer, it would definitely be worth the time in the long run, if it means you can leave happy and healthy.

6. Don't expect a miracle- Recovery takes time. It might even be a lifetime journey of having to fight every single day. You can't expect to wake up one day and be cured. It's a gradual process, and baby steps are the key!

7. Distractions!!- It's so important to keep yourself busy and I found jig-saws were an excellent way to pass the time. They require concentration but are also enjoyable, and can help you to ignore any bad thoughts you might have. I'd also advise trying to keep on top of your studies, to avoid any extra stress when you are discharged and have to face the real world again.

8. Keep in touch with the outside world- Make sure you chat to friends and family outside of the hospital. Try to meet up with them and catch up.