Recently, my attention was directed to the Singleton Mental Health Support Group. I plucked up the courage to go along, and have been to two meetings. Yesterday, 'Let's Refresh for 2010' was held at the Dolphin Healing Centre at Cessnock. It is a program offering information, support and fellowship to the mentally ill and carers of the mentally ill, and I benefited tremendously from attending and participating.
The Sunflower Centre, which is a service of the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW, provides support, education, information and advocacy for people living with mental illness, their families and friends in the Hunter Region. Together with the Cessnock and Newcastle Mental Health Support Groups, the Sunflower centre hosted yesterday's 'Let's Refresh for 2010'.
Nadine Farrel (Community Development, Hunter Schizophrenia Fellowship) and Barbara Bernhard (coordinator of NSW Mental Health Support Groups), officiated the meeting. They did a marvelous job.
Besides learning about the various organisations that are in place to support those living with mental illness either as 'consumers' or carers, how they operate and the issues associated with funding problems, there was a chance to share problem solving and goal setting in a group situation. I found it easy to participate, and gained inspiration, as well as several ideas on how to implement positive change into my everyday life.
And not only that, we were treated to the luxury of alternate health practices during the course of the day. I chose to have a back massage, and it was divine! Following the gentle rubbing in of oil on the back, the clinician proceeded to massage my tense shoulder blades and back with hot rocks. I could feel bits and pieces moving about within me as skillful hands dug the rocks into my flesh. I explained that I had suffered from a dreadful stress headache for days, and she assured me that my headache will have improved after she had finished with me. She was right! Nearly 24 hours later, I can still feel the benefit.
Others chose to have reflexology therapy, or herbal medicine screening. I also participated in a relaxation session. I have enormous trouble quieting my mind, but I think with meditation practice, I could learn to relax and free the mind to some degree.
We finished the day off with a social dinner at a local restaurant. What a splendid day!
I came away with obvious benefits from a day of social and educational experience, but I have learned something special:
"I shall be the judge of my behaviour, thoughts and emotions, and I shall be responsible for them."
If I can not solve a problem on my own, I will talk to appropriate people to try to gain the insight and encouragement I need to work through important issues. . . . .
The Sunflower Centre, which is a service of the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW, provides support, education, information and advocacy for people living with mental illness, their families and friends in the Hunter Region. Together with the Cessnock and Newcastle Mental Health Support Groups, the Sunflower centre hosted yesterday's 'Let's Refresh for 2010'.
Nadine Farrel (Community Development, Hunter Schizophrenia Fellowship) and Barbara Bernhard (coordinator of NSW Mental Health Support Groups), officiated the meeting. They did a marvelous job.
***** ***** *****
Socialising beyond my closest family and friends is challenging for me, so this social and educational day-program presented an opportunity for me to explore beyond my comfort zone. I did well.Besides learning about the various organisations that are in place to support those living with mental illness either as 'consumers' or carers, how they operate and the issues associated with funding problems, there was a chance to share problem solving and goal setting in a group situation. I found it easy to participate, and gained inspiration, as well as several ideas on how to implement positive change into my everyday life.
And not only that, we were treated to the luxury of alternate health practices during the course of the day. I chose to have a back massage, and it was divine! Following the gentle rubbing in of oil on the back, the clinician proceeded to massage my tense shoulder blades and back with hot rocks. I could feel bits and pieces moving about within me as skillful hands dug the rocks into my flesh. I explained that I had suffered from a dreadful stress headache for days, and she assured me that my headache will have improved after she had finished with me. She was right! Nearly 24 hours later, I can still feel the benefit.
Others chose to have reflexology therapy, or herbal medicine screening. I also participated in a relaxation session. I have enormous trouble quieting my mind, but I think with meditation practice, I could learn to relax and free the mind to some degree.
We finished the day off with a social dinner at a local restaurant. What a splendid day!
***** ***** *****
I came away with obvious benefits from a day of social and educational experience, but I have learned something special:
"I shall be the judge of my behaviour, thoughts and emotions, and I shall be responsible for them."
***** ***** *****
If I can not solve a problem on my own, I will talk to appropriate people to try to gain the insight and encouragement I need to work through important issues. . . . .
I will help myself. . . . .
I will be resourceful - if one avenue doesn't work for me, I will try another. I will take responsibility for my problems. . . . .
I will protect myself - not aggressively, but in a calm and considered manner. . . . .
I will seek, and accept appropriate support. . . . .
I will take time out to refresh and renew myself. . . . .
. . . . .only then will I be capable to build my life as I wish.
3 comments:
Hi Gaye,
Great to hear that you enjoyed the day. It's not easy to step out of the comfort zone -- something I don't do enough of these days -- but you've reminded me how worthwhile it can be.
Loved the pics of the birds, especially the group of lorikeets (I think they were lorikeets?)
Cheers
Catherine
Hello Catherine,
yes, they are lorikeets (Rainbow Lorikeets). That is a special photo, because it is one of my mother's photos, taken in her front yard (along with the Rosella image) shortly before she had a stroke. Sadly, it is beyond Mum's understanding now, but I know she would have been delighted that I have used a couple of her pictures.
Cheers,
Gaye
What a delightful blog item with Grahame's superb photographs! Your writing and his photos are very professional.
Your description of your time with the mental health group takes me back to many times spent in similar environments. It can be an exhilarating time and the possibility of growth, but the source of puzzlement and conflict.
All in the rich journey of life.
Bill
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