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Welcome to Overcoming
The monthly newsletter for mental health workers everywhere
As publishers of the Overcoming series - a range of self-help books, courses and downloadable self-help resources based on CBT techniques - we aim to broaden access to assisted self-help by providing excellent resources and supporting those of you working on the front line.
We hope you have a good 2009 and look forward to bringing you all the latest news and views. Don't forget you can get in touch with your suggestions, comments and questions by emailing fritha@overcoming.co.uk
Are New Year's Resolutions bad for your health?
Mind has claimed that the estimated seven million people making New Year's resolutions may be putting their mental health at risk. The charity believes that resolutions create a negative focus on perceived shortcomings and can create further feelings of failure if people fail to stick to their aims.
The Mental Health Foundation, however, has suggested that people should resolve to spend 2009 looking after their mental health and have created ten simple and practical tips to follow: visit www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/look-after-your-mental-health to download their pack.
For 50 easy ways we can all improve our wellbeing visit www.telegraph.co.uk/health/dietandfitness/4124815/Health-advice-50-ways-to-boost-your-wellbeing.html.
The New Year can be a great time to introduce clients to person-centred planning, helping them to make positive changes in an achievable way. Visit www.mhpf.org.uk/recoveryStarApproach.asp to view a new approach to planning and outcomes measurement.
Managing money for better mental health
As the credit crunch begins to affect us all, there is no doubt that it will lead to more mental distress and a tougher time for those unable to work.
www.moneysavingexpert.com has become a leading source of free practical advice for those experiencing money difficulties or just in need of some good advice. With everything from freebie alerts to how to give yourself a 'payrise' through good money management, the site has been invaluable to many and is now looking to provide specific help to people affected by mental ill-health. If you have any case studies of people affected by money problems, or any suggestions, do pass them on via the site's forum boards.
Another good resource can be found here: www.mind.org.uk/money.
Employment and education are key to happiness
The Prince's Trust charity has warned that young, unemployed adults need more help to deal with mental health problems. Working in partnership with YouGov, the charity surveyed 2004 young people and found that 1 in 10 did not think life was really worth living. Unsurprisingly, those who were not in work, eduction or training expressed higher levels of dissatisfaction.
The study also found that relationships with family and friends, health and money were key predictors of happiness.
Chief Exectuive of the Prince's Trust, Martina Milburn, said:
'At the Prince's Trust we help vulnerable young people, steering them away from false support systems such as drugs, alcohol and dangerous gangs and providing them with a sense of purpose again.'
Visit www.princes-trust.org.uk to see how the Prince's Trust can help young people.
Join the fight against fake medicines!
On the 19th November the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and the European Alliance for Access to Safe Medicines (EAASM) came together to present their findings on the dangers of counterfeit medicines to patients.
They report that in the UK there has been a dramatic increase in counterfeit medicines being seized by customs authorities each year (up by 51% to over 4 million items in Europe last year alone). In 2007 there were four instances of fake medicines reaching UK patients through their local pharmacy - including Casodex®, Zyprexa® and Plavix® - indicating that patients across the country are vulnerable to this growing threat.
In the current economic crisis, counterfeiting medicines is an easy but dangerous way to make a lot of money. The EAASM is calling for all healthcare stakeholders to work together and make patient safety in the UK a top priority. Visit www.eaasm.eu for further information and resources.
New research on chocolate and alternative therapies
The Journal for Affective Disorders recently published its top 25 articles for July to September 2008. Amongst the new research is a study by the School of Psychiatry (University of New South Wales) and the Black Dog Institute, examining the mood state effects of chocolate. The result is disappointing with their evidence suggesting that chocolate can 'provide its own hedonistic reward by satisfying cravings but when consumed as a comfort eating strategy or emotional eating strategy, is more likely to be associated with prolongation rather than cessation of a dysphoric mood.'
Another study reviews the published scientific evidence for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions in bipolar disorder. The researchers in the United States note that a growing number of patients use CAMs but that evidence for treatments like omega-3 fatty acids, St John's Wort, massage, yoga and acupuncture is lacking. They suggest that much more research is needed and that patients should be warned of the risks of using products like St John's Wort and SAMe which have the potential to induce mania and interact with other medicines.
On a brighter note the evidence for drinking a small glass of wine each day is looking pretty good!
Visit www.jad-journal.com to read all the studies.
January Sale - free books!
This month we're joining in the January spirit and giving away a FREE copy of EITHER Overcoming Panic & Agoraphobia Self-Help Course (RRP £21) OR Overcoming Bulimia Nervosa & Binge-Eating Self-Help Course (RRP £21) on all orders of Overcoming titles worth over £15.
Simply email your order of Overcoming titles worth £15 or more to fritha@overcoming.co.uk and don't forget to state your preference for either Overcoming Panic & Agoraphobia Self-Help Course or Overcoming Bulimia Nervosa & Binge-Eating Self-Help Course. Please quote the offer code JANUARY in the subject field.*
Jobs
Looking for a new job? Then why not look on our jobs board? We take the pick of the best entry level and experienced mental health worker vacancies and update our listings regularly. If you're an employer who would like to bring a job to our attention, please email amelia@overcoming.co.uk.
Competition time
Want to be among the first to read Overcoming Body Image Problems Including Body Dysmorphic Disorder? Published this month, this is the latest book from David Veale and Rob Willson - authors of the bestselling Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Manage Your Mood - and Alex Clarke. The first three people who can correctly name two websites offering free expert advice on money difficulties will each receive a copy.
Email your answer to fritha@overcoming.co.uk - the winners will be announced in next month's newsletter.
Congratulations to...
Carrie Parr, Yvonne Fewtrell, Simon Day, Sarah Hayes and Lucy Gaylord who each won a copy of the audio CD Overcoming Depression: Talks With Your Therapist in last month's competition.
Overcoming leaflets
Don't forget to request your free leaflets with an up-to-date list of all the books in the Overcoming series as well as discounted prices. These are suitable for your own use or to pass on to your clients. Email fritha@overcoming.co.uk with the number you require.
* While stocks last. Offer ends 20 February 2009.
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