My Blog
Thank you to those of you who have contacted me in recent days and weeks to ask if I am okay as I haven’t posted for so long. Yes I am happy, healthy – and busy! I do appreciate your kind concerns. So what have I been up to?
Family wise, I continue to love being in Cheshire surrounded by them. I see Dom regularly. He had a long summer after his GCSE’s (in which he did well) and we managed a few days over in Yorkshire at the cottage in Flamborough again (as in previous years). We also took his friend Sam. It really felt like I was on holiday with two young men as opposed to ‘boys’ – they were so helpful and self-sufficient. My partner also joined us for a couple of days and we introduced him to the delights of the Ozzie special from the local takeaway! We enjoyed time at the beach, playing Rummy and ‘film’ nights.
Dom and I were pleased to go to Paul and Lee Lyon’s wedding on a sunny Yorkshire Saturday in August. Paul is Clive’s nephew and it was good to see his family again.
We chatted to one of his other nephew’s Wayne, who is running from Tadcaster to Bridlington this coming Wednesday. On 26th September last year his partner Kirsty gave birth to Finlay Reece. Tragically he was stillborn. At the time they were given support from SANDS, http://www.uk-sands.org/ the charity for stillbirth and neonatal deaths. Did you know that 17 such deaths happen every day in the UK? Wayne decided to raise some funds for SANDS to help others who will sadly face the heartbreak that they did. If you are able to please send a donation via http://www.justgiving.com/Finlay-Reece-Gott .
My Mum and Dad continue to be a big part of my life. They were on holiday a few weeks ago and on their first day, Dad slipped and fell down 12 concrete steps. His only damage was a broken arm. Mum has had to become driver! He has a very ‘get up and go’ attitude to life – including cleaning their conservatory roof, regardless of his arm in a splint!
My niece Sophie continues to delight. She had some dolls that needed clothes so I spent time knitting some for her. She is a real chatter box now.
It was my birthday in early August. It was the first time in years that all my family were together and we had a meal at my parents. It was really good that the Olympics put on a party at the stadium for me that day with GB getting 6 gold medals! It was then called ‘Super Saturday’. We have never been a ‘sports’ family yet it was amazing to watch the successes that night. I enjoyed watching at other times. As a former teacher for children with special needs, I was especially inspired by the Paralympics. I felt they were a lesson to us all about pursuing what you are good at, regardless of how some may want to discourage you.
I especially found this montage moving from the closing ceremony.
I did some talks on postnatal illness in the London area earlier in the summer. It was an opportunity to launch my new keynote presentation during which I highlight my own and some other real life stories and include many additional resources for information.
I am also excited to be in discussion with my publishers about my second book, also involving postnatal depression. Watch this space!
Over the summer there were some new resources on maternal mental health, for example:
Maternal mental health pathway
New guidance provides a structured approach on common issues associated with maternal mental health and wellbeing, from pregnancy through the early months after the birth.
http://www.chimat.org.uk/resource/view.aspx?RID=133466&src=pimh
NHS Choices: Postnatal depression
Mums who have had postnatal depression talk about the feelings they faced, and perinatal psychiatrist Dr Margaret Oates explains how it can be treated quickly with the right help.
http://www.chimat.org.uk/resource/view.aspx?RID=133921&src=pimh
BBC: Postpartum psychosis: affected parents speak out
Women are more at risk of severe mental illness after giving birth than at any other time in their lives. BBC Newsnight has spoken to people affected by this devastating but poorly understood condition, which often goes undetected because doctors and midwives can fail to recognise the symptoms.
http://www.chimat.org.uk/resource/view.aspx?RID=134211&src=pimh
For regular updates for similar information sign up to ChiMat eBulletin on Perinatal and Infant Mental Health at http://www.chimat.org.uk/default.aspx?QN=CHMK9
If you are involved in mental health you may find this of use. Open Minds Alliance CIC, together with the Samaritans and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, are leading a coalition of more than one hundred UK organisations – from mental health bodies to the Professional Cricketers’ Association and the Rugby Players’ Association – to spread the message that it is possible to overcome suicidal thoughts and feelings and that there are many resources available to help those who are struggling to cope. With their media partner, Southwick Media they produced a film ‘U can Cope’ released on World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10th 2012.
View here: http://connectingwithpeople.org/ucancope?qt-resources=0
In addition to my focus on postnatal mental health I have also been continuing as a business coach for Stratagem+ Group following on from workshops they have delivered. It is an honour and privilege to be able to encourage other people on a journey of personal and business successes.
I am excited to be joining the company on a Leadership retreat at the amazing Aldourie Castle in Inverness.
My next presentation will be on 11th October – Henshaws Society for Blind People Luncheon Club at “Aspire Restaurant and Bar”, Trafford College, Altrincham.
This event is open to the public to raise funds for the Society. Please follow the link if you would like to attend. We would love you to come.
So that has been my summer in a nutshell! Happy, healthy and busy!
Bring on the autumn.
Elaine