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Mind in Bradford

Kenburgh House    
28 Manor Row 
Bradford
West Yorkshire
BD1 4QU

01274 730 815
[email protected]
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01274 730 815 [email protected]
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Recent Blogs

  • Ian’s blog: Monday Blues
  • Ian’s blog: Seriously, let’s talk!
  • Ian’s blog: Finding compassion for yourself is a must
  • Ian’s blog: I coped but when lockdown was lifted, anxiety swept over me
  • It’s crucial to talk about mental health problems

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Ian’s blog: Finding compassion for yourself is a must

Compassion. Can you feel it?

Perhaps it’s a fair statement to make that one of the things 2020 has seen us all do is find some compassion.

We’ve all felt for those people whose jobs have been affected. We’ve seen and heard about so many people suffering, either through coronavirus itself or through the difficulties linked to the virus such as those unable to access check-ups for cancer, diabetes and the many people who have seen their mental health affected. Families have been torn apart and friendships lost.

And, of course, many lives have been lost due to the pandemic that is coronavirus. To make matters even more complex and therefore more intense, funerals have also suffered as a result of the limitations that this infection has caused. So, unfortunately, people have not had the funerals that they had perhaps hoped for and, understandably, people may well feel that they haven’t been able to pay their respects and say their goodbyes. Grief is therefore prolonged.

And still, even though life isn’t as stagnant as it has been, life beyond your four walls of your home still looks unsure.

Mixed signals from the Government. Exam results now hampering people’s futures and the economy almost ground to a halt. 2020 is a confusing and frustrating time but is also a year of compassion!

Coronavirus has affected the whole world. Regardless, of culture, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, status, age or class perhaps, through the sheer ‘bad’ of this pandemic, the one ‘good’ thing we can take from this whole experience is that NONE of us have been left unaffected and people from various communities really have had to come together and help each other.

Showing such compassion towards each other is probably as humane as you can get. For sure, we’d have had to be some kind of robot to not feel such compassion towards one another; to feel empathy and even sympathy. We wear our masks on buses, trains and in shops, not only because it’s mandatory but also because we want to protect each other, to look out for each other.

One basic human need is to be able to breathe and this virus takes that away. I can only just scratch the surface of this whenever I’ve felt the anxiety within my chest that’s built up and I’ve found myself unable to catch my breath as a result. That is nothing compared to people suffering with the coronavirus symptoms which has seen them needing a breathing ventilator. How scary that must be for them – to experience it really doesn’t bare thinking about so I wear my mask in order to protect you and myself from that.

So much compassion we feel for others but my question to you is: are you able to show that same compassion for yourself?

Maybe it’s our culture. It is easier to show compassion for others but showing compassion for ourselves, well, this can become a stumbling block for so many. So is it that ‘stiff upper lip’ that stops us showing ourselves the same compassion we show others?

Dare we sit and give ourselves ‘permission’ to feel frustrated? If so, does that then mean we have an anger problem?

If I’m feeling sad because I’ve lost a friend or family relative, does this make me weak? Does your exam results or job loss mean you are a failure? Even when it comes to the many people who have been furloughed, spending all of this time at home with their family, their kids, does this mean they’re lazy?

We’ve just about passed the mark of halfway through the year and despite so much uncertainty, all of what you think and feel is understandable and we are all in the same boat as each other. Of course, one may handle things differently to the next person because we are all different but during such unprecedented times, perhaps neither way is right and neither way is wrong. Whatever has worked for you is the correct way but just remember this, whatever it is that you are going through;

  • You are allowed to feel upset, sad and tearful
  • You are allowed to cry and please do since this will help to ease that pressure that you may feel building deep within you
  • You are allowed to feel frustrated and angry
  • You are allowed to feel anxious, confused, unsure, stressed, low and depressed

Do find compassion for yourself and allow yourself to feel but also remember to let people you hold dear to you know you love them because they love you too.

Do enjoy spending time with your family and your friends whenever you can and try not to feel guilty about it. Do make new and fun memories with your family, your kids and again, do not feel guilty about it.

If you find praying, walking, drawing, doing puzzles, learning a new skill, cooking, mindfulness, meditation helpful then go for it. Be kind to yourself.

All of any such ill feelings you feel are normal given what’s going on but what isn’t right is allowing those feelings and those thoughts to fester. By not talking or at least finding a way to offload those pent-up emotions such as writing, music or some other creative and expressive pursuit, then allowing these feelings to build up isn’t good.

The reality of it is anxiety and low mood, perhaps even depression itself, are going to be a natural response to the tricky and traumatic events of 2020 but any such things do not just simply go away and a great way of starting to see the light at the end of this long tunnel is to find compassion for yourself.

That compassion you feel for others, please feel it for yourself too. It’s a must. Do find that empathy for yourself by giving yourself time and by looking after yourself, your mind and your body because you’re worth it.

Find your voice and express it. Express how you feel, whether that’s with your family and friends or with a service such as Guide-Line, a confidential telephone line that’s run by Mind in Bradford (01274 594594).

Please talk. It’s important. You are important. Never forget that!

Ian is a Mind in Bradford client and volunteer

Author: Suzy Poole
Posted on: 23rd September 2020

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On this very sad day as the district passes the milestone of 1,001 deaths from covid-19 related causes, we want to remind those in #bradford and #craven who are experiencing #bereavement we are open and here to help. Contact our local Guide-Line team over the phone or via online chat. They will help you get the support you need. Reach out for support - we're here for you. ... See MoreSee Less

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2 days ago

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We have a new Creative Writing group starting this week!Explore your creative side with the power of the written word. In this group you can contribute to our newsletters, blogs and client projects. The group will be held over Zoom every Wednesday, 4pm-5:30pm. For more info and how to book, visit www.mindinbradford.org.uk/news/two-new-well-being-groups-start-at-mind-in-bradford/ ... See MoreSee Less

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2 days ago

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Our next catch-up with clients is in two days' time!Join us on Wednesday as CEO Helen holds an online session to update on what's happening here and to hear your feedback.Sign up via Eventbrite > www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ceo-catch-up-with-clients-tickets-136590163857 ... See MoreSee Less

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Anyone in #Bradford and #Craven who is experiencing #bereavement - please remember that our Healthy Minds services are open and here to help. Contact local service Guide-Line by @MindinBradford over the phone or online chat. They will help you get the support you need #KeepHope

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People can get in touch over the phone or via live chat. Guide-Line workers will listen to you and help you get specialist help. Reach out for support if you need it - we're here for you. @healthymindsbdc #KeepHope

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People in #Bradford and #Craven who are experiencing #bereavement and feelings of #grief, whether that's #loss of a loved one, their freedom or financial security, can get support by contacting Guide-Line service delivered by local mental health charity @mindinbradford.

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On this very sad day, we want to remind those in #Bradford and #Craven who are experiencing #bereavement that local services are open and here to help. Contact local service Guide-Line by @MindinBradford over the phone or online chat. They will help you get the support you need https://twitter.com/bradfordmdc/status/1354087938875944968

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The British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA) has put together infographics concisely answering common COVID-19 vaccination myths.
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On this very sad day as the district passes the mi On this very sad day as the district passes the milestone of 1,001 deaths from covid-19 related causes, we want to remind those in #Bradford and #Craven who are experiencing #bereavement we are open and here to help. Contact our local Guide-Line team over the phone or via online chat. They will help you get the support you need. Reach out for support - we're here for you.
"When life gets hard, remember, there's a lot of b "When life gets hard, remember, there's a lot of beauty left to see, tons of adventures to be had, and more love than you ever thought possible, if you just hang on"

Lori Deschene

#TuesdayThoughts #MentalHealth
We have a new Creative Writing group starting this We have a new Creative Writing group starting this week!

Explore your creative side with the power of the written word. In this group you can contribute to our newsletters, blogs and client projects. 

The group will be held over Zoom every Wednesday, 4pm-5:30pm. 

For more info and how to book, visit the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #CreativeWriting #Wellbeing
Our next catch-up with clients is in two days' tim Our next catch-up with clients is in two days' time!

Join us on Wednesday as CEO Helen holds an online session to update on what's happening here and to hear your feedback.

Sign up via the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Feedback #MentalHealthServices
"One of the most challenging things I’ve had to "One of the most challenging things I’ve had to learn is that healing must be intentional. There is no one golden day that comes and saves you from all your misery. Healing is a practice. You have to decide that it’s what you want to do and actively do it"

#MondayMotivation
Our Tribal Drumming group has re-started! The gro Our Tribal Drumming group has re-started!

The group will now be held every Tuesday, 5pm-6pm. These sessions will take away your anxieties as you focus on following the rhythm of the drum beat.

For more info and how to book, visit the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Wellbeing #TribalDrumming
"I wasn’t diagnosed with #OCD until 2019, at the "I wasn’t diagnosed with #OCD until 2019, at the age of 22. Even then, I got several 'but you don’t seem like you have OCD' kind of comments."

Cecily shares her experience of OCD and how misconceptions have affected her:

https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/blog/ocd-severe-condition-so-use-term-seriously

#MentalHealth #RaisingAwareness
We are the local branch of Mind for people in Brad We are the local branch of Mind for people in Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

We help people at any point in their journey to wellbeing, from when people start to struggle through to being in crisis and in to recovery. 

Find out what support services we offer via the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Airedale #Wharfedale #Craven #Wellbeing #MentalHealthSupport #MentalHealthServices
Stuck on what to get for someone for their birthda Stuck on what to get for someone for their birthday?

With shops closed, it can be hard to find the right gift at the moment. Why not send someone a Mind in Bradford Hug to celebrate their special day?

Send someone a birthday Hug, dedicate a donation to them and support a person in your local community who is in need.

#SendAHug via the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Hug #Birthday #BirthdayHug #GiftIdeas #Donation #Fundraising #Campaign #BeKind
Understanding the difference Between nervousness a Understanding the difference Between nervousness and #anxiety:

https://www.blurtitout.org/2018/11/29/difference-nervousness-anxiety/

For more info & how you can access support, head to www.mindinbradford.org.uk

#MentalHealth #RaisingAwareness
The Cabinet Office have put together an easy-read The Cabinet Office have put together an easy-read guidance booklet about the national lockdown.

COVID-19 is spreading quickly across the country. The guidance booklet explains the rules of the lockdown that will help to keep people safe from COVID-19.

Find out what you can and cannot do by reading the booklet via the link in our bio.

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"You can't control everything. Sometimes you just "You can't control everything. Sometimes you just need to relax and have faith that things will work out. Let go a little and just let life happen”

Kody Keplinger

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Can you spare ten minutes to complete our survey? Can you spare ten minutes to complete our survey?

Help us to help you and others in the community by telling us your thoughts on our strategy and services. Your view is really important to us and will enable us to improve our support. 

The survey closes tomorrow - fill it out today!

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"You never really know the impact you have on peop "You never really know the impact you have on people around you. You never know how much someone needed that smile you gave them. You never know how much your kindness turned someone's entire life around"

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There's only one week to go until our next catch-u There's only one week to go until our next catch-up with clients!

On Wednesday 27 January, CEO Helen will hold an online session with clients, to update on what's happening here and to hear your feedback.

To join the meeting hosted on Zoom, please book via the Eventbrite link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Feedback #Clients
Since coronavirus, the NHS has been providing more Since coronavirus, the NHS has been providing more mental health support by telephone or online. 

This works better for some people than others. By sharing your experiences, you could help make sure it’s done right. 

Take @mindcharity's survey via the link in our bio to share your feedback.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #Feedback #Survey #MentalHealthServices #DigitalMentalHealthServices
Our Service Manager, April, recently spoke to BBC Our Service Manager, April, recently spoke to BBC Radio Bradford about how to look after your mental health in lockdown.

She also shared advice on how to look after others in these times, and spoke in particular about the power of listening.

April said: "We give people one of the greatest services we can offer on earth when we are just that ear to listen. And at times in this pandemic, all of us need that ear to listen."

To listen to April's interview in full, check the link in our bio.

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #BBCRadioBradford #WellbeingTips #Listening #Lockdown
Our Walk and Talk attendees enjoyed making #BlueMo Our Walk and Talk attendees enjoyed making #BlueMonday into a #BrewMonday ☕️ on their walk through Lister Park yesterday!

Did you manage to have a cuppa and chat with anyone?

@samaritanscharity 

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We want to make sure Mind in Bradford is providing We want to make sure Mind in Bradford is providing the right support, to the right people, in the right places - but we need your feedback to do this.

Help us to improve our services by completing our short survey - we would really love to hear your thoughts.

Please share to help us reach as many people as possible!

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We are so excited to launch our latest campaign, S We are so excited to launch our latest campaign, Send a Hug!

The impact of the pandemic has been difficult for all of us. As a community we have missed simple interactions, such as hugging those we care about.

That’s why, at Mind in Bradford, we’re asking you to reach out to anyone you’re missing and send them a Hug!

They will receive a Hug via email to let them know that you care about them, and that you have sent a donation to Mind in Bradford in their honour.

Your donation will also help Mind in Bradford reach out to more people in our community who are struggling with their mental health, and let them know that they are not alone.

Let someone know you’re thinking about them this #BlueMonday by sending them a Hug - link in our bio!

#Mind #MindinBradford #Bradford #WestYorkshire #MentalHealth #Charity #SendAHug #Campaign
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