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Taking care of your physical and mental health during lockdown


redm

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Some important info from our friends at Big Hearts & The Changing Room Project 

 

Did you know that loneliness and isolation are major factors in the causes of poor mental health?  Whether you did or didn’t, now that we’re well into life during lockdown it’s more important than ever to deliberately look after your physical and mental health.

 

So where you can, get outside even for a few minutes so that you can clear you head by doing things like taking in the sights and sounds of any nature close by.  Doing this and ‘taking notice’ is one of the recognised 5-Ways to better mental health and well being.  Don’t just take my word for it though, look here at the SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) website for their guide to the 5-Ways.

 

Connect is the first of the 5-Ways you see listed and that’s why I’m posting on Kickback – it’s used by hundreds of Jambos every day to connect to other guys.  OK it’s usually about the ups and downs of watching Hearts, but in these strange times some guys might need a bit more than chat about gegenpress, possible Championship away days and the media’s fascination with spinning club news from Tynecastle.

 

It can be really tough to make the first step and say that you need to chat about something depression or anxiety, but anyone who’s taken part in The Changing Room project at Tynecastle will tell you that talking is easy once you start.  It really helps to get things off your chest to stop them going round and round in your head.
 

There are lots of ways of connecting to The Changing Room if you are needing a wee but moral support and encouragement for me and the guys who take part or if you just want some more information.  Go on, give it go – those weird thoughts in your head probably won’t go away on their own.

 

Phone line – 0131 603 4929 – Monday to Thursday – 10:30am to 3pm

Email – [email protected].uk

Zoom conference – 2/3 times per week.  Details sent privately if you ask

The Changing Room website - http://hearts.thechangingroom.org.uk/ (yes, we know the images are wee bit out of date!)


Dougie @ The Changing Room 

 

Note: The Changing Room is a project run in conjunction with SAMH, Big Hearts, SPFL Trust with major funding from the Movember Foundation

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  • rudi must stay

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  • hisnameisdrewbusby

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  • Doctor FinnBarr

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  • PTBCAL

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Well said. This whole situation is very difficult and even more difficult for those of us who live alone. I realised a couple of days ago I haven’t made physical contact with another person for 3 weeks or spoken to someone I know face to face. I’m ok as I am comfortable in my own company but I’m also very aware a lot of people aren’t. Thank Christ for the web as forums and social media give a rough facsimile of real life. 

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Taz, for me it has been at leat 5 weeks since i have actually spoken to someone face to face (not phone or video conference) anyone i know. i have had the advantage i've been in work so it has been a different scene but i have another weeks leave so it has been difficult.

 

one thing that has helped is having pub quizzes with friends i grew up with but we are now in different locations. the next one is saturday night. it would have been a struggle without it. 

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one other thing, if this thread helps one person it is worth it. for me on JKB just now the depression thread might be the most important as it gives help, advice and peoples experiences with things like loneliness and other things that cause depression. there might be one post from someone that helps or points you in the right direction. 

 

If you are having difficulty have a look here 

 

it shows that you are not alone and there are people who might be able to help

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hisnameisdrewbusby

Taz, Milky, just let me know if you guys want to join in with some of the Changing Room chats or even if us three have a wee phone call or even one-to-one.  Happy to help with some social contact for you both if you want.

 

The contact details in the first post will get you through to me.

 

All the best,

Dougie

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Jambof3tornado

My wife is a mental health nurse working from home. Its proving bloody difficult to judge peoples mental health without physically seeing them, having to rely on what they say and how they say things and picking up on key words and phrases, so used to body language. Its also having an impact on her as its like trying to work with 2 hands tied behind her back.

 

She is making a difference and people are telling her that but it relies on people asking for help in the 1st place.

 

Speak out folks, speak out to anyone, strangers on the phone, friends, family, the kickback posse anyone.

 

 

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Harry Potter
On 15/04/2020 at 16:57, Jambof3tornado said:

My wife is a mental health nurse working from home. Its proving bloody difficult to judge peoples mental health without physically seeing them, having to rely on what they say and how they say things and picking up on key words and phrases, so used to body language. Its also having an impact on her as its like trying to work with 2 hands tied behind her back.

 

She is making a difference and people are telling her that but it relies on people asking for help in the 1st place.

 

Speak out folks, speak out to anyone, strangers on the phone, friends, family, the kickback posse anyone.

 

 

Time to clap.

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3 minutes ago, Zlatanable said:

I watched "A War of Two Halves' last Saturday, @Boba Fett, and it was so good to hear an Edinburgh accent again. 

 


Thanks for tuning in @Zlatanable ! It’s a strange time, and we’re glad that so many folk took the time to watch. If it’s helped anyone in any way, even if it just killed 90 mins of your day, so much the better. It was great from our point of view to get together again and do something creative. It personally helped my state of mind! Its not the same as being in the same room, but there’s a lot to be said for Zoom. It’s good to connect with people, so important at a time like this. 
 

AWOTH is on our YouTube channel until Saturday, fill yer boots!

 

Stay safe folks ♥️

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hisnameisdrewbusby

Folks, at 6pm today (Monday 20 April), Andy Webster will be joining The Changing Room video catch-up chat.  If you'd like to join, please email at [email protected] and I'll let you know how to join.

 

I'm not making the joining details publicly available due to stories of nuisance people hacking zoom calls.

 

Dougie

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  • 1 month later...
  • 1 month later...

A bit of a shame that this thread seems to be stagnant now. Also, lockdown is pretty much done (for now, at least).

However, here's how I've managed not to commit murder on my wife/kid/myself:

 

1. Skippy Doodle - (AKA Amoruso Let's it Run) classic Hearts games on YouTube.

 

2. Learning how to cook, if you were shite before, you can become good. If you were good before, you can become pretty ****ing decent.

 

3. Bill Burr podcast

 

4. DO NOT watch 24 hours rolling news, it's basically fear porn.

 

Anyway, that's my take. Good luck, fellow Jambos - be brave, clenched fists 👊

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  • 3 months later...
  • 2 weeks later...
jack D and coke

Steps for maintaining your mental health during this pandemic...

 

1. Stay off the Covid thread. 

Edited by jack D and coke
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Doctor FinnBarr

I'm struggling to type this (for all to see) as my brother has had a dose of Covid (but all is well on that front). My dad is in care (check the dementia thread) but after posting about his condition I found tears running down my face and I'm a "mans man" so don't cry. I have a very loving wife who spotted the signs and really helped me through this, thanks Nikki. (feckin greetin again)

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4 hours ago, FinnBarr Saunders said:

I'm struggling to type this (for all to see) as my brother has had a dose of Covid (but all is well on that front). My dad is in care (check the dementia thread) but after posting about his condition I found tears running down my face and I'm a "mans man" so don't cry. I have a very loving wife who spotted the signs and really helped me through this, thanks Nikki. (feckin greetin again)

Hi Finnbarr,

Dementia is a heartbreaking thing to deal with in ordinary times never mind with all that is going on just now. I'm glad your wife spotted the signs and has been able to support you. I've not been involved directly with the Changing Room project (contact details at the start of the thread) but I've heard folk speaking about the massive impact the group has had on them. I'd recommend getting in touch to anyone who is wobbling a bit at the moment.

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I had a very strange experience at work the other day.

Was dealing with something pretty distressing and just seemed to lose myself for a minute or so and kind of went back to something equally awful I had to deal with about 8 years ago.

I’m gonna contact a counsellor tomorrow as I’m off for a few days and the work are pretty good support wise.

Possibly the weirdest experience I’ve ever had. Like an out of body experience.

Been alright since. Sleeping okay etc

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hisnameisdrewbusby

Strange one alright, Jamhammer.  Good to hear you're contacting counsellor though as you'd want to understand what it might have been and how to manage/avoid in future.  Great that you've mentioned good sleep too - I don't think enough is made of getting proper rest as part of keeping a good routine when everything else around us might seem a bit upside down!

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On 25/11/2020 at 17:27, hisnameisdrewbusby said:

Strange one alright, Jamhammer.  Good to hear you're contacting counsellor though as you'd want to understand what it might have been and how to manage/avoid in future.  Great that you've mentioned good sleep too - I don't think enough is made of getting proper rest as part of keeping a good routine when everything else around us might seem a bit upside down!

Have to say the counsellor was decent.

Warned re things to watch out for:

Not sleeping, drinking/smoking more

(Don’t smoke but like a whisky)

Im fortunate to have a wife who is very supportive/understanding.

Glad I spoke to em

Hope for no repeats

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hisnameisdrewbusby
1 hour ago, Jamhammer said:

Have to say the counsellor was decent.

Warned re things to watch out for:

Not sleeping, drinking/smoking more

(Don’t smoke but like a whisky)

Im fortunate to have a wife who is very supportive/understanding.

Glad I spoke to em

Hope for no repeats

Well done for going to talk about it - far better than keeping it inside and little it niggle away at you. Looks like you got solid advice too.

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Doctor FinnBarr
On 21/11/2020 at 12:13, Alex said:

Hi Finnbarr,

Dementia is a heartbreaking thing to deal with in ordinary times never mind with all that is going on just now. I'm glad your wife spotted the signs and has been able to support you. I've not been involved directly with the Changing Room project (contact details at the start of the thread) but I've heard folk speaking about the massive impact the group has had on them. I'd recommend getting in touch to anyone who is wobbling a bit at the moment.

 

Thanks so very much for your words of support Alex

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hisnameisdrewbusby

Hi FinnBarr, just catching up here - for want of a better description - I'm The Changing Room guy. 

 

If you want a chat and or to join in our group chats (zoom only at the moment I'm afraid) then please get in touch - email is [email protected] or via the Big Hearts helpline 0131 603 4929 (it bounces through to my mobile).  Wee bit more about us here The Changing Room | Big Hearts

 

Dougie

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  • 4 weeks later...
Doctor FinnBarr
On 02/12/2020 at 16:39, hisnameisdrewbusby said:

Hi FinnBarr, just catching up here - for want of a better description - I'm The Changing Room guy. 

 

If you want a chat and or to join in our group chats (zoom only at the moment I'm afraid) then please get in touch - email is [email protected] or via the Big Hearts helpline 0131 603 4929 (it bounces through to my mobile).  Wee bit more about us here The Changing Room | Big Hearts

 

Dougie

 

Thanks Dougie, sorry to take so long to reply, you should've quoted me and I'd have seen it the next day.

 

I'm ok at the moment apart from my hands and feet turning me into a reptile through eczema.

 

Phone number has been noted, thanks mate.

 

PS, I've heard of Zoom but I've got no actual idea what it is, lol

Edited by FinnBarr Saunders
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rudi must stay

Still on pills. I think they have helped my mood, I look forward to each day. Next up im going to see a psychologist, which to be honest can't come soon enough as I would like to talk things over with him/her 

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For those interested in doing really good home workouts, download the FIIT app! I have a friend who is a trainer on it and it's amazing. You can link it up to your tv/laptop and do it in your living room.

 

Free trial for 2 weeks and very hard classes which will get you / keep you extra fit (and this is coming from someone who pre-covid would work out 5/6 times a week in a gym).

 

There's a big link between physical health and mental health so if you aren't feeling 100%, exercise!

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  • 2 weeks later...
hisnameisdrewbusby
40 minutes ago, ThomasDiSantare said:

I have mixed depressive and anxiety disorder and some symptoms as a result. I take pills, I feel much better

Good for you 🙂 Please don't ignore other means of help too though. 

 

Social connection, especially now, is something we all need and sharing your thoughts - just as you've done - is a good thing. Also great is getting outside and getting even a few minutes fresh air and whatever form of exercise works for you.

 

Sorry for the micro 'lecture', but no time like the present if you're feeling much better!

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rudi must stay
5 hours ago, ThomasDiSantare said:

I have mixed depressive and anxiety disorder and some symptoms as a result. I take pills, I feel much better

 

4 hours ago, hisnameisdrewbusby said:

Good for you 🙂 Please don't ignore other means of help too though. 

 

Social connection, especially now, is something we all need and sharing your thoughts - just as you've done - is a good thing. Also great is getting outside and getting even a few minutes fresh air and whatever form of exercise works for you.

 

Sorry for the micro 'lecture', but no time like the present if you're feeling much better!

Quite right. Meet with friends, they can help make you feel your old self again. That's what I'm doing 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I swear by walking.  I appreciate this recommendation will no doubt be done to death but fresh air, countryside and a good podcast on Spotify are a great way for me certainly to get a bit of focus and clear the head.  Will be far easier now as we enter into the lighter nights

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hisnameisdrewbusby
On 28/02/2021 at 20:29, Novafone said:

I swear by walking.  I appreciate this recommendation will no doubt be done to death but fresh air, countryside and a good podcast on Spotify are a great way for me certainly to get a bit of focus and clear the head.  Will be far easier now as we enter into the lighter nights

 

Good shout - even for folk less physically able to walk far, just getting outside is great for us.  I've read (in a text book, so not I'm making it up!) that folk in hospital recover more quickly if they have a view out of a window than those facing an internal wall.  So getting outside is great, but if we can't then looking outside is still better than keeping the curtains shut and staring at the walls.

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I am doing a 10k programme set by "Garmin Connect " so going out running about 4 times a week. My mate in Edinburgh every Sunday at 7pm sends round a video of him playing a tune on his guitar to our WhatsApp group, we have to guess the tune, sometimes takes a minute, sometimes ages but ususlly generates a fair wee bit of conversation. We also have a Zoom call every Monday. Our over 50's Football team has a couple of WhatsApp groups, 1 for banter and the other supposedly more serious . Between these, my Mrs finding jobs for me,  Spotify and  various people I keep in touch with on Twitter and Facebook, I am doing surprisingky well. I try to keep in contact with a mate who lives alone but sometimes forget. Looking forward to the day, restrictions can be safely eased though.

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I don’t know about anyone else but being on almost continual furlough for almost a year has played havoc with my attention span. I struggle to watch a film all the way through without getting distracted but can happily watch several back to back episodes of crap on Netflix or Amazon. 
I’ve spent the last few days doing working from home subtitling hour long videos of theatre plays and it’s killing me. It’s a hugely slow process with anywhere up to 10 hours to do less than an hour of video and having not concentrated on something for so long makes it mentally draining. And I reckon I’ll have to pull a 12 hour session tomorrow to meet the target.  

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  • 2 weeks later...

I am still working from home. Tbh I'm getting a bit sick of it. I frequently go on JKB and twitter. However I don't want to return to the office. My anxiety issues have eased and the thought of returning fills me with dread. My last customer contact before lockdown couldn't gave gone more badly. It will be June when it will be discussed I'm told so we will see.

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Anyone else experiencing random bruising beyond the vaccination site on the arm? (AstraZeneca)

 

Been advised to seek medical attention and done so, blood test set up for tomorrow.

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On 08/03/2021 at 23:53, Tazio said:

I don’t know about anyone else but being on almost continual furlough for almost a year has played havoc with my attention span. I struggle to watch a film all the way through without getting distracted but can happily watch several back to back episodes of crap on Netflix or Amazon. 
I’ve spent the last few days doing working from home subtitling hour long videos of theatre plays and it’s killing me. It’s a hugely slow process with anywhere up to 10 hours to do less than an hour of video and having not concentrated on something for so long makes it mentally draining. And I reckon I’ll have to pull a 12 hour session tomorrow to meet the target.  

Not exclusively during lockdown (but it's not helped) I can't watch a full movie or football match without getting my phone out. To scroll through crap, nothing important. My attention span is shot.

 

Also find I'm drawn junk series in little 15-20min segments

 

Finding I'm setting bad example for the kids.

 

I'm trying to read more books. 

 

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  • 3 weeks later...

I’ve stripped back social media completely still got a Facebook but no pages, groups or follow any the people who survived my purge and deleted the app . I feel that social media plays a huge part in feeling anxious or depressed it’s addictive and full of adverts and rubbish. I used to find myself logging off closing down all my apps on my iPhone locking the screen picking phone up 5 minutes later and right onto it . I have started putting my phone away more now and getting back into my reading . With the lighter nights now I am going to go longer walks with my dog , back to the gym of the week of 26th . I used to feel you needed social media like Twitter or Facebook but since I’ve been off it and no using it it does feel good. Having people from school on Facebook you haven’t even seen or spoke to for years and would walk past them in the street but will still like their photo of last nights dinner 😂

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Jambo 4 Ever
On 23/03/2021 at 15:28, OBE said:

Anyone else experiencing random bruising beyond the vaccination site on the arm? (AstraZeneca)

 

Been advised to seek medical attention and done so, blood test set up for tomorrow.

What did the doctor say?

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Jambo 4 Ever
On 19/03/2021 at 10:24, Marvin said:

I am still working from home. Tbh I'm getting a bit sick of it. I frequently go on JKB and twitter. However I don't want to return to the office. My anxiety issues have eased and the thought of returning fills me with dread. My last customer contact before lockdown couldn't gave gone more badly. It will be June when it will be discussed I'm told so we will see.

Where do you work?

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2 hours ago, Jambo 4 Ever said:

What did the doctor say?

 

My doctor was never involved. Blood test (nurse) and results (health centre receptionist) were good, no more random bruising, thanks for asking...

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  • 4 weeks later...

Looks as if I'm going on to hybrid working. So a couple of days in the office and the rest at home. I have explained to my manager that if I'm required 3 days or more there, then they may as well have me back permanently. I was paying out £140 per month on my train season ticket which makes me no better off than, if I was to be in work 3 days from 5. So we're having a meeting on Friday about it. He also needs to do my "Welcome back" 🙄 following a period of absence following surgery.

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  • 4 weeks later...
rudi must stay
On 16/04/2021 at 17:53, Stu_HMFC said:

I’ve stripped back social media completely still got a Facebook but no pages, groups or follow any the people who survived my purge and deleted the app . I feel that social media plays a huge part in feeling anxious or depressed it’s addictive and full of adverts and rubbish. I used to find myself logging off closing down all my apps on my iPhone locking the screen picking phone up 5 minutes later and right onto it . I have started putting my phone away more now and getting back into my reading . With the lighter nights now I am going to go longer walks with my dog , back to the gym of the week of 26th . I used to feel you needed social media like Twitter or Facebook but since I’ve been off it and no using it it does feel good. Having people from school on Facebook you haven’t even seen or spoke to for years and would walk past them in the street but will still like their photo of last nights dinner 😂

 

I hear people say to get rid of them. I see them as a positive in my life tbh

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Swahili Jambo

There are so many places on our doorstep that can help to 'escape' for a wee bit.  Holyrood Park, the Meadows,  a wee bit further and you are in the Pentlands (maybe get a pint in the Flotterstone Inn if you are lucky:),  South Queensferry (the Hawes is open for a pint/lunch),  in the other direction Peebles is an easy drive for a bit of lunch and maybe a pint and a wee stroll along the Tweed (Salmon are running so you might see one).  

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  • 2 weeks later...

I live in the Borders and got back into running during the first lockdown. With no commuting to Edinburgh I had extra time so could get out first thing before work for a run. I often get out and do half marathon before work and it sets you up for the day ahead. Just started boxing training as well and probably never been as fit as I am now. Only wish I had got myself into this shape in my 20's rather than my 40's! Signed up for a marathon in October which will be my 3rd. I've pretty much gave up drinking and gave up smoking last year as well. I can honestly say I don't miss either, no hangovers or anything and I feel great most of the time. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

I'm done man,  I mean really really done.

 

I've an ex I still love and whoe still loves me we have lovely kids together, I left the family home because it got too much and she randomly got me arrested because our daughter got sun burnt and she said it was a rash, I found out went mental and walked away at the hospital and what i didn't know is she staged me hitting her on her phone when she was actually punching and kicking me and I was trying to get past her.

 

Anyway, she done the arrest shite when my dad was in hospital getting s marrow transfusion having had cancer in his mouth before;  so my two brothers decided to make my partners life hell (I went to my mums when I left my ex at the hospital).   

 

Even now they cant keep their ****ing nose out stuff.  I left her last year but have been trying since January.  Because i've been trying my brothers fallen out with me massively.

 

Anyway its came to it now.  I'm done.

 

I genuinely want to die.  And it doesn't even scare me to say.  I want to die.

 

I'm done pleasing others done being the bad one and done not seeing my babies.

 

Kickback you're the best place in the world.  And my post about having no money and the legend sent it and I've sent back, it's because I've nobody.  I put everything into my relationship and my family, forgot my mates and now im in a decent enough flat but on my own.  I simply can't and wont do it anymore.

 

 

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