Social Anxiety during the Festive Period

“The perfect Christmas doesn’t look like the ones on TV, it looks like the one you enjoy. There’s so much pressure to be happy and to be part of a big celebration but I’ve found that finding downtime, solitude and space to simply feel however I feel makes the holidays easier to manage. 

Whether it’s a whole day of peace and quiet or locking yourself in the loo for a few minutes of meditation, being able to recharge can make a world of difference. It gives me the ability to truly enjoy time with loved ones without burning myself out. 

A few of my favourite tricks to recharge my mental batteries are:

• The dog is always happy to go out – fresh air and a bit of movement really does clear out the cobwebs. 

• Meditation – taking time to be in the moment can stave off anxiety spirals before they become overwhelming. 

• Your phone is useful – text a friend, watch that video that always makes you laugh, look at pictures of chilled out capybaras. Distractions can really help. 

• Low key alternatives – sometimes family can be too much, try coffee with a friend or visit a local community event for a change of scene.  (https://www.facebook.com/425132480881448/posts/pfbid02nvbNvTh4up2vKUYReWkcQEmPbcU3mvy7oRf24ccy7HHWSsjifrW3CoT1NdstM3iol/?app=fbl)

If social anxiety has taught me anything, it’s that people and relationships matter, the rest doesn’t. Celebrate with your loved ones in the way that works best for you and that will be a perfect Christmas.”

Thanks,

Katie S.

p.s. our thanks goes to Katie, one of volunteers peer workers for this article. Lived Experience proves to be very helpful.

Photo – The Old Packhorse Bridge – Carrbridge, Scotland. (Maggie Wright)

New Year – New Families

 

FAMILIES IN TRAUMA IN 2016

Finally, I have managed to get back to writing my blog and will give you an update of where we are now and future plans for the new year.  I’ll keep it brief – as I know how hard it is to read all the information we are bombarded with every day, especially if you are going through tough times!!  So this should be short and sweet – I hope:)

 

NEW OFFICE

During 2015 we managed to secure a tailored made office for ourselves down at Fife renewables innovation centre (the offices previously earmarked for the energy sector businesses – which sadly took a downturn).  We gladly received excellent conditioned furniture and board table from Havelock Europa plc who, fotuitously, were moving premises at the time and happily contributed to charities and non-profit organisations.   Their loss was our gain.  Glad to see larger businesses sharing with non-profits.  Thank you!!  Rent still being paid by myself – so hopefully funding should be on the horizon in next few months – eek!

 

LAUNCH OCTOBER 2015

We were thrilled to be able to launch Families in Trauma at the end of October and enjoyed a good turn out and excellent publicity from our local newspapers .  Margaret Hannah,  recently appointed Director of Public Health in Fife kindly joined us at the end of a very busy day to find out more about Families in Trauma and also to share her insights into new ways of connecting and helping families who may need crucial support.

 

 

PLANS FOR 2016 – PILOT PROJECT

ScottishEnterprise through Business Gateway have contributed a small fee to help with our pilot project which should be ready to launch at the end of January.  Along came Kirsty is the social enterprise who will be helping us with the initial pilot using our first 3 videos, covering suicide of family member,  kabuki syndrome, and  stillbirth initially , to test the results and hopefully be able to start heightening the profile of Families in Trauma.  We believe this is a sorely needed service and are really keen to get everyone involved in sharing the information, to help as many people as possible. Please do this whenever you can with any of FIT’s posts you feel will be helpful.

The initial test period for the pilot will be 30 days (as we can access the video platform we require for a 30 day free trial initially:)  )  So as soon as we have the results, we will share them with you.

Meanwhile please share, share and share again – you never know who you will be helping!!

              

 

 

 

 

 

Post Traumatic Stress

Post Traumatic Stress

Post traumatic stress is a term which many trauma sufferers may identify with easily. Unfortunately it is also something that can creep up on us without even being fully aware of what is happening.

Shell shock and Battle Fatigue

Initially the term was associated with  the battlefield in other guises as “shell shock” and “battle fatigue” during the first and second world war.  However during the Vietnam war the term “post traumatic stress” came to the fore and many war veterans were diagnosed with the condition.

PTSD and Trauma

However, more recently the term PTSD can be used to describe the psychological conditions associated with any traumatic event.

Symptoms of PTSD

Some of the well known symptoms can be:

• Panic attacks
• Vivid flashbacks
• Nightmares
• very intense feelings when being reminded of the trauma
• Avoidance of any reminders of trauma
• Pain, sweating, nausea, feeling lightheaded
• Being easily upset or angry
• Lack of concentration
• Self-destructive behaviours
• Keeping constantly busy to avoid thinking
• Angry and irritable
• Feeling detached and emotionally numb
• Feeling suicidal

Self-Help

It can be a very frightening experience for individuals with PTSD and often the sufferers can feel very isolated thinking that this is only happening to them.  There are various things which can help in time – but the biggest barrier to this can be impatience. The feelings are so frightening that an instant cure is sought, but sadly this approach is often very short lived.  So a more balanced, rounded approach can often last much longer and also help to make a person feel more confident once the strategies have been put in place.

• Talk to someone close to you
• Talk to people in similar situations
• Give yourself time
• Contact an organisation for support and educate yourself about PTSD
• Contact your GP

Families in Trauma

I have found in the course of my work that many people suffer from PTSD and feel there will be no way through this – but eventually with time, patience and help – it can be possible.  Families in Trauma will also be interviewing people who have shared their experiences of PTSD and we hope that it will be a help for many people.  Please feel free to share this blog with others who may need it or to anyone who may want to share their experiences and be interviewed either through video or audio.