"I'm gonna break you down boy,
And then I’m gonna build you up again,
Stronger than ever before."
Knowing as well as anyone the sheer terror of an attack
of severe depression, Francis Dunnery has given us permission to quote from
his song, "The Wounding and Healing of Men", to highlight the importance of
the launch of Blue Skies Mental Health Support Group in Cleator Moor. The
group is being established by Peter Sharkey,
who
has recently emerged from three years of severe depression to address the
problems that other sufferers from mental health problems experience.
Dunnery’s powerful song speaks the language of Peter’s own experiences.
Both know what is is like to be broken down and have your rock turned to
sand. Both know, however, that depression is not purely destructive. The man
or woman who emerges from the storm is stronger than ever before.
"I’m gonna crush your spirit, boy
Then you’ll have to take a stand."
Peter’s reaction to the experience of depression is in tune with this. He
now sees the great anguish he has been through as the "best thing that has
ever happened to me" and to take from the wreckage the message that you must
"be happy with your lot." He knows by experience that isolation is the
factor that drives depression into an ever more vicious spiral, and that
victims of this condition need social contact, especially with someone who
can empathise with them, rather than merely prescriptions for medication.
Even to cry or shout in anger or anguish can bring much needed relief. Blue
Skies will provide this space for other victims by opening a door "for all
to enter" and find help during their time of need. They aim to benefit their
whole community by supporting professional treatment and making people
suffering from depression and other mental health problems feel less
isolated and alone. They will offer all who come there a safe and welcoming
environment filled with compassion and understanding, and alleviate the
stigma that is often felt by those suffering from these conditions. Those
who, like Peter, have "been there" will be able to share experiences and
also offer "a listening ear" to the families of sufferers. Instead of
curling up in self pity we can start our own healing process by asking, "Can
I help."
In retraining as a counsellor and setting this group up Peter has the
support of his mother Patricia, a Cleator Moor Town Councillor, and Joan
Hulley, who is a former Mayor of Copeland, a Copeland Borough Councillor,
and an experienced mental health carer, as well as the full backing of
Copeland’s Mayor, Councillor Anne Faichney. They have held discussions with
professionals, doctors, nurses and counsellors, and with dedicated volunteer
groups like "Samaritans." The three founder members have
brought Blue Skies into the public arena, through public consultations and
presentations to the town's official groups and have prepared a mission
statement, a constitution and business plan. They now have a core group
committee of fourteen members and hold an inaugural meeting on 13th
February. After that they will have to acquire a building, which will
can make members feel comfortable and part of the community, and recruit and
train volunteers in impartial listening skills. Though based in Cleator
Moor, Blue Skies will welcome members from any part of Copeland.
Peter also
hopes to use the skills he gained in acquiring his degree in Illustration by
publishing an illustrated Book of Affirmations affirming the worth of every
person, however ill.
Disability Rights
It is vital that people suffering from depression or
other mental disabilities should have the opportunity of using their skills
to the full in the work place. "The longer people remain on benefits the
more likely they are to develop mental health problems," wrote John Hutton,
MP for Barrow, while he was Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for Work
and Pensions, in a personal letter to the Editor of Egremont
Today, confirming that employers have a duty to make their staff aware of
the needs of all their fellow workers.
"Unjustified treatment or failure to make reasonable
adjustments is discrimination and is unlawful in all aspects of employment,"
he declared. "Less favourable treatment might be, for example, refusing to
take on, train or promote a disabled person."