"Listen"

Mental health and its treatment has an air of stigma and negativity attached to it. It is painful to see so many people go without the much needed help they so desperately need.

When people think of getting therapy or even dare to speak about the possibility they are often instantly shot down. But we must not forget the flip side - what the therapists can do for us and whether or not they are fulfilling those expectations.

Therapy - a place where someone asks you "and how do you feel about that?". Such a common misconception but one driven by the stigmatization of mental health and its services. Nobody outside of the profession ever really talks about their experiences with therapy - did it help? didn't it? This is quite a sad fact.

I came across this poem written by a patient of a psychiatric hospital and it really touched me. There are so many lines and comments in this that I can relate to - not from my experience of therapy but from the place of the advice giver. Its the harsh truth - people don't REALLY listen to what someone is saying to us. We change it, turn it around to be about us or brush it off with a generic comment about how its all going to be okay.

So please, if you will, take a moment to read this poem and to reflect on your listening skills and the types of advice you give to others - it might just make you realize what it is people really need - a ear that is really listening.

‘LISTEN’ 

When I ask you to listen to me 

And you start giving me advice, 

You have not done what I asked. 

When I ask you to listen to me 

And you begin to tell me ‘why’ I shouldn’t feel that way, 

You are trampling on my feelings. 

When I ask you to listen to me 

And you feel you have to do something to 

solve my problems, 

You have failed me, strange as that may seem. 

Listen! All I ask is that you listen; 

Not talk, nor do – just hear me. 

And I can do for myself – I’m not helpless 

Maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless. 

When you do something for me, that I can 

and need to do for myself, 

You contribute to my fear and weakness. 

But when you accept as a simple fact that I do feel what I feel, 

No matter how irrational 

Then I quit trying to convince you 

And can get about the business of understanding 

What’s behind this irrational feeling. 

When that’s clear, 

The answers are obvious and I don’t need advice. 

Irrational feelings make sense when we 

Understand what’s behind them. 

Perhaps that’s why prayer works sometimes for 

some people; 

because God is mute, and doesn’t give 

advice to try to ‘fix’ things, 

He/She just listens, and lets you work it out 

for yourself. 

So please listen, and just hear me, and if you 

want to talk, 

Wait a minute for your turn, 

And I’ll listen to you. 

Anon

Step back to reality ..

Today I read about a juicing transformation that really put the benefits of juicing into perspective for me. I am living in my own world with the knowledge that what I'm doing is good for me but not really knowing what is happening out there, how other people are being healed from this practice.

I found an interview with Jeff, who embarked on a 70 day juicing detox. The way he spoke about the death of people close to him which set him on his journey into a healthier lifestyle is heartwarming. In his interview he speaks about the hardships at the start of his detox and how it gradually become easier until this just became his routine. Hearing about success stories like this fills me with hope and confidence. Honestly, it is hard sometimes to get up at 7am for a 9am lecture and make a pint of juice, wash the juicer and get myself out of the door on time for the over-packed bus. But it is rays of light this that really keep me going on my journey. Im not quite fully intergrated with my juicing as much as I would like to be, but I am surely on my way.

Here is the link for the interview :)

http://juicing-for-health.com/joy-of-juicing/juice-fasting/juice-fasting-testimonies/70day-green-juice-cleanse-with-jeff.html

Victory - Mind over Matter !

I have just completed my first ever 30 day juicing challenge! It really does feel great!. Though there were some difficult days when the juice recipes were not exactly to my taste but you'll never know if you like something if you don't give it a go! 

Here are some of the last few juices I had

Apple, Red Cabbage and Lime 

Cucumber, Pear, Lemon, Carrot, Apple and Ginger 

Beetroot, Carrot and Apple 

This has been a fantastic experience for me and I'm sure for my flatmate too. My eyes have been opened to the wonders and tastes of different vegetable and fruit combinations. My all time favorite, well from the recipes I tired on this challenge, was apple, cabbage and lime. This one is tangy and sweet, surprisingly from the cabbage. This is a vegetable that I would never have chosen to put through my juicer in the morning, but it has proven to be most tasty! 

Mental Health 

Now, I am no expert on this field, or in fact any field of mental health, but I can certainly comment on my own experience which of course will be different from every single one of your's. I began this journey somewhat skeptical about the effects this juicing malarky would have on me, if any. I have read many reports, articles and books which all say that this is a great way to boost your mental clarity, health and general well-being. To begin with I only experienced mild effects, I was able to wake up more easily in the morning without the dread of the day ahead - we all know that feeling, and what a pleasure it was to get rid of it! As the weeks went on I found myself concentrating better in all of my lectures, even the 9am's! I can think more clearly and with more logic. I guess as well I was sleeping much better which is always a bonus. But I'm sure some of you will be saying "Well surely you can concentrate better because you are sleeping better, not because of the juice!! ". I definitely see where you are coming from, as a psychology student I know all too well how naturally it comes to question almost everything we come across in life, we are human at the end of the day - its natural! But I can say personally I believe that the juicing in the morning helped me to expend my energy better throughout the day, concentrate and actually pay attention - steadying my mind, proving a space to think logically and to rest peacefully at night. What a joy it is to place my head on the pillow and not have thoughts racing around in my mind! 

Physical Health 

100% more energy! Absolutely a great addition to my life! That is all there is to say on the matter - more energy more enthusiasm to do stuff - more dedication to go the gym! 

If any of you are considering giving this a go - DO IT! Just remember, if you have any health issues or worried talk to your GP first as they will be able to guide you and provide the relevant support than I obviously can't! 

This is not to say that it is goodbye, there are many more posts to come about new research in the area, health psychology, positive psychology and RAW FOODS! 

Happy Juicing