A bit brave

  We are not at war. 1914 Unspeakable destruction, death, and the draining of our lifeblood. Limbs torn asunder and men broken in mind and body. Confined to mud-filled trenches, waiting for the start or finish of life. The enemy watching for our advance but there were no winners.   2020 The enemy is hidden all around us. Fear is palpable and no soldier or general is immune from the silent attack, No one is safe and the front line has moved. The generals would have you believe the NHS staff are soldiers of WW3, Under resourced, they give tender care to those drowning in forbidden wards, Like aliens they move slowly around, offering their love and weary limbs to the fallen,    They strain to hold back the overwhelming tide of those who did not ask to die. Sorrow haunts a whole nation as we watch the death toll rise and look for answers that do not come.   I despair because we are fighting on many fronts. This disease is waiting arou...

    No matter how well you feel, with mental health, there is always the possibility of regressing. During the lockdown, I have had to face many restrictions on my life. I have done this reasonably well and felt some achievement in ‘not going under.’ I have helped my wife through some difficult times and the experience has been exhausting. I now have a long list of good things that will be happening in a month’s time. I will be able to swim again. I will be able to go to Andy's Man Club again. I will see my family again. I might be able to play golf again. You would think that this would make me happy but a month is a long time to be waiting when you feel down or anxious. So today my mental health has dipped and I am doing what I always do, thinking the worst. I didn’t sleep well last night and for a week now I have been dogged by the most debilitating headaches. I look back over the past two years and I know that I am in a much better place now but there is still that nig...

  When you pluck up the courage to attend Andy’s Man Club, you have the chance to talk about things that are important to you. For two hours you will talk and listen and time will pass quickly because you are where you need to be. You will feel positive for the first time in a while. You will feel that people care about you and what you are going through. You might not feel alone for the first time in a long time. You may feel that this is somewhere that you belong. You may go home elated or at least hopeful. Those two hours are just a starting point. For the next week, you will feel lifted by the experience and look forward to the next Monday. You will walk a little taller. Those two hours remain with you as you deal with your illness and go about your daily routine and this is just a starting point. Each Monday brings new ideas and hope and most importantly friendship. You are on a path to recovery. Your life seems to have more promise and you can look forward to being part of ...