It’s yet another dull day in London but I have a lot to be happy about. I have an amazing partner who’s really looked after me since I was disabled by Transverse Myelitis in 2011. I’m grateful I have an amazing close-knit family and I will be going up to Scotland in November for a niece’s wedding where I’ll get to see everyone. I am delighted with my two amazing sons; one (Ricci) is currently a Research Fellow in the States and the other (Ravi) is a Physiotherapist in London.
Today I’m going to meet Ravi and his new wife for afternoon tea and I’m so excited. I haven’t seen them together since their wedding and they’re going to bring some wedding photos for me to look through.
I’ve been up for an hour now and have been going through my posts’ comments and tried to answer everyone. Somewhere along the way I’ve picked up great blog: Crushed Caramel where she’d answered an interesting set of questions posted by another blogger: Salted Caramel so I thought I’d have a go too.
Do you blog to promote your business?
No. I became disabled and regretfully medically retired from my job as a Mental Health Nurse/Ward Manager, a job I truly loved. I also had to cease running my small business where I worked as and supplied Mental Health First Aid instructors to a variety of organisations. We taught MHFA to a wide range of companies, schools and Armed Forces. I was there at the inception of MHFA England and would love to be able to carry out more training in order to raise aware of mental health issues.
Or is your blog a launching pad for your social life?
What social life? Okay, so I’m exaggerating a little ‘cos I’ve already told you I’m off out this afternoon. We went to see our grandchildren on Thursday and got to stay the night. It was sooo much fun playing games like hide and seek, where when you’re looking for a two year old an you utter to yourself “Now, where’s that Ava?” and she shouts “I’m here.” and her four year old big brother shouts crossly “Aaaava! You’re not supposed to tell her! You’ve spoiled the game now!” and off he stomps, sulking and trying not to laugh when I pretend trip and fall onto the sofa “Ouch, Ouch!”
We’re going back there this Sunday and I’m cooking stew and dumplings (a nod to my Scottish heritage) for everyone together with my brother-in-law and his girlfriends. So far my social life’s been all family but hopefully next week I’ll be able to catch up with a few friends.
Pinterest.com 
Momjunction.com 
bbc.co.uk/food
Does it exist only to complement your Instagram account?
No. I’ve never had an Instagram account. I’m a complete technophobe and not very computer literate, despite having typed and used computers since the seventies. Oops, just given away my approximate age 😉 When my energy levels reach rock bottom, I sometimes find it hard enough responding to my blog comments, Twitter and my emails, let alone having another account such as Instagram. However, I love picking up my laptop and catching up with everyone’s news – it’s my little window on the world.
No need to explain
Is your blog making you real money (if so please let me into your secret)?
No. Unfortunately not and it never will really. I don’t intend to monetize my blog and only set it up because I wanted to make use of my fifteen years of diaries, kept from when I was nursing. Reading through them reminds me of all the good times I had, the amazing inspiring people I met; both patients and colleagues. However, I was also reminded of the poor standards of practice and that’s really what I wanted to highlight in my blog.
I want people (nursing students, nurses, doctors, social workers, occupational therapists, community psychiatric nurses, the public, MP’s, the government, patients, carers or friends) to be informed and make the necessary changes. Tell your care team you are not happy with the standards of care. Tell your boss,manager, team that standards must be raised. I want Doctors and nurses to continue with their professional development and stay up-to-date with current practices. Ooops! Rant over.
Are you blogging because you are so adept at this craft that you want to teach it to others?
No. I wish I was smart enough tho’. I loved teaching and mental health is my niche, so I’ll stick to it. I can offer lots of information, not unsolicited advice, and point people in the right direction if they are seeking support but I can’t profess to being a teacher or instructor any more.
Or are you like me : blogging just due to the urge to write?
Yes. I’m like you. Yay, we have this one in common. I love reading and also enjoy writing; releasing the pent up frustration that’s been raging inside me for so many years. As a mental health nurse I was used to writing ‘in and on reflection’, hence the lengthy notes in my old work diaries.
As I’m disabled I often have time on my hands and can’t believe how many hours I used to spend on social media i.e. Twitter and Facebook, just to see if anyone had messaged me or liked my comments. Now I’m blogging, the likes, the helpful comments and advice I get is both helpful and constructive. I only started blogging a few months ago and I’ve not even finished with my first work diary yet – so looks like I’ll be here for a few more years.
What are your reasons why you put the proverbial blood sweat tears into your blog posts?
Blood, sweat and tears
The balance careers photo
Shout it from the mountains
Sinceremoments.co.uk
Mental health matters
Red bubble photo
I want people to be aware of the poor standards of practice in mental health units. I want everyone to shout it from the rooftops or from the highest mountain whenever they come across poor practice in mental health nursing and care environments. I want to increase awareness of diagnosis (right or wrong sometimes) the signs, symptoms, causes and effects of mental health disorders. And I want to reduce the stigma. I know I can’t change the world on my own but if my little blog is of use to one person and they have the confidence to speak out, it’s a start.
The way to change the world is through individual responsibility and taking local action in your own community. Jeff Bridges
Very enjoyable reading. I’m in the U.S., and also feel your commitment to change the way mental health treatment works. I have family members and friends that have struggled and treatment should be available, affordable, and effective. I also have family and friends in South Wales, and want the same for them. (I’ll actually be visiting them next month at this time.)
Thank you Kim, I appreciate your comments. It’s awful isn’t it? Sometimes people (staff ), governments etc make it so difficult for patient obtain affordable, effective and on demand treatment. So we will battle on and try to change things in our own small ways 🙂
Yes. There is such a lack of understanding, mostly because there are not a lot of voices. The people I know who struggle are not comfortable voicing it. And I understand…many people will treat them different. Because they talk to me, I can be their voice and advocate. You are so right….It shouldn’t be difficult and there should be a better understanding of how to encourage adherence to treatments. I know so many who will not take meds and cycle out. I have the feeling if we didn’t just concentrate on meds, but also explored other therapies in combination (yoga and other exercise, diet, massage, etc.), we could possibly make lives better and give them more tools for their arsenal.
That was such a great post !
I really enjoyed reading it and I am so proud and happy that my little qiestions inspired ot.
I am so glad that you stumbled upon us two “Caramels” of the bloggosphete Mel and I.
I hope to keep interacting with you in the future and reading more of your work.
Thank you Dr tanya 🙂 I pinched your post obviously but it was too good to just ignore – so thank you. I also look forward to keeping in touch with you and your blog. Caz x
I would not call it pinching at all.
In my opinion it was more like a conversation.
Thank you Mel.
It is very gratifying to be appreciated by like minded people.
Its like an anti depressant and mood elevator rolled into one.
Loved this post. I love how you want to help others with mental health and improve their lives even if you just help one person. That’s pretty special. I blog to help others as well and to get thoughts out of my head. I always have so many floating around in there. I always have something to say ☺️🤗 thanks again. Hope your day is great
Love this post thank you for it ❤️💕
This is a very interesting blog you have here. I’m still trying to orient myself so please forgive me if I ask any stupid questions.
Robert.
I’ve been told, “There’s no such thing as a stupid question.” But I’ve heard so many, not sure…..
You’re very kind. 🙂
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
I LIKE—-BEING ABLE TO WRITE BOTH CHRISTIAN AND OTHER POETRY—WITHOUT BEING TOLD THE CHRISTIAN STUFF HAS TO GO—AND THE FOLKS I MEET AND CAN HELP!