'Mind Your Head' & 'Family Matters' DVDs
'Mind Your Head'
What is Mind Your Head?
Mind Your Head is a multimedia resource designed to inform young people, and families, experiencing a first episode psychosis; about psychosis, recovery and interaction with mental health services.
It comprises:
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A music CD of popular NZ music
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An 18 minute DVD film, featuring 4 young adults discussing their experiences of psychosis and recovery
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A 16 page booklet, incorporated into the cover of the unit with FAQ and other info on psychosis and mental health services.
Mind Your Head is a resource that was developed by the Wellington Early Intervention service using a youth focused participatory approach, with a contemporary multi media format.
It was supported by Loop Recordings, Sticky Pictures Films, Eli Lilly, Astra-Zeneca and Jansen-Cilag.
In October 2005, it received a CCDHB innovation award. Since it’s launch in May last year, it has made it’s way in to the hands of over 600 young adults having treatment for first episode psychosis in New Zealand. Feedback from clients, case managers and families is being collected and analysed.
How do I get one?
The DVD only version of Mind Your Head, for wider distribution, is now available. You can order using the contact details below. Please give your physical and postal address, contact details and a phone number.
Ministry of Health Publications
c/- Wickliffe Press
PO Box 932, Dunedin
New Zealand
Email: moh@wickliffe.co.nz
Phone: (04) 496 2277
There is no charge for the resource as it has been generously funded by Like
Minds Like Mine, but if you wish to make a donation, The National Advisory
Group has set up a bank account to develop a fund to produce further resources
of this type, and update this resource in the future.
Donations would be most welcome via:
Westpac 03 0883 0249589 26
Early Intervention National Advisory Group.
If you are wanting to access a copy of the 3 part Mind Your Head resource
(music CD, DVD film and info booklet), which is funded (in New Zealand) and
is directly available to young people experiencing a first episode of psychosis,
please contact Becky Singleton [becky.singleton@ccdhb.org.nz]
who will advise who the distributor in your local area is.
For international enquiries about Mind Your Head or other information on the
resource contact Lois Boyd
Family Matters
Family Matters is a DVD resource designed to help you understand psychosis. Hear four stories from families of distress, determination and recovery. We trust their experiences give you hope and illustrate that there are strategies to cope with the stress of psychosis.
For further information and a copy of the DVD, contact Susan Jones at WDHB
Clinical professionals describe what the symptoms of psychosis are, how the illness develops, what techniques assist recovery and practical advice for families. Specifically, the DVD examines the following:
What is Psychosis?
In this section we explore the meaning of the word ‘psychosis’ through families sharing their experiences combined with a clinical definition of the symptoms. Key areas, such as changes in behaviour and emotions from psychosis are explained. The phrases of illness are outlined and important things to know about psychotic diagnosis.
Causes of Psychosis:
We find out about the stress-vulnerability model, which suggests that the interaction between a person’s vulnerability and stress causes their coping skills to be overwhelmed: resulting in psychosis. This model is a good way of gaining an understanding of the causes of psychosis, including substances and the role that they can play in the development of a psychosis. Psychological causes are particularly important into how trauma and abuse can cause the illness and their influence on the nature of the psychosis.
Promoting Recovery:
Recovery is a process; it is about regaining what may have been lost; roles, responsibilities, decisions, potential and support. Learn how it is important to aim towards a trusting and supportive alliance between the person, their family and their clinical team. An assertive approach with a focus on what young people want to achieve can increase the sense of hope for the future and regain or develop skills, employment opportunities, other interests and life goals. This section also should provide an understanding of the role of medication, and how it assists recovery. Also psychological therapy is discussed and how it helps with psychotic symptoms and other problems that may have contributed to, or arisen from the psychosis.
Help For Families:
Learning about mental illness, treatment and recovery are important to families
who have been through psychosis. Families often find that some coping strategies
for day to day can make a difference in helping their affected loved one.
Family members also find that caring for themselves is necessary during a
relative’s recovery as the whole experience can raise everyone’s stress levels.
Challenging behaviours from a person with psychosis can sometimes occur and
will require effective communication from family to manage the situation.
We hear from the families directly talking about their experiences in conjunction
with other helpful information and advice.
Psychosis can feel overwhelming and frightening for the person and those
around them. However, with the courage of loved ones and professional support;
your family can move on to a fuller life.
This is a fantastic resource for families and friends alike.
For further information and a copy of the DVD, contact Susan
Jones at WDHB