When talking to Ruby on Saturday at our very glamourous Hennessy Gold cup event – look I’ve even found a photo that isn’t blurred of me, Ruby and Ingrid who is editor of Majesty Magazine. I know I’m looking like I’ve still got the price tag on my jacket, but it was my ticket, honest! :-
We talked for ages about Ruby’s new online project set up to help people with mental illness. They’ve got the basic website set up now – in “beta” form – ie the functionality isn’t all there yet, but they’d still like your views on what you think:-
http://www.blackdogtribebeta.com/
The idea is that a social platform is provided to get more people talking and sharing their experiences of mental illness – you can find your own “tribe” depending on what you are looking for and then you can create and join forums, write blogs and get involved. There are videos of A list experts talking about mental illness.
Their official launch will be in January 2012, but in the meantime the organisers are hoping that you can contribute to the Black Dog Tribe experience by giving them your feedback and suggestions on how to improve our site via their “issuetracker.”
What a great idea.
Christy Summerfield
November 29, 2011I heard about this group on NPR yesterday, I think. Anyhow, I wrote it down because I’d like to be involved. I have a therapist but that’s just not enough. I’m bipolar, have PTSD and panic attacks (anxiety disorder). I’m a therapist but I can’t seem to help myself. So, I’d like to be part of the group.
Family Affairs
November 29, 2011OK well if you click on the link I’ve posted you can contact them directly through the website. Lx
Sarah Paul
November 29, 2011I heard about it on Woman’s Hour yesterday, and nodded my head vigorously and wept. As I was negotiating a series of difficult roundabouts around Newark-on-Trent at the time, this was a little tricky, but I had experienced a moment of such relief: Ruby understands that it is hard for me too – I am just a carer, and have no part in the support and therapy loop. She said that the forum for care-givers will be separate from that of those with the mental health issues. I think that this is entirely appropriate, and will be enormously helpful to people in my position.
Family Affairs
November 29, 2011Yes she talks about that on her video on the website – a separate “tribe” for carers – hugely important x
Joan
December 1, 2011I heard about this new site on Woman’s Hour. It would be a great relief to have this at hand so anyone including me could talk issues through with people who really understand. It feels so terrible and I get panic attacks. I am trying not to take medication and am afraid to tell anyone as they just think it is a matter of “pulling oneself together”. I know that my G.P will offer me anti-depressants. Is that really the solution. What can I do to help myself? How do I get in control of it and push it away? I have had medication before and counselling. This thing just comes in waves.
Family Affairs
December 1, 2011Aaaah. Poor you. You sound as if you have a good understanding of how it affects you – I wouldn’t presume to know enough about it to advise you. I know Ruby Wax felt that her medication was very successful in making her feel a lot better – maybe you should comment on their new website and perhaps, especially once it is properly launched in January you will find like minded people and professionals to talk to and take advise from. You are being very brave I think Lx
Shez
April 13, 2012I’ve suffered from depression in varying degrees since my early teens and bouts are less frequent now as I recognise triggers and have developed strategies, but the best remedy is being able to talk to other people about it and not have them run away or tell you to ‘pull your socks up’. I read the black dog books and laughed and cried and have told my like-minded friends about this site. xx
Family Affairs
April 13, 2012Thats very good that it is helping then L x