David's story: my struggle with alcohol

David had always enjoyed the occasional beer however, as his drinking steadily worsened during a difficult few years, it took its toll on his health. After a stay in hospital, he found himself supported by the Trust’s Alcohol Related Long Term Conditions Team and is now firmly on the road to recovery.

Almost a year on, David, 45, is sharing his story to encourage others who are struggling with alcohol to access the help that is available.

Smoking: it's good to be a quitter

Wednesday 9 March is No Smoking Day. While studies show that two-thirds of smokers want to quit, nearly one in five UK adults continue to smoke.

We spoke to Sheila Wright, one of our Non-Executive Directors, about giving up.

Sheila’s story

"My first experience of smoking was aged nine years, smoking cigarettes supplied by friends who had ‘stolen’ them from their parents. By 16 I was addicted to nicotine, financed through my dinner money and pocket money.

A not so merry Christmas

Life can throw up problems at any time of year, but Christmas is a particularly difficult time to be struggling.

Financial problems, too much alcohol and the pressure to have the perfect Christmas can all make the festive period a stressful time.

If the thought of the Christmas season fills you with dread, there is help available.

Issues with alcohol

Alcohol seems to be everywhere at Christmas, and it’s easy to get carried away.

If alcohol is a problem for you or someone in your household, don’t stock up for Christmas – limit what you have at home.

You can get further help and advice from Alcohol Concern.

Money troubles

It sounds cheesy, but remember that the best gift you can give your children is your time.

When you do your Christmas shopping, be careful with credit. Never buy anything on credit until you’ve checked the interest rates and are confident you can afford the repayments.

You should also check that any company you borrow from is the real deal. Loan sharks charge very high interest and often use illegal methods to get the money from you. You can check the financial services register to make sure a company is legitimate.

If you do find yourself in financial trouble after Christmas, most community centres will hold debt management surgeries. They will be able to give information on your local food bank if you need it.

Your local Sure Start centre can also point you in the right direction for debt management advice.

Domestic violence

Domestic violence can happen at any time of year, but more time spent together at home can make things even more difficult.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, you are not alone and there is help out there: 

• Nottinghamshire 24 hour domestic violence helpline: 0808 800 0340 - freephone 
• National 24 hour domestic violence helpline: 0808 2000 247 - freephone 
• Advice line for male victims of domestic violence: 0808 8010 327 – freephone

You can also find advice online at Refuge, Women’s Aid or Men’s Advice Line.

Mental health issues

When everyone seems to be happy and having a wonderful time, experiencing issues with your mental health can feel even more isolating than usual.

If you’re struggling this Christmas, try to talk to family and friends about how you’re feeling. You can also find a listening ear at the Samaritans.

If you need urgent help, visit our help in a crisis page to find the best place to contact.

Get more help

If you’re not sure where to go for help with family problems, your local Sure Start centre can point you in the right direction.

If you’re experiencing issues with your mental health and you’re not in touch with our services, please talk to your GP. If you are using our services, please contact your care co-ordinator for advice.

What's the big issue?

There has been talk in the news lately about a problem sometimes known as ‘bigorexia’. Lou Wilkins works at The Health Shop, which sees people affected by the condition using the specialist steroid service. We caught up with Lou to find out more.

What is ‘bigorexia’?

‘Bigorexia’ is a type of body dysmorphia, also sometimes called ‘reverse anorexia’. It’s when people – usually men – have a distorted view of their body and think that they don’t look big enough. They may go to extreme and potentially dangerous lengths to get the muscular body they desire.

Despite the dangers, some people use steroids to change their body size. Our specialist steroid service at The Health Shop works with people to make sure they are doing so as safely as possible.

Why would someone risk their health to look bigger?

We see people who aren’t happy with the way they look. They say they feel much more confident when they are bigger and get more compliments from people. And once people start using steroids, many feel like they can’t stop.

There are also people who can’t stop because they’ve not reached their goal weight. We see some people in our service who keep shifting the weight goal - a bit like people with anorexia. First they want to be 14 stone, then on the next visit 15 stone, and so on. However big they become, it’s never enough.

People who are affected feel depressed and anxious about their bodies, and panicky if they haven’t pushed themselves hard enough in the gym. This can increase their reliance on large amounts of steroids and other performance or image enhancing drugs.

What are the dangers?

People’s bodies need time to rest and recover. Natural hormone levels can be permanently affected when people use steroids continuously.

Other dangers include development of breast tissue and problems with the cardiovascular system, fertility and sexual performance.

Body dysmorphia can also affect relationships and other areas of people’s lives, because it can take over and become all someone cares about.

How can I spot if someone is affected?

There are several warning signs that someone might be developing body dysmorphia:

• losing relationships because of excessive gym attendance
• anxiety about missed gym visits/not training hard enough
• continuing to train despite injury
• overly critical of their appearance
• changing their goal weight
• using steroids continually despite unwanted side effects

Where can I get help?

If you are affected by the above or know someone who needs further information, advise them to contact our Body Shop at The Health Shop, where they can get support and advice.

www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/the-health-shop

healthshop@nottshc.nhs.uk

0115 9475414

If you suffer from mental health issues such as depression or anxiety, our Let’s Talk-Wellbeing service offers psychological assessment and treatment.

www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/letstalkwellbeing