Stories of Self Management

Read Self Management Network Scotland members stories of self management, captured by Mind Waves Community Correspondents.

On the 19th April 2018, Community Correspondents from Mind Waves joined Self Management Network Scotland members at their national networking event ‘Gaun Yersel: Celebrating Self Management’ at the Studio in Glasgow. Community Correspondents spoke to delegates on the day to find out more about what self management means to them:

What makes life better for you? 

‘Getting out of the house, even for a few hours. Then getting home and listening to 50s and 60s music. Nearly 20 years living with dementia, you have to be able to laugh at the same joke.’

‘Interacting with people through education, training, confidence building.’

‘Socialising and taking each day as it comes. Gardening and the interactions that these activities bring. Family as well.’

‘I like to do yoga. I like to keep connected to my church and my community. My involvement in Dementia campaigns and peer support was a lifeline in my community.’

‘Knowing my condition and doctors listening to my lived experience. It can be scary having surgery and being under anesthetic so they reduced the time I was under when I approached them.’

‘Being an active member of the community and giving back to others through volunteering. To be able to get the right help when I need it and being able to access holistic care which is wider than just my health as it encompasses my wellbeing, being empowered by my self management to improve the quality of my life.’

Who or what supports you in managing your health? 

‘I used to have a support worker but spent my life on a bus. I’d like someone youngish – I want to hear about modern life. It’s not just about reminiscence. My wife – without her I’d be in a care home.’

‘Developing skills through whatever is there.’

‘Doctors, especially those of a sympathetic nature and NHS Centre for Integrative Care.’

‘Being asked 12 years ago ‘How are you?’. He listened and introduced me to a campaigning group. We’ve now created a closed group to discuss issues. I’m feeling included once again.’

‘My family are my greatest support. My husband and grown up children help me with everything from keeping the house clean to personal care. Managing multiple conditions, technology supports me to manage my diabetes, the pump makes all the difference.’

‘Primarily myself as I have fortunately attended the NHS Centre for Integrative Care who have invested in me by empowering me through self management courses, individual coaching to give me the skills I  need to live a more productive life.’

What support or barriers are there in the wider world in managing your health?

‘I have a comfort zone – the street I’m comfortable with but beyond that I need a companion. I feel confused. Meet other people with dementia you feel worthless but you have value. It’s not a death sentence, I have a good life.’

‘Education and learning new skills is good, but housing  is a barrier.’

‘Barriers are NHS networks that aren’t linked.’

‘Lack of GP interest – no training on how to cope.’

‘Most people are supportive but lack of knowledge creates barriers and miscommunication. A little bit of knowledge can be a pain, it’s tiring, I only give up control for a short period of time.’

‘It can be a postcode lottery to obtain healthcare and support that people need. At my local college, I have been able to access holistic treatments with the students who need the models to complete their qualification so it’s a win-win for both of us.’

Mind Waves (this link will take you away from our website) are a community group creating and promoting positive stories about mental wellbeing.