Jemma's Diary
2006 October to December

Click on the headline to read Jemma's entry for that week.

I’m still skiing yet, still not getting enough sleep

18th December 2006
Will an edible talking haki sack pillow help Jemma maintain her inner peace? Read on to find out.

'let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...'

11th December 2006
The long, dark night and lack of exercise has left Jemma feeling flat and with a persistent urge to self harm again. Read on to find out what she is doing to help her cope.

Last week I read Elemental: The universal art of mental health by Paul Reed

4th December 2006
Jemma reviews Elemental by paul Reed.

In most contexts, actions most definitely speak louder than words

27th November 2006
Jemma holds her hands up to using potentially offensive language at times but also acknowledges that, whilst the use or miuse of language is a tricky debate, it'soften not what you say but what you do that counts.

Bipolar disorder - a celebrity sick note?

20th November 2006
Prompted by journalist Simon Mill's 'True Blue' article in the Sunday Times, Jemma gives her view on celebrity and the 'cult' of biploar disorder.

Everyone can experience difficult waters if life throws a spanner in the works

13th November 2006
When life delivers a hard knock it will inevitably affect your mental health. Jemma talks about giving support to friends and family and recognising when you should ask for help.

The clocks have changed and it has turned decidedly chilly

6th November 2006
Jemma is almost a DIY master and, with the help of her lightbox, hot water bottle and dimmer light switch, winter is looking promising.

I'm having an extended Indian summer

30th October 2006
Jemma has had a pretty good summer health wise and despite theonset of winter, and a little wobble, last week she is feeling pretty positive.

Wise Selfishness

16th October 2006
Jemma is looking for things to brighten up the coming autumn.The words ofthe Dalai Lama and past experience has led her to investigate opportunities to get involved in volunteering. Read on to find out what motivates her.

This week it's Scottish Mental Health Week

9th October 2006
During Scottish Mental Health Week Jemma looks back on how writing an online diary has affected hermental health, her relationships and helped reach out toothersover the past 11 months.

Would I choose not to be bipolar? It would be like choosing to be an entirely different person

2nd October 2006
Jemma reflects on a few of the questions the recent radio and TV programmes on bipolarity haveraised this past week.