Mental illness continues to rise and diversify while life has, apparently, never been easier. Every year a new crop of disorders emerges to account for ‘abnormalities' in the human experience.We have medicalised almost every facet of our behaviour and often see ourselves as our hypothetical therapists would see us. People are no longer quirky or eccentric, they are … [Read more...] about Consumers or citizens in fighting depression?
Inequality and mental illness: boxed in
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon recently announced £54m is to be ploughed into widening access to mental health services. The headline grabbing move came only days after a nationwide council tax freeze was green-lit for the 9th consecutive year, placing those very services under perpetual strain.While the extra money has to be welcomed we must also accept it's a paltry, … [Read more...] about Inequality and mental illness: boxed in
Sober thoughts on sectarianism
Many years ago I once thought it smart to take a couple of jellies (legal heroin) and go for a walk through Govanhill one easy Sunday morning. My mission: take advantage of the new licensing laws which meant I did not have to wait until midday to legally purchase alcohol. Armed with a few loose cigarettes, a can of Stella and an increasingly lower centre of gravity, I set … [Read more...] about Sober thoughts on sectarianism
I could murder a bit of good news
We Glaswegians are often noted for our sense of humour. I think this comes from the ability we have to laugh off certain horrific truths. In fact, we almost always make ourselves the butt of the joke whether intentionally or otherwise. But under that tendency to make light of those darker aspects of our daily lives lurks a depressing acceptance that things will never change - … [Read more...] about I could murder a bit of good news
Tunnock’s teagate: patriotic addiction?
Tunnock's is a company that sells sticky, sweet biscuits. The not-so-secret essential ingredient is sugar.It’s a fair bet that many of the teeth pulled from gingivitis-ridden gums of the Scottish population came in contact with a Tunnock's product, and a good percentage of Type-2 diabetics quietly shooting up at the dinner…may well have consumed a Tunnock's product, or … [Read more...] about Tunnock’s teagate: patriotic addiction?