NMP pamphlet - PLEASE READ!!!!

[nomorepanic]

Ross - wow that is cool mate. Thanks for starting that.

My only comment is to change the wording to say that it came from members on here first and then some from professionals as that will be strictly what it is.

Cheers

[Karen]

This is one of Meg's as I'm not able to think of my own right now. What about:

Thoughts not instructions. If you think sad you will feel low and if you think scared you will feel anxious.

Also to help stop ruminating:

1. Choose a fixed place to sit - preferably not the bedroom.
2. Choose a time ONCE a day.
3. Set a time limit of 20 minutes maximum
4. Write down your thoughts/worries.
5. When the time is up STOP and do something else.

The more we focus on these worrying thoughts the more anxious/depressed we feel.

Just some ideas.

Karen xx

[Piglet]

Oh brilliant everyone - this is just the sort of stuff we want!!

Ross I love the idea of calling it the 'Survival Handbook' that's smashing - we were struggling with a name on the other thread!!

Also I really like the layout for a first 'go' but one thing I would say guys and I maybe on my own but could we have a positive image for our front cover. Maybe not a person but something a bit more ambiguous like the design they did on the front of Claire Weekes book.

Or if that seems too soppy then a cartoon of a stressed 'stick' person - bit like the emoticon of the stressed typist that people use on msn. Do you know the sort of thing?

Ross do you think you can find images in either of those sort of moulds then we could see which way we would like to go with it.

I sort of saw the book as real 'lift' when you feel crap and even looking at it gives you a sense of either calm or boost!! So I think the front cover is quite important.

Also is it worth considering cost at all here - ie: colour versus black and white - or just colour for the front???

Piglet

[kazzie]

Hi Piglet

I think it deffo needs a bit of humour injected into it

Laugh and the world laughs with you

Cry and you cry alone lol

Luv Kaz x x x

[Ross]

As it happens, I thought about a more positive image on the cover so here is that one;



I hadn't thought about something like the Claire Weekes one...... is it a flower or what????

But thats a good idea. I can find loads of images like that, or maybe something abstract???

As for the Survivors Handbook thingy, I don;t even know where I got that from, just typed it for some reason.

Anyways. let me hunt for some nice pretty pics and I'll post another shot.

[clickaway]

I think the front cover image was good, but if its not what we want I can understand that. But I would have chosen a monotone blue to blend in with the logo and words. Whatever we come up with I think it has to convey a feeling of calmness and reassurance. I think our blue is a very calming hue.

It would be interesting to get a quote for a colour and monotone design. The production costs of the leaflet are likely to be less than the postage costs. We need to assess the quantity required - how are you going to know who to send them too, and what are people's views on distributing these booklets to a wider audience? It would increase our profile but we would need help with the costs then. Whatever way we go, maybe it will be a good time to push for some small donations?

A couple of tips I would include:

• even if you feel bad, make the effort to get up and you'll soon feel a bit more alive
• even if you feel tired, resist going back to bed - the bedroom is only for sleep and sex!
• Push yourself to at least get some fresh air every day. Ideally, you should try for some exercise each day - maybe a walk or some gardening
• Resist comfort eating, especially if you find going out difficult. Your body needs all the help available to make you feel good!

[clickaway]

Ross, It would be great if we could have one of our own members smiling on the cover - maybe it would make them feel better too

Not that I'm volunteering, mind

[Ross]

Ross, It would be great if we could have one of our own members smiling on the cover - maybe it would make them feel better too

Not that I'm volunteering, mind

Ah, C'mon Ray! lol

I was struggling with the idea of the mono-tone blue, as it kinda detracts from the logo itself. The image below is of a different blue, so the logo still stands apart, but I feel its cold.



edited because I can't type.



EDITED to add Green Rose;

[honeybee3939]

Im not too good at this kind of thing Ross...lol
i was just thinking of a pic, and my choice was a pair of hands releasing a dove.

Something similar to this, but with a pair of hands





just a thought !

Andrea
xxxxx

[clickaway]

I agree it does look cold, Ross. Somehow I don't think the blue text goes with the flesh - what about the smiling girl in yellow mono?

A question for Nic here - you need to make sure you are covered by the images you use for NMP. When you are dealing with mental health, it could be dangerous to use any old picture as you could leave yourself open by implying that person has a mental problem. If we end up using a pic of a member or someone we know, I suggest you get them to sign a 'model release' as indemnity.