Deep Ellum's Oliver Peck has become a star of the tattoo world, serving as a judge on TVs "Ink Master" and once holding the record for most tattoos done in 24 hours.

Dallas tattoo artist Oliver Peck has been a fixture for years on the television show Ink Master, but no more hes gone after photos of Peck in blackface surfaced and launched a cyber storm on the internet.

The producers and I have decided its best to part ways, Peck said in a statement, which was quoted by USA Today. The offensive photos of me which recently surfaced from many years ago can only be a distraction to the amazing show I have loved being a part of and its many talented artists.

Peck had served as a judge on Ink Master alongside musician Dave Navarro and tattoo artist Chris Nunez since the show launched in 2012. But in his hometown of Dallas, Peck is best known for Elm Street Tattoo, the popular shop hes anchored in Deep Ellum since 1996.

The blackface photos, which quickly went viral, stunned not only the internet but also Dallas tattoo subculture. The person who answered a call to Elm Street Tattoo said they would provide a statement at a later time.

The website popculture.com describes the photos as follows:

The photos, which apparently were taken from his old MySpace account, show [Peck] wearing dark makeup all over his face and body while dressed as a basketball player and a superhero with a racist logo for Halloween. TMZ also reported Peck dressed as a Playboy bunny while wearing blackface.

After the explosion on social media, TMZ upped the ante, noting that Peck donned blackface on multiple occasions for various Halloween costumes. In one, notes the article in USA Today, Peck appears to wear dark face paint, a wig and the letter 'N' on his chest."

Peck apologized on Instagram.

I want to profusely apologize for my completely inappropriate, insensitive, and immature behavior. I look at those photos and its hard for me to believe that I could have been so clueless, insensitive and dumb. I hope that Ive matured a great deal since then and Im deeply sorry for everyone Ive offended.

He continued, I was 100% wrong to depict myself this way and I take full responsibility for my immature, misguided perspective, total lapse of judgment and sensitivity.

He concluded by thanking his supporters.

Those of you that know my heart, I am grateful to my friends, family, colleagues, clients and fans who have allowed me to apologize and learn from this mistake, he wrote. I can only hope that those of you that I dont know, and anyone I have offended, can also find it in your hearts to accept my sincere apology.

Its unclear when the photos were taken.

The website for Elm Street Tattoo describes Peck as an artist whose life revolves around tattooing. He began tattooing when he was a teenager in his hometown of Dallas and has, according to USA Today, perfected his precise and traditional tattooing style making him one of the best and well-known old school American style artists.

In 2008, Peck tattooed his way into the Guinness Book of World Records when he completed 415 tattoos of the number 13 in a consecutive 24-hour period. He has taken his tattooing talents to England, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Sweden and Norway and in the Far East, including Japan and Thailand.

A 2013 story in The Dallas Morning News read, In the colorful world of tattooing, hes a revered figure. Peck oversaw a music and tattoo festival that brought 50 tattoo artists from around the world to Deep Ellum, all handpicked by a guy whos come a long way since he started inking himself and his friends in his garage at age 17.

As a youngster growing up in the punk-rock scene, he always wanted tattoos. And he got them, to the point that parts of his body became so thick with ink, it was hard to make out the designs. It started with a moon and anchor that he did himself at age 17.

In a quote that appears as part of a video posted by the show, Peck says: I feel like Ive always been an overwhelmingly positive person. I was like that as a kid, but as an adult, Ive adopted it as a philosophy, whether its been jail, drugs, car crashes, father dying. Positive mental attitude has got me through everything.

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Dallas tattoo legend Oliver Peck removed from national television in the wake of blackface photos - The Dallas Morning News

by LAUREN CODLING

A LEADING psychiatrist has warned that political disagreements between families on social media could have a detrimental effect on their mental health.

The trend of users taking to social media to express thoughts on a number of sensitive issues has increased, Dr Vidya Narayanan, a researcher at Oxford Internet Institute (OII), confirmed.

However, Professor Dinesh Bhugra has raised concerns that some young British Asians may feel unable to express their views due to the backlash they may face from family. He said an emphasis on parental authority in the Asian community could potentially mean that the younger generation did not communicate their opinion on issues for fear of upsetting their elders. In turn, this could have a negative effect on their well being.

You can find yourself as part of an argument which is going on in a WhatsApp group. You may disagree, but you cant say anything because you dont want to disrespect your elders, Professor Bhugra told Eastern Eye. So, you can then get angry and frustrated and internalise those negative feelings which may make you feel depressed.

Shivani Govindia, 26, a student from London, has experienced tension in her family caused by differing political views. For instance, her family had had heated debates within their WhatsApp group in relation to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi. Although the younger generation, such as Govindias elder sister and her cousins, had expressed dislike of Modi, her uncle has shown support for him.

She revealed that they had clashed over Indias so-called beef ban. In 2017, Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) imposed a ban on the sale and purchase of cattle for slaughter at animal markets across India. When I heard that Modi was banning certain meats, me and my uncle had an argument about that, Govindia told Eastern Eye last week. Although I am vegetarian, I wouldnt want to tell people what to eat, whereas he [uncle] has a different opinion and said it was a good idea that Modi banned it.

The OIIs Dr Narayanan said she was not surprised to hear about a difference of opinions in families, especially among the younger and older members. Often generations differ in their outlook, particularly in diaspora communities, where older members of the family might have grown up in different cultural milieu, she told Eastern Eye.

Professor Bhugra, a former president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, agreed. He believes older British Asians could have more of an affinity to their native country and therefore, were much more likely to remain involved and interested in the politics and local issues. Meanwhile, the younger generation may feel more in line with the majority community in the UK, so are likely to have more liberal views.

It is part of a culture conflict between older generations views and the younger generation which can cause tension, Professor Bhugra, emeritus professor of mental health and cultural diversity at Kings College London, explained.

He also said the younger generation could be caught between two competing cultures. At home, they were part of a sociocentric culture whereas outside the home environment, they wished to be more independent, and the increased access to social media had helped that.

The boundaries between home and outside are gone, Professor Bhugra said, noting the number of people who carried their mobile phones with them all the time. (Having constant access) means there are continual reminders and pressure.

Although Govindia did not believe her parents were disappointed in her expressing opposing views, she did admit that things could get heated. We are never rude to each other, but we do get into heated arguments about politics, she said. Once, something about climate change came up and my cousin got heated about that () my older relatives have had to tell my cousin to calm down before.

Although Govindia has never felt uncomfortable voicing her views to her family, she has experienced negative backlash when her views have conflicted with friends on social media. During the December general election, Govindia backed the Conservatives and showed support for Tory leader Boris Johnson. When she expressed her views, she was accused of being racist by a former work colleague. Although he later apologised, Govindia admitted she has been a bit scared to say (she) backed Boris on certain social media channels.

A student in my MA class messaged us all on our WhatsApp group saying she wouldnt speak to us if we voted Tory, Govindia added. I think that is such a negative attitude to have, as then you are not listening to other peoples viewpoints or learning from others.

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Friction on social media 'could affect mental health' - Eastern Eye

A chance to make history, to defy the odds and produce the unthinkable: Only the FA Cup can throw up such fairytale stories.

3-0 down at half-time against Watford; just how many teams would possess the mental fortitude to overturn this situation?

Not many, is the answer.

Battling back from unfavourable positions has been the hallmark of many Tranmere sides over the years, more so than ever since the appointment of Micky Mellon in October 2016.

Despite losing instrumental figures such as James Norwood, Steve McNulty and Jay Harris, all of whom played an integral part in forming an unbreakable sense of team spirit at the club, Rovers have found a way to evolve and carry forward this trait.

Watford was simply the latest remarkable comeback completed by this sidea result that not even Rovers chairman Mark Palios foresaw at half-time.

Reflecting on the 3-3 draw with the Hornets, Palios told the ECHO: I would say that Im pretty much the same as where Micky was on the game; your heart bled for the supporters because they were fantastic. They kept their heads up and kept going and, as a player, its actually quite important.

Like Micky said to the players, get out there and pay the fans back. Did I think we were going to do that? No, is the answer. Its very difficult to envisage coming back, and they were in such control that you couldnt see it turning as dramatically as it did.

One of the reasons Micky is at the club is because he understands and gets the club, being an ex-player. He understands the values of the club and what it means to play for Tranmere, and I think he imbues the players that come to Tranmere with that.

Micky is a coach that can change games. He reads the game; he understands the tempo of the game and is not afraid to make bold changes. We could have gone out there in the second-half and tried to limit the damage, but we didnt. We went out and tried to take the game to them.

The FA Cup has arguably acted as a welcome distraction from the challenges faced in League One this season, with Rovers reaching the third-round of the competition for a second year in succession.

Though still battling to beat the drop in the third tier, Tranmeres heroic cup performances have laid bare the spirit that exists within the squad and the value this brings.

This sense of oneness has carried the Whites a long way, and Palios has insisted its this quality alone that will play a major part in keeping Mellons men safe from relegation come May.

One of the problems with moving up through the divisions as quickly as we did, in the form of two promotions, is the dynamic of the squad changed. A lot of the old guard, who were part of the team spirit that we built, had left, said the Rovers chairman.

This dynamic was quite a difficult one to manage, continued Palios.

At times this season, people have said the players dont care. But I think there is a difference between not caring and a lack of confidence, because of the way a game is. While certain players will brush that off, keep playing and showing it, its sometimes difficult for players who are lacking confidence. It comes across as though they dont care: they dont take a chance and make a run, so they look slower and you get a vicious downward spiral.

In the first-half at Watford, we were a bit subdued and in awe of the fact that we were playing these guys. But there have been enough occasions whereby we have, in adversity, come through: Youre looking at Wycombe away, down to ten men before half-time; they thought it was over. We also beat Burton when we were 1-0 down in the 90minute, and there are enough examples this season where the lads have gone the 90 minutes. There are frustrations whereby weve conceded early goals, and sometimes you think If only we played the 70 minutes after the 20minute, wed be in a far better league position.

Without a doubt, over our time here, one of the major features of the club doing as well as it is has done is the fact that we have this oneness.

At Watford, it was almost as if the fans had done their bit and the players came out and paid them back. That oneness got us out of non-league, out of League Two and has been responsible for keeping us in the FA Cup this season. That is one of the major factors that will keep us safe this year.

At this stage of the competition last season, the Whites crashed out in humiliating style. A 7-0 home defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur put a dampener on a momentous occasion, and Palios has admitted this was a far cry from being a Tranmere performance.

Should Rovers progress to the fourth-round of the FA Cup for the first time since the 2003/04 campaign, either Wolves or Manchester United will be next in store.

Fancying Tranmeres chances of setting-up another glamour tie involving Premier League opposition, Palios believes adopting the correct mental attitude will hold the key to a famous cup win under the lights at Prenton Park.

Looking ahead to Tuesday night, Palios said: Our capacity will be 14,400. Whether we will achieve that, I dont know. Ticket sales are going well, and people need to get in and get them. I think its going to be one of those classic cup ties.

Watford have got their own problems, in terms of their league position, so it may be a strait re-run of the team they played first time around. Theyre coming here, playing at a packed Prenton Park, and its going to be a difficult pitch compared to the carpets they play on.

The biggest issue is whether or not our lads have the same mental attitude that they had in the second-half at their ground. The psychological pendulum in a game swings one way or another, and I think it would be important for us to get off on the right foot and not give them a three-goal start this time, he concluded.

Read more here:
Mark Palios on the Tranmere 'oneness' that has fuelled thrilling FA Cup run and holds the key to League One survival - Liverpool Echo

Taz Shah says her role is to be the link between medical and non-medical services within the NHS.

The role, which was set up in September, has seen 15 social prescribers start work all over the county taking time to help patients improve their mental health through exercise classes, reduce isolation by taking them to community groups and boost their wellbeing by taking them to allotments.

But it doesn't stop there. Help covers a multitude of things including caring needs, housing or employment issues, sorting out debt problems, filling in forms to losing weight and volunteering.

It comes as Northamptonshire Health and Care Partnership has kickstarted 2020 with a new recruitment campaign to hire more Social Prescribing Link Workers into surgeries, following a successful trial in July 2019.

Emerging evidence suggests that social prescribing can improve peoples health and wellbeing and reduce workload for doctors and nurses who will not have to see patients who do not need clinical treatment.

Taz Shah has been working for the NHS for 13 years in different roles and has a background in nutrition, wellbeing and personal fitness.

She was one of the first social prescribers to join the role four months ago and has undergone an eight-day induction course over three months before going onto work at Moulton Surgery, Woodview Medical Centre, Earls Barton Medical Centre, Penvale Park Medical Centre.

The Chronicle & Echo has asked her what people can expect if they are set to take up the job.

She said: Medical staff identify adults that attend the surgeries too often. These visits often occur because patients are vulnerable, lonely, isolated, and have mild or long term health conditions (including mental health issues) and just need somebody to talk to."

Patients are referred to social prescribers by doctors, nurses and even receptionists but can also self-refer themselves, too.

She added: The benefits are that patients get extra time to focus on what matters to them. This takes the pressure off and reduces 'frequent attendants to the surgery and A&E. It also leads to positive outcomes for the patient such as improving their quality of life and emotional wellbeing, reducing levels of anxiety and depression, increasing physical activity and gaining friendship within a community group. This is great for both patient and medical services.

Taz recently helped a lady who was referred to her by a GP for being on long term sick leave due to stress and anxiety. During the 'holistic assessment', the lady told her that she was working full time in Northampton, managing her own family and travelling to London each evening to care for her isolated and ill elderly mother.

When her mother died she had to deal with her estate.

At the same time there were unexpected deaths in the family. In recent years she had gained a lot of weight, had a mental breakdown and was now off work.

Taz referred the lady to the Activity on Referral Scheme and Weight Management Programme at the local gym. Together they worked out a nutritional plan and Taz supported her in the gym.

Now the lady is back at work with a positive mental attitude. She has lost a stone in weight, is eating healthily, and regained her self-confidence and purpose.

Her relationship with her teenage daughter has transformed and she is attending classes at the gym with her.

Taz said this is a perfect example of what a social prescriber can do for a patient.

See the original post:
Arts and crafts workshops, exercise classes and trips to the allotment to be prescribed under new NHS role in Northamptonshire - Northampton Chronicle...

Youre scrolling through your phone and transfixed by yet more images of streets reduced to burnt debris, injured wildlife, and maps showing the scale of the fires continuing to burn. On the television in the background, a woman who has lost her home breaks down, while news of another life lost flashes across the screen.

You cant bear to watch anymore, but at the same time, you cant tear yourself away. Sound familiar?

Weve now been confronted with these tragic images and stories for months. Even if you havent been directly affected by the bushfires, its completely normal to feel sad, helpless, and even anxious.

Beyond despairing about the devastation so many Australians are facing, some of these emotions are likely to be symptoms of eco-anxiety.

Read more: The rise of 'eco-anxiety': climate change affects our mental health, too

Research on previous bushfire disasters shows people directly affected are more likely to suffer mental health consequences than those who have not been directly affected.

After Black Saturday, about one in five people living in highly affected communities experienced persistent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression or psychological distress.

Recognising this as a critical issue, the Australian government has announced funding to deliver mental health support to affected people and communities.

But living in an unaffected area doesnt mean youre immune. In addition to contending with rolling images and stories of devastation, weve seen flow-on effects of the bushfires reach far beyond affected areas.

For example, schools and workplaces have been closed, people have been forced to cancel their summer holidays, and sports matches and community events have been called off. This disruption to normal activities can result in uncertainty and distress, particularly for children and young people.

Distress around the current fires may be compounded by and intertwined with a pervasive sense of fear and anxiety in relation to climate change-related events.

The American Psychological Association defines eco-anxiety as a chronic fear of environmental doom.

While concern and anxiety around climate change are normal, eco-anxiety describes a state of being overwhelmed by the sheer scale, complexity and seriousness of the problems were facing. It can be accompanied by guilt for personal contributions to the problem.

Read more: Rising eco-anxiety means we should address mental health alongside food security

The Australian bushfires may have signalled a tipping point for many people who held a passive attitude towards climate change, and even many who have held a more active view of climate denialism. In the face of current circumstances, the crisis of climate change now becomes almost impossible to ignore.

While eco-anxiety is not a diagnosable mental disorder, it can have significant impacts on a persons well-being.

Whether you think youre suffering from eco-anxiety or more general stress and depression about the bushfires, here are some things you can do.

Were now living with the environmental consequences of a changing climate, and this requires people to adapt. Fortunately, most of us are innately resilient and are able to overcome stress and losses and to live with uncertainty.

We can enhance this resilience by connecting with friends and family and positively engaging in our communities. Making healthy choices around things like diet, exercise and sleep can also help.

Further, supporting those who are vulnerable has benefits for both the person giving and receiving assistance. For example, parents have a critical role in listening to their childrens concerns and providing appropriate guidance.

Read more: Babies and toddlers might not know there's a fire but disasters still take their toll

Seeking to reduce your own carbon footprint can help alleviate feelings of guilt and helplessness in addition to the positive difference these small actions make to the environment.

This might include walking, cycling and taking public transport to get around, and making sustainability a factor in day-to-day decisions like what you buy and what you eat.

Joining one of the many groups advocating for the environment also provides a voice for people concerned about the changing climate.

Finally, there are many ways you can provide assistance to bushfire relief efforts. The generosity shown by Australians and others internationally has provided a sense of hope at a time when many are facing enormous hardship.

Some people, particularly those living with unrelated psychological distress, will find it harder to adapt to increased stress. Where their emotional resources are already depleted, it becomes more difficult to accommodate change.

Although we dont yet have research on this, its likely people with pre-existing mental health problems will be more vulnerable to eco-anxiety.

If this is you, its worthwhile seeking professional help if you feel your mental health is deteriorating at this time.

Read more: How to donate to Australian bushfire relief: give money, watch for scams and think long term

Whether or not you have a pre-existing mental health disorder, if youre feeling depressed or anxious to a degree its affecting your work, education or social functioning, you should seek advice from a health professional.

Evidence-based psychological interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving mental health and well-being.

If this article has raised issues for you, or if youre concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Read more from the original source:
You're not the only one feeling helpless. Eco-anxiety can reach far beyond bushfire communities - The Conversation AU

AN Echosport reader has his say.

Although I live inLeighon Sea I have only been going to the SUFC matches for about fiveyears.

Before that I was still playing hockey for my local team.

I started watching SUFC when Brown came on the scene and in 2015 we came up through the play offs to Division One.

Apart from the first season when Ferdinand was alongside Thompson there has been a stifling decline in our performance.

As a result Brown, Powell and Bond have gone.

Campbell was appointed the day we lost 7-1 to Doncaster.

Campbell is a winner. Hes made the team fitter, stronger, introduced some discipline and organised the defence so it is no longer leaking goals. The team can come back from losing to at least draw, matching as it has top of the table Rotherham with a draw.

Everybody knows we are second from bottom so stop keeping on about it.

Such negative drivel just works on everybodys mentality including those trying to score.

There are still 57 points to play for and some believe that another 40 points will save us from going down.

This is a FirstDivision side and to coin a phrase as Bojo did with Lets get Brexit done lets state Lets get 40 points done

Of course you can take no notice of these words but I tell you that many supporters share my view of your inbred negativity.

Break from it and show some positivity.

You have the power to get under the skin of our players whose mental attitude is still fragile in a positive way.

And then watch them score a few goals on Saturday.

Do it Mr Phillips, do it

Grant Littler

via e-mail

Read more:
Southend United letter: Stop the negativity and lets get 40 points - Echo

Cheddar is a live Post-Cable Network covering the headline and business news that is transforming our lives. Cheddars team is growing, products are diversifying, and infrastructure is becoming more complex- at a very fast pace. Were looking for an experienced media operations professional to oversee a diverse portfolio of projects that helps our team work together to execute their objectives amidst this rapid change.

In June 2019, Cheddar was acquired by Altice USA, which grew Cheddars news family to include News12 and i24 as well as introduce a new portfolio of ad products. While our culture remains start-up in feel, the opportunity for success is now even greater.

Altice News is a seeking a candidate experienced with video distribution on Pay TV, FAST and syndication platforms to help negotiate and manage distribution partnerships for the portfolio: Cheddar News, Cheddar Business, News12 and i24News. Based in New York City, this role will work on agreements and manage them from inception to signature and through renewal cycles. The ideal candidate has an understanding of video distribution in an ever-changing digital world; is a highly motivated, driven, enthusiastic and results-oriented professional and is naturally passionate about new types of news and entertainment distribution. The right candidate will thrive in a fast-paced start up environment within a larger corporate environment.

General responsibilities will include: Negotiate new distribution and partnership deals for Altice News content across business models and renew agreements that drive new audiences, viewership and revenue. Collaborate with key stakeholders across the company (i.e. technology, content production, operations, ad sales, marketing, finance, legal etc.) to assess and implement opportunities for linear, OTT, VOD, syndication, audio etc. Update and create pitch materials for potential distributors. Track and communicate deal pipeline and key terms. Maintain contracts, track key terms and compliance. Serve as main business contact for select clients in order to maintain a productive partnership, troubleshoot problems and maximize revenue opportunities. Analyze industries and competitive landscapes to stay ahead of trends, potential partners and positioning of other programmers Develop and maintain relationships with potential distribution partners

BA/BS required. MBA preferred. History in management consulting or investment banking a plus. 2-5 years related experience in entertainment/media industry working in a partnership or deal role Excellent understanding of linear and digital TV platforms Demonstrated ability to understand and execute the process required to close deals, including under tight time constraints. Must be a strategic thinker, a strong negotiator and a self-starter with a proven track record. Extremely organized, efficient, strong attention to detail, excellent writing and communication skills with a can-do, positive attitude and a desire to get things done. Candidate should have current relationships with key distribution clients and experience in video distribution or acquisition. Willing to travel for business purposes as needed.

Altice USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds regardless of gender, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Altice USA, Inc. collects personal information about its applicants for employment that may include personal identifiers, professional or employment related information, photos, education information and/or protected classifications under federal and state law. This information is collected for employment purposes, including identification, work authorization, FCRA-compliant background screening, human resource administration and compliance with federal, state and local law.

Read the original post:
Manager, Distribution and Business Development job with Altice USA | 409422 - mediabistro.com

A welder who has worked in the Glasgow shipyards for more than 35 years will be a guest speaker at a major mental health conference this week.

John Brown, 58, a shop steward with BAE Systems in Govan, will tell of his battle with depression since the age of 12 and how he finally got help after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

He will address the audience of psychologists, HR experts and union representatives at the Works Mental Conference which takes place at Edinburgh City Chambers on Thursday, hosted by Glasgow mental health pioneers Headtorch.

Mr Brown said it was absolutely crucial that businesses take the mental wellbeing of staff seriously in the next decade, with Scotland currently having the highest suicide rate in Britain with 16.1 deaths per 100,000 people.

He said: In the last year I have been touched by five suicides - three guys that I worked with.

I was involved in stopping a suicide at a railway station and one of my workmates told me about a single mother who was suffering from depression and took her own life. Theres a crisis going on out there.

Mr Brown said BAE Systems is the first company hes ever worked for that pays sick pay but the work is still tough with his day starting at 4.30am.

He said there are telltale signs of mental illness that would lead him to intervene with a colleague before that becomes a crisis and is escalated and HR get involved.

These include someone using half their annual leave up in the first three months of the year to a worker using up all their holiday entitlement then going off sick an absolute sign.

He also has little time for those who label the younger staff snowflakes.

Mr Brown added: I dont like the term.

Theres a disparaging of young people in society and using the term snowflake, doesnt help them and doesnt help society in general.

I tend to challenge it - everybody Ive dealt with has had serious problems.

Andrew Rodgers helped revolutionise HSBCs attitude to staff as director of wellbeing at the international bank and now works with other big businesses to change their culture.

He said: HSBC wasnt achieving its potential because of a toxic, high-pressure culture.

In common with most banks, managers tended to pass that pressure down to their staff.

Almost every task was set with a tone of this is urgent, this is serious, this is really important.

But that pumps your employees full of unhealthy adrenaline and promotes fear.

Soon they become not just unhappy but unhealthy - both physically and psychologically.

Now I ask senior leadership in businesses: Is this an environment we are thriving in? Is this healthy and fun or actually slowly killing us?

Dr Wolfgang Siedl, who advises blue chip companies on health and wellbeing strategy said: Too many businesses stigmatise mental health issues or simply dont take them seriously at all.

Nearly 70 per cent of managers in a recent study felt they had to put the wellbeing of their company before the wellbeing of their staff.

See original here:
Theres a mental health crisis going on out there, warns Govan veteran - Scotland on Sunday

Prince William and Prince Harry have made the rare move of issuing a statement after The Times reported today that Harry and Meghan Markle felt pushed out of the royal family in part because of William's "bullying attitude." The couple announced their intent last week to step back as senior members of the family and to become financially independent.

The outlet reported that a single source told them that, despite other sources disputing it. The outlet wrote, "An insider has told The Times that the pair both feel 'tethered' by their responsibilities. The source added that the couple regarded themselves as having been pushed away by what they saw as a bullying attitude from the Duke of Cambridge. These claims have been strongly contested by sources close to the Cambridges, as well as some close to Prince Harry."

So Harry and William formally released a statement against the story this morning. Royal reporters tweeted out. They said: "Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge. For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful."

William, Harry, their dad Prince Charles, and their grandmother Queen Elizabeth II are expected to meet today in Sandringham to discuss Meghan and Harry's future roles in the family.

As first reported this Saturday, ELLE.com understands that no one wants to be vindictive or punish Harry despite reports to the contrary in the press. Harry is loved by his family. While the situation is complex, they want to find a compromise and give him the support he needs. The mood is lets just get something fixed. Lets get a structure and a plan and move on. The drama and division is doing the most damage, according to a source close to Prince William.

Meghan is in Canada with her and Harry's son Archie and is expected to call into the meeting.

Read more from the original source:
Prince William and Prince Harry Break Silence on Report About William's 'Bullying Attitude' - ELLE.com

Parents have an impact not only on their childrens body image but also that of their childrens children. Photograph: Anastasia Pelikh/Getty Images

Weight bias is as prevalent in todays society as diet plans. And detox teas. And the celebrities who promote diet plans and detox teas.

When we experience weight stigma and Im not talking about being fat, Im talking about feeling as if youre too fat it puts us at risk of disordered eating, makes us avoid exercise (especially in public), worsens our physical and mental health, and even limits our future employment opportunities.

While the mainstream media, the beauty industry, social media and health professionals weight bias all play their role in the macrocosm of body negativity, sometimes the most powerful influences are from those closest to us.

In particular, parents have an impact not only on their childrens body image but also that of their childrens children. A healthy attitude to ones body is a struggle to achieve even without the family baggage of body image issues.

Throw snide remarks from relatives into the mix and you have a situation that can not only be difficult for children, but also trigger parents weight concerns as they relive diet trauma from their own childhoods.

So for parents who are struggling with this all-too-common challenge, here are some ideas for filtering out the body negativity that can sometimes go along with free babysitting.

Your parents are so used to telling you what to do, and can become so fixed in their ways, that it can be really hard to get through to them. Without trying, they can see your comments through the lens of their (probably weight-biased) belief system, and also their judgments of your belief system (lets face it, counter-diet-culture ideas are still pretty new to people and far from widely embraced).

The way to cut through this is to go really deep. Be vulnerable and show them the real feelings going on underneath any anger or frustration. As they love you and (presumably) want whats best for you, this can be surprisingly powerful. If you feel they are safe to be vulnerable with, have the deep and meaningful conversation. Dont make them out to be the bad guy and try to shift your focus from the transgressions of the past to the possibilities of the future.

Sometimes (for a million reasons) the big sit-down chat wont (or doesnt) work. In this case, set up some clear rules for your house and kids. Your parents probably set rules with you, so they know how rules work. And if your parents dont understand (or agree with) the underlying principles, sometimes you need to be extra clear about the actions themselves.

Rules may sound something like, We dont talk about weight in our house, or, In our family, the parents provide the food and the kids decide what theyll eat. Rules may require constant reminders (Mum, Annas fine to eat some of that. Anna, you enjoy it, darling!) or have reasonable consequences, such as, When you mention my childs weight, either you leave or we do.

Despite your heart-to-hearts and rules, some parents just wont play ball. If you perceive your parents actions are really damaging, you may choose to limit contact with them for this reason. The contact that remains can provide a good real-time learning opportunity to educate kids about societys corrosive messages, and how to deal with them. Thats just Grandpa when he grew up there wasnt a lot of food around, so he gets really upset when people leave food on their plate. In our time we have too much food, so its OK to leave it if youve had enough.

It can also be a great opportunity to build resilience: I know Grandma said youre getting a little tummy, and that made you feel upset, but Grandma is a bit old and she sometimes says silly things it doesnt mean its true or we have to worry too much about it.

However you approach these sometimes challenging conversations, be sure to do it with kindness, empathy and understanding. No ones ever open to accepting feedback when theyre being hammered, and modelling good communication is the best way to encourage someone else to play ball.

Social change happens because people need it to, and elevated conversations really do have the power to create a better society. These conversations may not only help you and your children, but their children and the children of generations to come. After all, racism, homophobia and sexism are all to varying degrees dying slow intergenerational deaths why not fat phobia too?

This is an edited extract from Thinsanity: Seven Steps to Transform Your Mindset and Say Goodbye to Dieting Forever by Glenn Mackintosh, out now through Hachette Australia

See the rest here:
A heavy topic: how to change the way your family speaks about weight - The Guardian