The New Forest Catenians

New Forest Catenians, Lyndhurst

Faith, Family, Friends Together

We care for one another especially when in difficulty or need, and we care for the families of deceased members

We arrange many social occasions, so that we grow to know one another well and enjoy one another’s company

We raise funds for National & local charities

We support young people granting bursaries and in other ways

 We support ourparishes and communities

We include our families in all our regular social events

We pray regularly for our deceased members and families

We pray for vocations and support the National office for vocations

Further details from Head Office 02476 224533
 

Email Address:

membership@thecatenians.com

Mental Health

With the restrictions on our lives that we are all facing – restrictions that prevent us from doing the activities that usually keep us mentally well – it has never been more important to be aware of our mental health.

In my professional role as a psychiatrist, I am often asked about lifestyle advice. I often keep this advice simple: it is about being conscious of ‘balance’ – balancing each important area of your life within another.

These areas, if consciously invested in, enables the mind to be ready for the ‘war’ of life: the ups and downs, the to and fro, the push and pull, but ultimately, the stresses and traumas that we all inevitably face.

We are advised as health care professionals to design and abide by a ‘self care protocol’ to protect us from the daily stressors of supporting patients and from being in touch with our patients’ various traumas, as well as the stressors of working with the health care field.

It is the consistent, conscious approach to our every day lives that is key: we need to be moving away from simply ‘reacting’ to life, but rather, consciously planning and becoming more aware of the important areas within our lives.

But we must also learn to start at the very basic of levels.

First and foremost, I would recommend having a planner or diary that remains visible in your life. This will support you with keeping organised and self aware of your time, and how your time is spent. Mark out areas of time for your routines - morning, day time and evening – as well as your own scheduled activities.

Within these routines, focus on your mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, and also use time to effectively plan on a daily basis.

The first thing I do when I wake up is spend a few minutes in solitary prayer and meditation in the company of the Bible, Jesus Christ, Mary, St Michael and St Jude. I will then invest time in ‘self compassion’, ‘forgiveness’ and ‘gratitude’: all of these pillars of thought will strengthen your mind, increase your capacity to manage stress, and will instil a fulfilling sense of peace within you – try it! I will then spend a few minutes listening to a podcast or an educational video, followed by a few minutes of focused exercise. I know I am not an Olympic athlete, however I am always mindful to engage in a sustainable and realistic exercise programme that is not going to set myself up for disengagement or failure.

Over the course of the day, my evening routine is organised for connecting with my wife and children, as well as my family, and friends. It’s all about ‘checking in’: be open, honest and authentic in your communication, and this includes listening! This will enrich and nourish your relationships, but will also encourage others to be open and authentic with you. Remember, it is OK not to be OK and it is important to confide and open up with others around you when you are stressed. It is well known that relationships directly influence your mental health, and they also serve as a ‘protective support network’ in times of trauma and stress: never be lonely.

I would recommend all of this to start off with, and it will enable you to avoid ‘drifting’ and ‘reacting’ to the stress of life.

I hope this helpful and I wish you good luck: we are all in this together.

Dr Robert Gordon

New Forest Circle

CATENIAN BURSARIES FOR YOUNG CATHOLICS aged 16 to 24

The Catenian Association, which is very active in this Diocese New Forest, offers Bursaries to young Catholics within this age range for projects associated with their Christian faith; within this Diocese £30,000 has recently been so offered. Projects include assisting with the disabled young people’s Easter pilgrimage to Lourdes, with the diocesan summer pilgrimage, and other initiatives to help those in need, at home and abroad. If you are contemplating a summer holiday project, or taking a gap year, do not hesitate to approach them if you have some faith-based initiative in mind. Go to www.thecatenians.com/bursary/ and you will find more information and details of how to apply.