Author: Bob Brotchie

We welcome back guest author Gemma Luton who is raising awareness of a device that gained in considerable popularity this year – fidget spinners! Gemma discusses the ‘gadget’, stimming and how it can aid those with anxiety.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, it’s likely that you’ve heard of ‘fidget spinners’. You may have read a story about them in the paper. You may have seen them dancing in small fingers wherever children gather. You may even use one yourself. These small, twirly devices have become a major craze – to the frustration of several school teachers, and more than a few parents – however, what makes these toys slightly more controversial than the average childhood must-have is the fact that manufacturers claim they can help children to cope with ADHD, anxiety, autism, and a number of other such issues.

So, what’s the real story behind this? [Read more…]

We welcome guest author, Maureen Sanford, who shares an informative guide on depression and mental health specifically relating to the UK. Especially interesting to note are the ‘gender divide’ and how our younger generation is affected by mental health issues. Like Maureen, raising awareness of a subject that is often misunderstood (even by those to whom we are close) is very close to my heart – not only as I see this in my role as a counsellor but as previously in my experience of 18 years as a paramedic.

Although one in six people experience a common mental health problem every week, issues are often misunderstood and people can feel isolated. The triggers can be varied, and affect people from all walks of life. Overwhelming stress at work, school or home, constant money problems, the loss of a social support system and a family history of mood disorders are among the causes. [Read more…]

We welcome back Tim, our resident guest author, who continues to enthral us.

That’s what they do in china doll factories – they smash them. Sure, we’ve heard of ‘seconds’ but that’s for plates, cups, saucers, and for the Outlet Store. China dolls are the perfect collectables; imperfection might make one unique, like a misprinted postage stamp, and thus have inherent value above the rest. Collectable china dolls are not ‘run of kiln’ or ROK items. [Read more…]

Anxiety affects the majority of us at some point in our lives and suffering from symptoms of anxiety does not indicate a weakness or a failing on our part. Anxiety can affect us intermittently or can be ongoing – but we CAN always do something to help reduce the effects and even remove that ‘sense of dread’ associated with anxiety. [Read more…]

Resident guest author Tim, shares this thought provoking piece.

I was searching for a title for this. I had in mind ‘The unpleasant categorisation of people into boxes by idiots‘ but there’s something wrong with that.

‘Boxification’!

You’ve been put into boxes by other people all your life:

• You’re a very naughty little girl.
• You’re a very rude boy.

[Read more…]

Our guest, Gemma Luton shares her thoughts and considerations with regard to embarking upon a relationship if you, or your potential partner, lives with a mental health issue or illness. [Read more…]

Typically, many of us will experience single, or multiple, traumatic events at some stage in our lifetime. Our guest author gives succinct insight into what trauma is, the effects of trauma and the options for treating it.

[Read more…]

Resident guest author Tim, shares this wonderful piece with us about hindsight. Do you suffer from hindsight?

I suffer from hindsight.

I suffer from the amazing clarity of knowing what I ought to have done, what I might have done differently, what would have happened if only they had acted in a certain way and how happy, contented, well respected, wealthy I could have been. [Read more…]

Guest author Sarah Cummings, shares her insight on the causes and symptoms as well as her 5 tips on how to fall asleep when anxiety gets in the way.

Are worries and anxiety keeping you up at night? If you are having issues falling asleep, you are not alone. I suffered from insomnia, for months, after giving birth to my son. It’s normal to be anxious at times as we all live in a stressful, fast-paced world and there is no way around it! [Read more…]

We welcome back, guest author, Alice Porter who shares her thoughts on what to look out for in spotting the signs of mental health issues in our elderly and how we can help them to improve their mental health. [Read more…]