Author: Bob Brotchie

The family ‘role’ that may have been assigned in childhood could explain why codependent behaviours are experienced in adulthood.

We can look to our childhood family for clues as to how we may, or have, developed a codependent relational style. Families can be viewed as an emotional unit which operates within their own unique complex system. ’Roles’ for each member of the family system can exist. These roles are mostly flexible and members can drift towards one or more. However, when there is dysfunction present – perhaps difficult issues that are not being addressed – these roles can become rigid and later, impact behaviour in adult relationships.

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Relational co-dependency refers to an unhealthy and destructive pattern of behaviour in relationships where one person enables another person’s addiction, irresponsibility, or underachievement.

What to Look Out For and What We Can Do About it

In a co-dependant relationship, both individuals become overly involved and focused on the other, neglecting their own needs and desires. This behaviour can lead to a wide range of negative consequences, including increased stress and decreased self-esteem, and can cause long-lasting harm to both individuals involved – and other close family. [Read more…]

Here are five tips to help reduce anxiety.

Unlike fear, anxiety is all about perceived future based threats – the ‘what-ifs’ that we all experience from time to time. Anxiety tells us to fight or run (which, if we are under threat, would be the right thing to do!) however, paradoxically, if the anxiety alarm rings when it doesn’t need to and we respond, we actually reinforce it. [Read more…]

Suppressed emotions can have a significant impact on both the mind and the body. When we suppress our emotions, we are effectively bottling them up inside us, preventing them from being expressed in a healthy and natural way. This can lead to a range of negative consequences such as: [Read more…]

Stacy J Bryant is a content writer and a mental health advocate. She believes that mental health is something everyone should be aware of, and she hopes to spread awareness through her writing. She has several years of experience as a content writer and has written for several websites. She is currently the top contributor for Hanei Health Solutions, a company that helps people with mental health problems. In addition, she also works for Springhive, particularly as a content creator for their Mental Health Care clients, to help them get ahead in their industry through SEO-friendly content. During her free time, she likes to read, write and do activities to maintain her mental health.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can impact children and adults. It is characterised by difficulty with executive functioning, such as paying attention to tasks, controlling impulses, and regulating emotions. [Read more…]

A short guide to understanding some causes and solutions for emotional eating, which refers to the habit of consuming food in response to emotional states, such as stress, boredom, sadness, or happiness, rather than hunger.

It is a common behaviour that many people struggle with, but it can have negative effects on both physical and mental health. It has recently been cited that as many as 75 % of the population may exhibit behaviours associated with emotional eating. [1] [Read more…]

Toxic relationships are harmful and destructive connections between individuals that can negatively impact one’s physical and emotional wellbeing. Relationships without boundaries are characterised by a lack of respect, control, and manipulation.

Part I

In a toxic relationship without boundaries, the partners may engage in behaviours such as constant criticism, *gaslighting, or even physical abuse. There may also be a power dynamic in which one person attempts to control the actions, thoughts, or decisions of the other.

*Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation in which a person seeks to sow doubt in the mind of their victim by making them question their own perception of events or reality.

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Here is how sleep affects fitness… Health professionals report that chronic insomnia and other sleep disorders are associated with increased sedentary activity. Less sleep can shorten your workouts by time and effort over two weeks.

Restorative sleep has the opposite impact of disrupted sleep, which can lead to increased daily weariness and physical lethargy. A good night’s sleep makes for a more energized and productive day, and you may have seen this effect after a particularly restful sleep cycle. [Read more…]

At this time of year, when we are perhaps feeling under pressure to please others, we look at how we can notice and reduce ‘people pleasing’ behaviours, refuel our ‘emotional tanks’ and be more present for others by being kinder and more compassionate to our ‘selves’.

Putting other people’s needs first can seem like a noble thing to do, but when it becomes all we do, this can be problematic, not least because eventually we can run out of ‘fuel’ – physically and emotionally, leaving us unable to do much for anybody, including ourselves. [Read more…]

Here we explore the effects of times of change and how the difficult emotions experienced during the gap between the old and the new can be tolerated whilst waiting for the wheel of life to turn.

Wired to Want Certainty

Life is a continuous journey of change. From birth onwards, we repeatedly face new challenges that contribute to our overall growth. We continue through our whole lives transitioning from one phase to another. However, it’s not always a case of going from ‘A’ to ‘B’, with immediacy and certainty. Some phases can be more challenging than others and can bring with them great discomfort. We are wired to want what’s familiar, because that’s where safety is. Take away that of which we feel certain and, all of a sudden, we find ourselves in an emotional ‘no man’s land’. We are no longer ‘there’ and ‘here’ is unknown and out of sight. [Read more…]