Practical Ways to Battle a Fear of Flying

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We welcome back guest author Gemma Luton who is a freelance writer. In this article, Gemma discussed the fear of flying and gives some practical suggestions on how we can deal with this fear.

Sometimes, all the best advice and information shared with us by family and friends about how safe flying actually is, doesn’t help. It doesn’t stop our palms from sweating, or our worst fears from running through our mind. It doesn’t stop us from hyperventilating when panic strikes or make the process of flying any easier. Continue reading “Practical Ways to Battle a Fear of Flying” »

Emotional and Physical Wellbeing for New Mums

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This interesting piece was contributed by Jackie Edwards who is a freelance writer. Here, she discusses baby blues, postnatal depression (postpartum depression) and the differences.

If you have recently welcomed a new addition to the family, then you don’t need to be told what a life changing experience it is. In fact, there are not really any words to describe the effect that it has on your physical, mental and emotional state. The subjects of postnatal depression and the baby blues are topics that are often mentioned, but seldom really understood. Here we discuss both conditions and talk about coping strategies such as counselling and accepting assistance to help you adjust to life as a parent. Continue reading “Emotional and Physical Wellbeing for New Mums” »

Some China Dolls are Not Smashed

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Resident guest author, Tim, continues on from his last post This China Doll Failed Quality Control and Must be Smashed. Read, digest and take something away.

I could quite possibly make a series about the collection and care of the China Doll. Some people seek out dolls that they deface, somehow, in order to create rejects out of perfection. Or, rather, they create their debased perfection out of true perfection. Continue reading “Some China Dolls are Not Smashed” »

Fidget Spinners, Stimming, and Anxiety: What’s the Big Deal?

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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? Continue reading “Fidget Spinners, Stimming, and Anxiety: What’s the Big Deal?” »

Depression in the UK

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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. Continue reading “Depression in the UK” »

This China Doll Failed Quality Control and Must be Smashed

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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. Continue reading “This China Doll Failed Quality Control and Must be Smashed” »

10 Steps to Conquering Your Anxiety – Infographic

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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. Continue reading “10 Steps to Conquering Your Anxiety – Infographic” »

Relaxing Fearful Perspectives of Terror in the World

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Just a few weeks after a horrific incident on Westminster Bridge in London, this week on Monday 22nd of May we faced further sadness when a bomb went off just after Ariana Grande’s concert at the Manchester Arena. Whilst all terror attacks are horrific and saddening, this one is particularly heartbreaking as this seems to be affecting our younger generation moreso when they hear of the children and teens (particularly) who were caught in this terror or who are still missing. Continue reading “Relaxing Fearful Perspectives of Terror in the World” »

Putting the Milk into the Teapot

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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.


Continue reading “Putting the Milk into the Teapot” »