It just so happens, this joint campaign coincides with various other events worldwide as many organisations are raising awareness about suicide prevention. My aim here, is to reach out to individuals to stop and think before deciding upon any action. As you will see, or already know, this is an area close to my heart – it affects us all – myself, my peers, colleagues and friends – and yours.
Music is a universal language and medium that is evocative, expressive, creative and therapeutic. Who couldn’t use a little music? We welcome back Will, who shares a brief overview about music therapy which is based upon his excellent 7-parter written for My Audio Sound.
Music is a universal language which means we can communicate using it regardless of the country we come from or our native tongue. Music uses emotion to connect with us, and that is why so many people have such a deep connection with it. This is one reason why music therapy is such an interesting and successful form of counselling. But, what exactly is it and how is it able to help us?
Continue reading “Music Therapy: What is it and how can it help?” »
Dealing with an addiction or addictive behaviours are some of the most difficult to process, accept and work through. Our guest, Kevin Repass is a recovering drug addict and alcoholic and has written many articles to help others. Here, he briefly shares his journey through treatment and recovery in the hopes to encourage others who are experiencing a struggle with drugs and/or alcohol to seek support.
From the age of 14 until 30, I struggled with drinking and drug use – for half my life basically! A lot of people tried to tell me I had a problem, but I always failed to listen and regardless of the consequences, I didn’t care. Ultimately, it was an idling and failed three-year relationship, a battle with severe depression, suicidal thoughts, my family watching me drink myself to death, an overdose of pills and a trip to the emergency room that led me to agreeing to go into a detox and treatment centre. My drinking and drug use had already ruined half my life and it almost ended me for good. Continue reading “My Journey Through Treatment and Recovery” »
From the time spent with Arthur, our rescue Lurcher, I know only too well the joy and benefits that owning a dog can have. Our guest, Will, here shares some of the benefits having a four-legged friend can have with regard to our mental health which is based upon his excellent 12-part article written for Dog Owner.
Mental health issues can affect anyone – it doesn’t matter who you are or what you do for a living. It can be hard to talk about our mental health with those closest to us, and the fear of being judged or labelled as something we are not (lazy, entitled, high strung) is often enough to deter us from fully sharing the way we feel. However, many of us have our dogs, or the option to visit one.
They offer the love, a listening ear when we need it and can benefit a myriad of mental health issues. #dogs #mhuk Click To Tweet Continue reading “How Dogs Can Help Improve Our Mental Health” »
Despite us knowing that flying is the safest way to travel, we still see a rise in numbers of those who experience some form of anxiety when flying or even thinking about flying! More than a quarter of Americans get anxious and over here in the UK reports vary between 1 in 10 and 1 in 3! Whatever the numbers may be, this anxiety can limit our life experiences and hinder us when wanting to live life to the full.
Over 21 million Brits are now more scared of flying compared to 10 years ago, new research has revealed, with engine failure the biggest fear factor. The study showed that people in the UK now take an average of three flights every year. – Mail Online
Continue reading “Overcoming Flying Anxiety: A Quick Guide” »
A lovely piece from Charlotte Underwood who needs little introduction. As a mental health advocate, raising awareness about suicide and mental health issues, Charlotte shares her thoughts on the importance of talking.
As a sufferer of mental illness for as long as I can remember, I’ve built up quite the onion of layers. I spent so many years not feeling able to talk about my feelings and perhaps not understanding what mental health was. So, what came as symptoms of distress as a child, turned into an adulthood with much more complicated and worsened mental health. Continue reading “How Learning to Talk About My Mental Health Gave Me Wealth” »
In this ‘sit down’ world, I know only too well the determination and routine that must be found to keep physically active and attain relative fitness. In recent years, I have enjoyed yoga which opened up joints thus resulting in more flexibility and less pain.
I also currently play 'walking football' in my local community and walk regularly with Arthur (our rescue Lurcher) and just last week clocked up 38 miles during our walks. Click To Tweet
All this physical activity obviously has benefits to overall wellbeing but what happens when we get carried away? Our guest, Stella Evans, here shares some of the signs we can watch for when we lose some balance…
Those who are into fitness, and being physically active, are an inspiration to others who want to start their own fitness routine. It takes self-discipline and hard work to achieve a comfortable routine of training regularly. After a time, a high percentage of people reduce their routines but for others who continue with their regular training, the strenuous physical activities and workouts become a breeze. Continue reading “5 Signs You’re Training Too Hard” »
Whether in business or domestic life, when we fail to observe for opportunities to delegate, we not only hurt ourselves, we hurt our personal and professional performance. In failing to outsource or delegate, we are demonstrating a lack of trust. Over time, we almost inevitably end up identifying ourselves by our business or role – and this never ends well.
I find myself yet again sadly reminded of the pain associated with learning of an individual’s death via suicide – and the effects it has on friends, colleagues, and loved ones. I don’t know why exactly, but this time the news has triggered me to consider pushing the issue even further into the public eye with #JustTalk.
Because we all still need to make further attempts to end the stigma, I’m going to demonstrate that it is safe to share, to talk, and there is no shame necessary. * May contain triggering subject matter. Continue reading “Suicide: A Permanent Fix to a Temporary Problem #JustTalk” »
Any successful manager will agree that being surrounded by a good team is something to be proud of and anyone who has been part of a good team, will say it’s very exciting and brings great satisfaction. Having a positive experience such as this is memorable and makes one feel they are making an impact.
However, as businesses continue to deal with the pressure to provide a service or product, depending upon the style of management, this pressure (which should be a positive experience) can end up causing undue stress, be extremely demoralising and affect overall wellbeing. This is shown by over 75% of the workforce saying that their “bad boss” is the worst part or the workplace. Continue reading “The Importance of Team Building” »