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Depression in the UK

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…]

10 Steps to Conquering Your Anxiety – Infographic

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…]

Simply Relax

A great infographic from Lifehack highlighting 40 ‘little things’ you can do to help you relax. Sometimes the simplest of things can a make BIG difference to how we feel! My five favourites are going for a walk (with Arthur, my rescue dog), attending yoga, taking a soak, meditating and watching a movie. What are your top 5?

[Read more…]

Parenting and the Judgement Call: Maturity, Emotions and the Teenage Brain

If there’s one sure thing about parenting, it is the sympathetic looks you get from other parents once your child or children have hit their teenage years. Trying to navigate these years can be a challenging task for even the most committed parents, as it seems almost a force of nature when a teenager and an adult do not see eye to eye. It is perhaps helpful to understand that this may be out of your teen’s control. Amy Williams, our guest author, delves into this.

[Read more…]

PTSD – The Silent Enemy

A heightened awareness and understanding is growing around the realities of the psychological injury – PTSD. The infographic below demonstrates some shocking statistics.

The military are beginning to acknowledge the illness (or injury), yet still, it is often many years before service personnel seek or receive assistance; numbers are sadly increasing for those ending their lives, rather than – or despite seeking help.

[Read more…]

Professional Providers

You look after others but who looks after you? I have written earlier in the series about carers and the need for them to be their best, so they can give their best. This blog is for providers of other professional services, and for whom neglecting to keep their emotional stability in check may ultimately affect their own wellbeing!

Let’s target some service providers, in no particular order, as they say: [Read more…]