managing anxiety

In this powerful piece, our in-house therapist, Penni Osborn shines a light on the origins of anxiety, highlights ways in which anxiety can manifest and offers suggestions on how symptoms can be managed.

Now, more than ever, anxiety is making its stomach-churning self known. In these times of such uncertainty, it has latched onto our fear receptors and is making even those with the strongest of constitutions struggle with its message of impending doom. So, what can be done? How can we manage something that makes us feel, at times, so helpless and afraid? [Read more…]

Many a time we assume body image issues affect only the young due to peer pressure and media pressure but this isn’t necessarily so. Whatever our age, we can benefit from these quick tips by Rebecca Brown who is an avid traveller who has had the amazing opportunity to travel to dozens of countries around the world, showcasing her experiences on Rough Draft.

In a recent Mission Australia Youth survey, 33% of respondents listed body image as a personal concern. Body image is shaped by a wide variety of factors. Some of those factors, like genetics, we cannot change.

But, Instagram posts with ultra-toned bodies are some triggers we can go without. You may be tempted to delete your social media profiles, but don’t let the pesky entertainment industry beat you. Here are a few quick tips that will help you appreciate how awesome you are! [Read more…]

Do you dread Monday morning? Will you be thinking about work this weekend instead of enjoying it with family or friends? Do you hate your job or is there something more to it? This wonderful infographic guides us through identifying if we are affected by a toxic workplace and some of the things we can do to alleviate the issues we may facing.

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An interesting piece by Tim, our resident guest writer taking a look at NLP.

I seem to be tripping over folk in Psychology Today at the moment. I blame Bob, because he’s highlighting articles that are worthy of our attention through his Twitter account. He showed me this piece, How To Deal With Nerves Before A Presentation and I almost like it.

“Will you never stop criticising?” I hear you yell at me!

And the answer is that I will, but in my own time. It’s just like your decision to read this piece. I’m just a smidgen critical this time, though, not angry. [Read more…]

Other than using the Rewind Technique, which I have found to be the kindest treatment for dealing with symptoms associated with traumatic events, there are many other treatments and activities which can help alleviate the symptoms a sufferer is experiencing. Here, Robert Johnson guides us briefly through what PTSD is and some of the options available to those living with the symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex-PTSD (cPTSD).

As we know, life consists of ups and downs which we overcome daily. When we think about any type of mental disorder, just think of the ‘many more’ ups and downs that those people need to deal with. For PTSD, the battle with fear and anxiety is a long one and can last the whole day. It can also continue through the night when the reliving of the events is frequent. In order to understand PTSD, it is important to have it defined before proceeding. [Read more…]

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.

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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

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As someone who’s been owned by both cats and dogs, it’s a joy to share this wonderful infographic provided by Catological reminding us of the many benefits cats bestow upon us. It has also taken me back in time to past family members, Chloe and Puss.

I can recall only too fondly, Chloe, our black cat of nearly two decades, and Puss, a rescue that was with us for less time than deserved. Despite Chloe being part of our family much longer than Puss, both have left indelible and beautiful memories, or paw prints, on our lives.

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There are so many negative connotations when we hear the word ‘alone’. However, ‘being alone’ or ‘alone time’ can provide great benefits and contributes to our emotional wellbeing. For some time I have been a great advocate of ‘mindful walking‘ as a way to engage in some physical exercise and make space so we can reflect (maybe even allow for some problem-solving), feel the ground beneath our feet, smell the air and listen to the sounds around us – in effect ‘see’ or become aware of what is around us. It’s this awareness that leads us to give attention to ‘the present moment’ and ‘being mindful’. [Read more…]

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…]