managing depression

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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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 can be various underlying issues that may affect our sleep; issues such as anxiety, depression and stress being the most common. However, there can also be specific things that can affect our sleep such as worry, grief, trauma, lifestyle, sleep routine, mental health disorders, physical health conditions and even side-effects from taking medication.

If you are having trouble sleeping, why not try out some of these natural remedies?

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Current statistics claim that 4 to 10% of people in England will experience depression in their lifetime. On almost a weekly basis high-profile sufferers ‘come out’ and share their stories. Alistair Campbell, Ashley Judd, Lady Gaga – to name just a few. Sharing experiences of depression has become much less taboo.

But what if you live with a depression that isn’t your own? [Read more…]

There is no such thing as a grown-up (the child and her beliefs remain in adulthood) because, during the first decade of life, we learn critical and fundamental beliefs that remain with us throughout adulthood. [Read more…]

I provide CBT for many clients, mostly in-person, but also online. I am not, however, a one-trick-pony! CBT simply isn’t for everyone for a number of reasons. And if it is for you, how will you know? [Read more…]

Appearing as regular as the adverts, the inevitable and annual chorus of moans “Christmas! It gets earlier every year!” is something we all recognise. So, why do we say and do the same things each year, especially if it ramps up our stress and anxiety levels?  [Read more…]

Many cultures have created an unhealthy attitude to the psychological turbulence we all experience from time to time. It now appears intuitive to fight back against that which we think and feel threatens us, but is this really an effective strategy? [Read more…]