Public and corporate awareness of the importance of mental health is increasing in the UK, with media outlets rightfully bringing greater attention to the topic. According to Mind, approximately one in four adults will experience a mental health issue each year and, staggeringly, one in six of us report experiencing a common mental health problem each week.
With anxiety and depression the most prevalent issues, this can have a huge effect on our working lives. In total, approximately 70...
Anger is definitely an unpleasant emotion. Like fear, it is classified as a high-energy negative emotion - as opposed to low-energy ones, such as sadness or guilt. Is there such a thing as healthy aggression? Fear and excitement produce the same physiological response: a rush of adrenaline that prepares us to defend ourselves or run - fight or flight. Similarly, there is a close physiological correlation between a person in an angry state and one in a state of sexual arousal. Like the sex...
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) over 300 million people around the globe of all ages, backgrounds, and situations experience depression. An estimated 20% of us in the UK aged 16 and over show symptoms of anxiety and depression, such as low mood, low self-worth, trouble sleeping, low energy and concentration, as well as an increased or decreased appetite.
Long-lasting depression can affect how we...
Do you ever feel stuck, frustrated, down, disheartened and depressed or, more simply put, like rubbish about life? Would you believe me if I told you that, these feelings are, in fact, vitally useful and important if you understand their purpose and power? Focusing on thoughts that feel better The truth is that to find the fastest route to happiness, success and fulfilment in life, all you need to do is practice noticing how your thoughts feel to you emotionally. If they feel bad, find...
Just over a year ago, someone I knew completed suicide. We weren’t close, but even so, hearing about his passing came as a tremendous shock and made me take a close look into my own life. Steve* was a smart and accomplished 27 year old with a broad smile and an eagerness to make a difference, unlike anything I'd seen before. He was extremely intelligent and, in my view, a happy young man. During our interactions, he was friendly and articulate and had a very clear view of what he wanted...
Of the three issues in the title, only one of them is within our control - but I do know that if you eliminate the one we can control, the self-care, then the other two things can have a much worse effect on us. It’s fair to say that self-care is the buzzword of the year, but I’d like to suggest that it is trending for a reason. When we take ownership of our self-care, the things that can bring us down; from stress and all its side effects to family drama and work issues, become...
When I started on my own coaching and therapy journey I was very confused about everything. It was a scary time and not knowing what to expect or what I might find out about myself along the way caused a lot of distress. When my doctors first diagnosed me with having stress, anxiety and depression, I was sent off for CBT: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. I did not take to it immediately so was sent to counselling, my counsellor introduced me to hypnotherapy and then to life coaching.I was very...
The incredibly sad death of Kate Spade in New York, reminds us once again that feelings of hurt and depression do not discriminate. Yes, everyone would certainly agree that not making ends meet is stressful and hard to bear, but there is always a way up. Less recognised is feeling at the bottom of the rung when the world believes you are at the top. Here are some helpful tips if you find yourself feeling low and alone; It is important to remember;
You are only human. That’s probably...
Engaging in physical activity and the consequent realisation of it’s subsequent benefits on our mental health, in addition to the obvious physical health benefits, cannot be underestimated. It’s impact on our mental health have been recognised to the extent that it can be used as a stand alone treatment for depression or in conjunction with psychological therapies and/or medication. I regularly walk my Border Collie over the moors and notice the positive effect on my mood once I...
The power of music and it’s influence on mood states, must not be ignored. Bob Marley once said “one good thing about music is that when it hits you, you feel no pain.” This appears to be a true statement when we listen to our favourite song or to a new song by our favourite artist for the first time. However, music can play a part in all mood states. Research suggests that listening to music can have a profound impact on our mood, whether it be an upbeat, happy song or a...
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