(image: Brooke Cagle, Unsplash) If you think about it, it’s unusual how overly connected we are to everyone and the world. A decade ago, if you sent a text message to someone and then a “Hello??” minutes afterward, you’d look desperate or rude, but nowadays, it’s a whole 180 degrees, and instead, if you’re not the one responding back in minutes, you’re the rude one! From the moment we wake up to the time we fall asleep, our lives are dominated by screens. Whether it’s checking emails, scrolling through social media, or binge-watching the latest series, our digital devices have become constant ..read more

(image: free image) In times of mourning, finding ways to process grief is crucial for emotional healing. While everyone grieves differently, certain rituals can provide comfort and help individuals honour their loved ones. Please do reach out for support from your doctor or therapist if you need it. Here are six healing rituals that can support you during these difficult times: Creating a Memory Box  One meaningful way to remember a loved one is by creating a memory box. This can include photographs, letters, and personal mementos that hold special significance. By curating these items ..read more

Pexels – CC0 Licence There are plenty of things you can do that can improve your life, but if you haven’t got the basics in place, then it’s harder to make the most of all that life offers you. Let’s think about sleep. No one’s their best self when they’re running low on sleep. It makes all aspects of life more difficult, most notably our relationships — because after all, who isn’t irritable when they wish they could still be in bed? Lack of sleep can also worsen mental health conditions including anxiety and depression and being in a good sleep routine helps improve these. You can’t always ..read more

(image: Unsplash: Denys Nevozhai) Mental health is finally getting recognition in society. The NHS in the UK has appointed their first medical director for mental health and neurodiversity. Our wellbeing should come first during all stages of life.  Mental Health at Any Age Poor mental health doesn’t discriminate, and it can affect anyone at any age. It impacts how we cope and how we relate to other people.   The Signs of Mental Health Issues Note anything that might be a sign of poor mental health.  This can look different depending on age.  Some common signs include ..read more

(image: Arabella and the Worry Cloud by Shelley the Artist and Eleanor Segall) Shelley the Artist and I are proud to reveal the cover to our first children’s book written by me, ‘Arabella and the Worry Cloud’. Arabella is a little girl with lots of worries, represented by the Worry Cloud who comes to see her, taunts her and threatens to rain on her. Can Arabella with the help of happy thoughts of her family and trusted cat Pickles push the Worry Cloud away? Or will he stay and rain on her forever as her worries grow? As a little girl myself, I had lots of worries which led to anxiety and pani ..read more

(image: 24 hr therapy) At 24hr Therapy, we are driven by a simple yet profound belief: accessing therapy should be as natural and straightforward as getting a coffee. Our mission is to remove the stigma that surrounds mental health issues and foster a culture where mental well-being is openly discussed and prioritised. For too long, mental health has been shrouded in misunderstanding and fear, preventing many from seeking the help they need. We aim to change this by making mental health care more approachable, accessible, and integrated into daily life. Imagine a world where scheduling a ther ..read more

(image: Pixabay) Addiction is so intricate and multifaceted that in the face of extensive scientific research, there are still myths and misconceptions about it that often get in the way of treatment. They cause stigma that keeps people from getting help for fear of being labelled as ‘bad’ or ‘weak’. But, to win the fight against addiction, we have to confront some common misconceptions to create an environment that empowers people and encourages them to get treatment for successful recovery. Here are some of the top misconceptions about addiction:  5 Common Misconceptions About Addictio ..read more

(image: Unsplash) Eye health goes beyond just vision acuity; it can also offer a window into one’s mental and overall health. Recent studies have shown that comprehensive eye exams can uncover early signs of mental health conditions. In this post, we’ll discuss how certain eye tests can be indicative of broader health issues, shedding light on the intricate connection between eye and mental health.   Visual Field Test and Anxiety Disorders  A visual field test measures the entire scope of vision, including peripheral vision. Individuals with anxiety disorders may exhibit an unu ..read more

(image: Karolina Grabowska, Pexels) So, you’ve decided to take the reins and guide yourself toward personal growth? That’s great news! Crafting a personal development plan isn’t just about lofty goals; it’s about mapping out your journey to becoming the best version of yourself. Think of it as creating a personalised roadmap that highlights both the routes and the scenic stops along the way. Understand Your Current Situation First things first: where are you at right now? Take a good, hard look at what you’ve accomplished and where you might be spinning your wheels. It’s all about self-aware ..read more

This is scary but here goes! This summer, I’m stepping up for Diabetes UK in their Step Challenge (I will be aiming to do 500,000 steps between my birthday 1st July and September). I am doing this challenge to not only support the 5 million people in the UK who live with diabetes (including my dad Mike) but also to get fit, healthy and lose weight after being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (pcos) last year. With pcos there is a future risk for diabetes as well as fertility challenges- I’m not diabetic currently and want to get healthier. Those who know me well know this is a big d ..read more