Blog

The rapid changes of the last week are challenging, and we need to actively support our mental health during the lockdown. Both the threat from the virus and the changes in how we live are stressful, so you really have to look after yourself right now. Many of the things you regularly do to support your mental health, like going out places or getting together with friends, ar[...]

Below is a link to a BBC article on basic mental health, including protecting yourself from what I would call the 'stress virus' associated with the news. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51873799 [...]

New guidance gives psychological therapists information to help clients struggling with side effects and withdrawal issues which have resulted from an increase in the prescription of psychiatric drugs. While this guidance is aimed at therapists, if you are interested in reading the guidance, you can find it here. [...]

Trauma and distress become lodged in the body, so often it is useful to combine physical movement with a talking therapy to support recovery. Yoga is one way to do this, and in the video below Bessell van der Kolk talks about this. https://youtu.be/MmKfzbHzm_s Bessell van der Kolk talks about yoga and trauma When considering taking a yoga class or creating your own pra[...]

Below is a link to a Guardian article about current research surrounding psilocybin (the active ingredient in 'magic mushrooms') and depression. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2019/jun/10/magic-mushrooms-treatment-depression-aztecs-psilocybin-mental-health-medicine If you have had any difficulty integrating psychedelic experiences, I can offer a confidential space[...]

Often I hear self-care described in terms of what we can do. We can balance work with rest and play. We can care for ourselves through nutrition, exercise, socialising and getting support when things are difficult. Acting to manage life in this way is important, but I believe there are other aspects of self-care not considered so often, relating to our internal world. [...]

For a good article on what narcissism is, and 'healthy narcissism', read Dale Kushner's article on Revisiting the Myth of Narcissus and “Healthy Narcissism” . [...]

This is a video from the School of Life that points to some of the challenges modern life hands us. Whether you agree with what it says or not, it's worth looking at to get you thinking about your lifestyle and what you believe. [...]

Medication prescribed to help people through mental health issues may itself become a difficulty, especially when taken long term.  For anyone who wants to know more about medication, how it works and about the potential withdrawal effects of coming off medication I recommend coming off.com Medication can be helpful in supporting people during difficult times but some eff[...]

Translated by Coleman Barks This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearin[...]

  "Many people think that the point in life is to solve their problems and be happy.  But happiness is usually a fleeting sensation, and you never get rid of problems. Your purpose in life may be to become more who you are and more engaged with the people and the life around you, to really live your life.” - Thomas Moore Freud suggested that the mind seeks pleasure and a[...]

Happy New Year! I'm posting this a day or so early as most of us, myself included, make resolutions on the New Year. I'm not normally a big fan of New Year resolutions, as while about 60% of us make them, only about 10% of the resolutions we make stick.  Partly this is because it's something we do because everyone else is, rather than because we are ready to make changes.  P[...]

Happiness is something we all pursue, especially over the Christmas season. The modern fount of all wisdom, Wikipedia, defines happiness as "a mental or emotional state of well-being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy".  If I was looking for a picture to illustrate this then Jessica the cat lying before the fire might fit well. H[...]

I'm taking a break over Christmas, from December 24th through to January 2nd.  Apologies if you try to contact me during that time and I am slow to respond.  Wishing you all a good Christmas season and, hopefully, some calm and restful time.[...]

Modern life can often be stressful. If it is stressful over a long period it can lead to fatigue, burnout, health and relationship problems. Without proper self-care, rest, relaxation and time, even the most resilient of us will reach a stage where we fall apart. The most common cause of long term stress is working too hard. Our culture promotes this by valuing ‘high achieve[...]