Author: admin

Are you aware that this week is Mental Health Awareness Week? It made me think about just how far we have come in our awareness and understanding of mental health. Hopefully, weeks like this will continue this progress. Unfortunately, support for people struggling with mental health issues is far from adequate. In my view this is something which desperately needs to change. In the meantime however, increasing our own knowledge and understanding may help us to take better care of ourselves. ...

Did you know that today is World Bipolar Day and Vincent Van Gogh’s birthday? This is not a coincidence. This hugely famous and influential artist was posthumously diagnosed with bipolar. Now his birthday has become a day for raising awareness of this condition. According to Bipolar UK, 1.3 million people in the UK have bipolar. Let’s hope then that days like this help to improve awareness and understanding, as well as the support available to those who need it.    ...

Did you know that today is Time To Talk day? On this day we are encouraged to talk about mental health. The aim is to reduce stigma and create more supportive communities where we can talk about mental health and seek help if we need to. One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year. Therefore, making mental health something we can openly talk about is important, not just today, but everyday. If you want to know more visit https://timetotalkday.co.uk ...

I was reading an online article on how to look after yourself if you are grieving in the new year. Visit https://mindfulnessandgrief.com/manage-grief-in-the-new-year/ if you are interested. Number 1 on the list of suggestions was to create a different style of New Year’s resolution. One which focusses on self-compassion and self-care rather than self-improvement. It made me think that whether we are grieving or not, this might be a good idea. Focus less on being better or doing things better. Focus more on taking better care of ourselves. Perhaps then we would avoid reinforcing the message that we are not good enough. Instead we might show ourselves we are worthy of care. ...

For some of us it is, but lots of us find it difficult for many different reasons. This struggle can be made even tougher by the message that we should be enjoying ourselves and the sense that other people are. If you are worried about Christmas, the Mind website has some suggestions of things which may help. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/christmas-and-mental-health/christmas-coping-tips/ ...

Laughter yoga, created by Dr Madan Kataria, is something I hadn’t heard about until I came across an article about it. Kataria claims it reduces stress, makes your immune system stronger and keeps your mind positive. I just found one of his videos on You Tube and gave it a go. I felt a bit silly (even though I was on my own), but it did raise my mood.  I wonder if doing this in a group might stimulate more genuine laughter in response to others’ laughter. Perhaps I will try it and see. Even if I decide laughter yoga it is not for me, it did remind me that creating opportunities for laughter – whether through something like this, spending time with funny friends, or watching a good comedy – can make things feel better. Have a read and see what you think. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/oct/09/why-the-health-benefits-of-laughter-yoga-will-make-you-smile#:~:text=In%202005%2C%20a%20Scientific%20American,laughter%2Dinducing%20therapies%20improve%20depression. ...