anxiety – Page 9 – Helping You Sparkle™

Wellbeing and Mental Health

It’s okay not to be okay. When I first started working in mental health, (some 10 years ago now), I worked with women experiencing ante-natal depression – depression during pregnancy. They’d often start by telling me one of the hardest things was telling family and friends they felt depressed. Usually, the response they got was alongContinueContinue reading “Wellbeing and Mental Health”

When You Think You’re Over-Thinking It: Living With a Noisy Mind

Note to the reader: this article refers to a mind that feels like it’s constantly thinking, rather than hearing voices. If you are hearing voices this article from Mind may help. I was teaching a relaxation class to a group of students recently, when I likened the feeling of anxiety to being on a treadmill. YouContinueContinue reading “When You Think You’re Over-Thinking It: Living With a Noisy Mind”

World Suicide Prevention Day

The number of suicides in England and Wales has hit a fifteen year high, according to the latest figures. Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Here are some websites you may find useful if you, or someone you know, are thinking about taking your own life: The Samaritans You can also call FREE in the UKContinueContinue reading “World Suicide Prevention Day”

Mindful Living

Two travelling monks reached a river where they met a young woman. Wary of the current, she asked if they could carry her across. One of the monks hesitated, but the other quickly picked her up onto his shoulders, transported her across the water, and put her down on the other side. She thanked himContinueContinue reading “Mindful Living”

Meaning and Purpose: Spirituality and Mental Health

There’s a Zen story about a horse which suddenly appeared galloping down the road. The man riding the horse, looked as if he had somewhere important to go. Another man, at the side of the road shouted “Where are you going?”, to which the man on the horse replied, “I don’t know! Ask the horse!”ContinueContinue reading “Meaning and Purpose: Spirituality and Mental Health”