An interesting study has recently been published in the Journal of Neuroscience which has found that brain waves can be altered by playing a musical instrument improving an individual’s ability to listen and hear, over a short period of time. This is another example of neuroplasticity and the ability for our brains to rewire themselves. Just in the way that art therapy has been used to support mental ill health, maybe music therapy could do the same? #positiveliving #recovery

It has been a while since I posted a blog. This has been because I have undertaken some self development, which means that I am now able to provide ASIST Suicide Prevention Training. This is something that I have wanted to be able to do some time and the wait was worth it. What an amazing course and opportunity that it provides. With suicide rates more and more in the headlines - there were 6,122 suicides of people aged 10 and over registered in the UK in 2014 - the more that

We invest more time in looking after our teeth on a daily basis than we do looking after our minds. In the words of Guy Winch, a psychologist, we would not tell someone with a broken leg to walk it off, however, we feel that this is appropriate advice to dealing with depression. An interesting TED talk about "Why we all need to practice emotional first aid". Guy explores the notion of how we "damage" our psychology well-being after any form of rejection. Generally we do not d

We seem to find it difficult to celebrate stories of recovery and hope and I am uncertain as to why this is? Is it about people’s fear, stigma/discrimination, we enjoy bad news stories more than good ………? This week I had the good fortune to hear two inspiring stories of recovery. Hope is needed in recovery as it can be a long and hard journey, through sharing and celebrating, I hope we give hope to those who need it now, during and post recovery. The first was as part of my m

It is Eating Disorders Awareness Week - the theme of the week is early intervention. Like so many issues in life the earlier the intervention the better. beat provide great support and information https://www.b-eat.co.uk/ https://www.b-eat.co.uk/support-us/eating-disorder-awareness-week #eatingdisorders #earlyintervention #mentalhealthintheworkplace #talkingmentalhealth #mentalhealth

The more shares, views, comments, likes and conversations you create, the more people will know how to be there for their mates. You also let your friends know you’re in their corner. Great Time to Change campaign. #talkingmentalhealth #mensmentalhealth #timetochange #timetotalk

Great video to help raise awareness of mental health in the workplace. So important for breaking stigma and discrimination for people suffering from issues of mental health. #stigma #discrimination #talkingmentalhealth #bipolar #anxiety #mentalhealthintheworkplace

Workplace mental health problems cost the UK economy over £26 billion a year through lost working days, staff turnover and lower productivity, with 3 in 4 employees having experienced symptoms of poor mental health, according to the Business in the Community Mental Health at Work Report 2016. Yet we still find it so difficult to start a simple conversation to ask someone how they are. Ask a colleague if they fancy a walk around the block, you can always start to talk about w

Seasonal affective disorder is a depressive illness caused by shortened daylight hours and a lack of sunlight. It is estimated that for roughly 21% of the UK some of the symptoms of SAD cause discomfort and a noticeable change in mood which is know as the "Winter Blues". However, for a further 8%, SAD is a much more serious illness which impedes on life, energy, relationships and general connection with society. With this being Children's Mental Health week, bear in mind th

With this being Children's Mental Health week, this is a good list of resources, so if anyone you know is struggling with how they feel and need to talk, these organisations are there to listen. No-one needs to suffer in silence - there are phone lines, or you can send them a Share it with as many people as possible. http://www.youngminds.org.uk/for_children_young_people/better_mental_health/organisations_that_could_help #talkingmentalhealth #childrensmentalhealthweek #mental