Using exercise to influence mental health

It has long been established that exercise can have a beneficial impact upon mental health (for example see here). This article (here) provides some advice on how to start regularly running for exercise.

Mindful eating and weight loss

These two articles from the guardian (here and here) describe a mental approach to eating which is thought to help individuals to lose weight. On the other hand, this article (here) might suggest that we should guard against paying too much attention to the smell of our food. 

Exploring the world despite agoraphobia

A person experiencing agoraphobia talks a about their condition in this article (here and here). They satisfy their need to explore through virtual holidays via Google Street View. 

Diet and mental health

This Ted talk (link here) is a little technical but provides early evidence that some individuals are better able to cope (and so are less likely to develop mental health problems) if their mind and body are well nourished. 

Signs of possible abuse in children

This article from The Independent (here)  is a helpful resource for parents who have concerns about changes in their child's behaviour. It helpfully describes both some normal changes in children and contrasts it with changes that might possibly be associated with abuse. 

OCD and intrusive throughts

The model Lily Bailey talks a little about the nature of her intrusive thoughts and the treatment of her OCD in this article (here). 

Is social networking bad for mental health?

This article (here) describes how some social networking sites can have a negative effect of mental health in younger people. They can: 'harm perceptions of body image, increase the fear of missing out and have a detrimental effect on sleep.'

Improve your sleep

Some basic tips to help you to improve your sleep are detailed in these articles (here and here). Of course,  bear in mind that sleep disturbance can be a symptom of another psychological issue such as depression or generalised anxiety. 

Speaking to those who have recovered from difficulties about their past issues

There are sensitivities involved in talking to those who have previously experienced a mental health difficulty, as helpfully described by someone who has recovered from an addiction (here) . 

Less obvious signs of a psychological problem

Perhaps the most salient signs of psychological distress are strong and persistent emotions such as those of sadness, anxiety and anger. This article (here) lists some of the less obvious ones.

The pit-falls of working from home when you are vulnerable to depression

A freelance journalist who describes themselves as being a depression sufferer, describes the difficulties that can be experienced whilst working from home (click here). She also offers some tips on how to stay well in this situation.

Intrusive thoughts experienced as part of OCD can delay help-seeking

In this article from The Independent (here), a man describes how the nature of the distressing thoughts that can be linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder, stopped him from seeking help for the condition. 

The effects of bereavement

A number of people talk briefly about the impact of losing some-one here. The 'normal' experience of grief can overlap with aspects of some mental health issues. 

Mental health problems: Suffering alone?

Articles such as this (link here) tell us that one in four individuals will experience a mental health problem. This rate seems higher than expected. Perhaps this article (here) helps to explain why. Many sufferers do not realize that their problem is treatable or let anyone close to them know that they are experiencing difficulties.

Coming to terms with anorexia

A small clip and article about coming to terms with having the condition (and seeking treatment) are published by the BBC (here). Here is a similar story published in 2013, but which has more information about the individual's experience (here).

Living with autism

A lady describes her experience of having the condition (here) and the effect being diagnosed in adulthood.

Depression is the leading cause of ill health worldwide

I hope that this article (here) gives some comfort to those who experience depression by making it very clear that this is a very common problem.

Tetris could help PTSD sufferers - providing you take action within 6 hours

These articles provide some interesting findings about the benefitical impact that playing Tetris can have, provided that it is done within a treatment approach soon after after a traumatic incident. The articles are here and here.

Adapting CBT for use with minority groups

This interesting article from BBC news (12/2/17; here), describes how some individuals from minority groups find it challenging to access services. It also goes on to say how treatment for these clients is more effective if it takes into consideration aspects of their own culture and incorporates these into treatment.

Beating worry: A personal account

Story in the Daily Mail (1/4/17) of one women's journey to overcome here worry issues is here. The article includes a brief introduction to mindfulness and worry time.