Capturing the essence of anxiety
A woman's Facebook post about her experience of anxiety appears to have resonated with many. A news article [here] describes the post.
Mental health vulnerabilities of motherhood
More than one third of mothers have been found to experience mental health problems. This article from the BBC [here] describes how mothers can feel additional pressures linked to criticism and discrimination after having a child.
Control over the voices in your head
This article [here] describes an interesting new approach for the treatment of schizophrenia. Sufferers can experience internal voices which might be threatening and insulting. This treatment involves portraying the voices as computer avatars and in so doing allows patients to gain control of the voice in a controlled fashion through interaction with the avatar.
Depression in parents influences happiness in children
The mental health of both mother and father can influence the chances of difficulties developing in their children. This study [here] highlights the importance of parents seeking treatment as soon as possible to avoid issues being passed down from generation to generation.
Easy ways to boost mental health
This article [here] does not offer solutions for those currently experiencing a mental health issue, but rather tips about remaining healthy to others and those who have recovered.
A new treatment for schizophrenia
As many as 1 in a 100 people will experience schizophrenia at some point in their lives. This article [here] describes new research that suggests that it could be a dysfunction of the immune system that interferes with the functioning of the brain. New treatments based on this theory are currently being tested.
Choosing a safe therapist
This article [here] outlines some clients' traumatic experience associated with contact with unethical and abusive therapists. I recommend that you make sure that your therapist is chartered by the British Psychological Society and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (links to the BPS on the webpage here), as a means of choosing a safe and trained therapist.
Older people need help too!
This article [here] talks about some of the reasons why older people tend to get less help than others when they experience depression and anxiety. These reasons include them being less likely to reach out for help, GPs at times not recognising the signs of difficulties, and society in general tending to expect depression to be a natural consequence of ageing, loss and loneliness. There is a link in the article to an NHS Choices mood self-assessment tool [also here].
Am I depressed?
What is depersonalisation disorder?
People with this disorder describe feeling detached from their own self and the world around them to the extent that it interferes with their functioning in day to day activities. People with the condition describe their experience in this article [here].
Are you among the one in six who experience mental health difficulties?
This BBC article [here] describes some of the reasons behind the increasing rates of mental health problems in England.
How much exercise is good for me?
Countless articles describe the benefits of exercise upon mental and physical health. This one [here] is more useful in that it ends by offering some useful guidance regarding the amount and type of exercise that different age groups should undertake.
Schizophrenia - still misunderstood
This condition is still often misrepresented in the media and so also in the minds of the public. This article [here] corrects some common misconceptions.
The pressures of social media
This article [here] talks about the impact that social media has upon mental health - particularly in girls. This involves exposure and comparison to others' lives which increases the pressure upon them at a vulnerable time in their lives.
Overcoming fibromyalgia
A woman describes the experience of fibromyalgia [here] which is a long term health condition that causes pain. She details some of the aspects of a helpful treatment.
Difficulties in getting help
This article [here] describes how individuals don't always get the help that they need when health professionals find it difficult to see past their 'public facade' (the front that people often display to others that masks their true feelings).
You are not alone!
This BBC article [here] notes that psychological problems are the most common reason for people taking time off work for sickness.
Coping with suicidal thoughts
This man talks about the difficulties [here] that men in particular tend to have in being able to be open about having such thoughts due to societal pressures, the need to respond to individuals in such situations and how service issues such as waiting lists add to the experience of suffering. Helpline numbers are provided at the end of the article.
Experiencing OCD
Whilst this article focuses focuses on teenagers, it goes into some detail regarding the condition [here]. Unfortunately, you need to sign into the site to read the full article.