I am delighted to be collaborating with Twinkl on their mental health resources for children in schools.
Twinkl say , ‘We must recognise the need to improve understanding of children’s mental health. A person’s mental health is determined by a complex cocktail of different factors interacting. Some of these factors come from a person’s biology, while others come from external factors. Further complicating things, young children don’t always have a full understanding of why they feel they way they do. They can also be reluctant to talk about it, which only adds to the challenge if you’re a teacher trying to support good mental health care at your school. Ultimately, though, if you have concerns that one of your students is struggling with something related to mental health, you should report your concerns to the appropriate authority.’
Twinkl creates resources for teachers and their students, to provide excellent mental health education. This includes resources such as a morning physical and mental health check in, mental health discussion cards, mindfulness colouring pages, and the emotions iceberg to help children understand their feelings.
(image: Twinkl)
Sometimes children come to school unable to express their emotions or what is going on at home. That’s why its so important for teachers to use these tools to help children at school.
Click here to look at the amazing resources and read this blog by Twinkl.
Those who have Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often have trouble maintaining relationships. Though not every relationship will go through these stages and the process isn’t always linear, there are six distinct phases they can go through (although each person is different). Those phases can include the following.
Idealisation
The first phase, often the start of the relationship, is the idealisation phase. Someone with BPD will shower their partner with affection, so the relationship starts out passionately. They may develop feelings fast, and they may mistake the initial feelings of passion as finding the person they’re going to be with forever. Those getting help for their mental health at a Borderline personality treatment center will learn how to recognise this phase in their relationships.
Fear of Abandonment
Once the relationship is underway, the person with BPD will end up watching everything their partner does carefully. The fear of abandonment is strong, so they end up worrying that there are signs that they will be left behind. If their partner doesn’t answer a text message fast enough, the person with BPD might feel like their partner is thinking of leaving them. This can put strain on the relationship.
Reassurance
At this point, the person with BPD will attempt to get reassurance that the partner isn’t going to leave. They might start arguments in an attempt to get the partner to prove they are willing to fight to stay in the relationship. This is often where relationships turn toxic, as the behaviour leads to more arguments and fights in an effort to get the partner to prove they’re serious about the relationship.
Distress
Because of the toxicity in the relationship, it will start to fall apart. The person with BPD will see this coming and start to feel like there’s no way to save the relationship. They’re may feel like they are empty, but they do not have a way to communicate this with their partner. The lack ofcommunication skills can spell disaster for the relationship.
Abandonment
The person with BPD is likely to be the first one to break up the relationship. At this point, it’s difficult if not impossible for the relationship to recover, even if the person with BPD realises what they’ve done. This ultimately creates the feeling of being abandoned, so they are likely going to feel like their fear is real and will be more likely to repeat these phases in the future.
Grief
The final stage is grief. They may end up blaming themselves for the relationship ending and can engage in self-harm or other destructive behaviours as a result. Some will turn to substance abuse or risky behaviours as they grieve the end of the relationship. Depending on the severity of BPD, the intensity of the relationship, and other factors, it may not take long to get from the idealisation stage to the grief stage, which can make going through this stage worse.
BPD disorder doesn’t mean that a relationship is impossible and not all relationships with them will go through these phases. However, this is a common way that relationships play out when one of the people suffers from BPD. Therapy and relationship counselling can help both people to recover and repair from any toxic relationship patterns.
Personal development frequently demands unique techniques to maximise potential. This article will explore unorthodox personal development hacks that can spark creativity, fresh views, and goal-setting. Each hack for self-discovery and development is different, from embracing pain and novelty to using technology and extreme honesty. By using these unique methods, you’ll discover hidden strengths, tear down boundaries, and open up new opportunities for personal development and enjoyment.
1. Embracing Discomfort
Contrary to popular belief, embracing discomfort can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth, as it challenges you to confront your fears, expand your comfort zone, and discover your true capabilities. Instead of avoiding discomfort, lean into it by intentionally seeking out challenging situations or activities that push your limits, as long as it feels healthy for you to do so. Whether it’s trying a new hobby, speaking in public, or initiating difficult conversations, each experience of discomfort offers an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. Embrace the discomfort as a sign that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone and making progress toward your goals, knowing that resilience and growth wait on the other side.
2. Enroll in Growth Programs
For individuals seeking to unlock their full potential, enrolling in growth programs can be a transformative step. Consider embarking on a self-mastery program tailored to your unique aspirations and challenges. These programs are expertly crafted to provide comprehensive guidance and support on your journey of personal development.
Through a mastery program, participants gain access to valuable tools, insights, and strategies designed to foster growth and resilience. By immersing yourself in a growth-oriented environment, you open doors to new perspectives, opportunities, and personal breakthroughs. Embracing the opportunity to enroll in a mastery program empowers individuals to navigate life’s complexities with clarity, purpose, and confidence.
3. Leveraging Technology
Technology can be a valuable tool for personal growth when used intentionally and mindfully. Explore digital resources such as apps, podcasts, and online courses that offer insights, techniques, and exercises for self-improvement and development. From meditation apps and habit-tracking tools to virtual communities and online learning platforms, there’s a wealth of technology-driven resources available to support your growth journey. Harness the power of technology to access information, connect with like-minded individuals, and track your progress toward your goals, leveraging its potential to enhance your well-being and accelerate your growth.
4. Practicing Radical Honesty
Being entirely open and genuine in your communication, whether it is with yourself or with other people, is an essential component of radical honesty. This is true even when the communication is met with resistance or discomfort. Embrace radical honesty as a method of enhancing your self-awareness, bolstering your relationships, and living in a manner that is congruent with your core beliefs. Identifying areas in which you can be holding back or avoiding tough realities can be accomplished via the practice of self-reflection and introspection.
Once you have identified these areas, commit to stating and living your truth with integrity and bravery. Despite the fact that radical honesty requires a degree of vulnerability and bravery, it leads to the development of more profound relationships, promotes personal growth, and cultivates a stronger feeling of authenticity and contentment in all aspects of life. It is important however to not hurt peoples feelings but still remain true to yourself.
5. Embracing Failure and Iteration
Failure is an unavoidable component of the process of human development. Still, rather than seeing it as something to be feared, it should be embraced as a great learning opportunity and a springboard for development. It is important to have a mentality that encourages experimentation and iteration, considering errors and setbacks as feedback that can help you move ahead and shape your subsequent actions. Accept the process of learning via trial and error, keeping in mind that each setback gets you one step closer to achieving your goals. In recognition of the fact that resiliency and flexibility are essential components for personal development and achievement, you should celebrate your willingness to take chances and learn from your failures via celebration.
In conclusion, unconventional hacks and tactics can boost personal development and self-discovery. Each hack unlocks your inner potential and improves your life, from accepting pain and joining development programs to using technology and being radically honest. Stepping beyond your comfort zone, seeing failure as a learning opportunity, and being completely honest and real can help you reach your full potential and thrive. Celebrate the unexpected, the adventure, and new opportunities on the way to personal excellence.
In the journey of outpatient rehab, recognising and celebrating each small victory plays a pivotal role in both motivation and recovery. These milestones, no matter how small they may seem, serve as important markers of progress, offering encouragement and a sense of achievement to those on the path to recovery. Each step forward, regardless of its size, can significantly impact the overall success of rehabilitation. This philosophy not only fosters a positive environment but also strengthens the resolve of individuals to continue striving for their ultimate goal of full recovery.
The Power of Acknowledgment
Acknowledging and celebrating small victories may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but it can have a powerful impact on one’s outlook and determination. In outpatient rehab, where the recovery journey can be long and challenging, even the smallest progress should be praised and recognized. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder that each step taken is a valuable and meaningful effort towards healing. It also helps individuals to focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on past struggles or future worries.
Boosting Motivation
In outpatient rehab, motivation is a key factor in achieving successful outcomes. By celebrating small victories, individuals can maintain their motivation and drive throughout the rehabilitation process. Each accomplishment reinforces their determination and propels them forward towards their ultimate goal. When individuals feel recognized and supported, they are more likely to remain committed to the rehabilitation process and push through any difficult moments.
Building Confidence
As individuals progress through theiroutpatient rehab program, each milestone reached builds confidence in their abilities and strength. These small victories serve as evidence that they are capable of overcoming challenges and making positive changes in their lives. With each success, individuals are encouraged to set higher goals and push themselves further. This confidence boost can have a lasting impact on their recovery journey and beyond.
Celebrating Together
The power of celebrating small victories is not just limited to the individual in outpatient rehab but also extends to their support system. Family members, friends, and healthcare professionals all play an essential role in providing encouragement and recognition for achievements. By coming together to celebrate each milestone, a sense of community and support is fostered, creating a positive and uplifting environment for the individual in rehab.
Celebrating small victories may seem like a simple act, but its impact on outpatient rehab cannot be underestimated. Each milestone reached serves as a stepping stone towards full recovery and should be recognised and celebrated. By acknowledging these small victories, we can create a more positive and empowering experience for individuals in rehabilitation and help them to achieve their goals with confidence and motivation.
Rianne Hunter is a wife, mother of three, and an independent blogger who writes for a broad range of topics and publishers.
Alcohol addiction can affect every area of a person’s emotional health. They may start to feel a sense of shame with their friends and loved ones. It can also affect interpersonal relationships, as alcohol can instigate arguments with loved ones. Here are some important ways that alcohol addiction can affect your emotional health.
How Brain Affects The Brain
If you attend a women’s recovery center, you’ll learn the many ways that alcohol affects the brain. Firstly, alcohol travels to the brain through the bloodstream, where it affects the neurotransmitters (the parts of the brain responsible for sending chemical messages between brain cells). Over time and when alcohol abuse occurs, the balance of these neurotransmitters is affected, which can lead to emotional instability. It can also increase the level of dopamine, causing people to become addicted to these heightened feelings of euphoria. Sometimes, alcohol also numbs emotions as well as heightening them.
How Alcohol Affects Mental Health
When alcohol abuse occurs over a long period of time, then mental health is greatly affected especially if someone has a pre-existing condition. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, including:
If these symptoms become severe, then treatment from a mental health professional might be required.
As women are also more prone to depression than men, alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of depression they might already be experiencing.
Factors That Determine How Alcohol Affects The Brain
Drinking alcohol to excess will negatively impact your mental health. However, other factors include your overall physical and mental health, the amount of alcohol you regularly drink, how often you consume alcohol, how long you’ve been drinking alcohol,the age you started drinking, and certain background factors like if there is a family history of alcohol abuse present.
The Emotional Impact Alcohol Has On The Body
Since alcohol can damage the emotional centers of the brain, it can lead to severe mood swings and erratic behaviour. It has other effects on the brain as well:
● Anger: women who struggle with alcohol abuse tend to struggle more with anger over time. It can be directed at anyone and anything, leading to the destruction of relationships with loved ones.
● Stress: alcohol abuse tends to be the result of relieving stress; this is compounded by the instead of stress during withdrawal symptoms.
● Anxiety: alcohol can be used to ease anxiety, but this only worsens anxiety over the long run. Women who abuse alcohol tend to have more panic attacks and experience generalized anxiety disorder.
● Depression: women who drink heavily tend to be more depressed than others and the risk of suicide increases.
● PTSD: women who have experienced trauma and use alcohol as a coping mechanism are at risk for developing full symptoms of PTSD. Alcohol can make traumatic memories worse and more intense, increasing their feelings of anxiety and fear.
It can be difficult to overcome these negative emotions on your own, but the good news is that you don’t have to. If you fear that you are addicted to alcohol and that it is making your emotional health worse, speak to a mental health professional as soon as possible.
Unlock the secrets of modern recruitment: Discover tips for hiring new talent in 2024 and stay ahead in the competitive market.
In the dynamic landscape of recruitment, timing is crucial, employers constantly strive to minimise the time it takes to fill vacant positions while ensuring they find the best talent for their teams, and with the evolution of recruitment strategies and the integration of technology, the recruitment process has undergone significant changes in 2024. Similarly, it is really important to boost wellbeing at work and have strategies in place to support employees when you recruit and HR can assist with this.
Let’s explore how long it takes to recruit a new employee in the current landscape.
Streamlining the Recruitment Process
Traditional recruitment methods often involved time-consuming processes, including manual resume (CV) screening, multiple rounds of interviews, and lengthy decision-making cycles. However, in 2024, organisations are leveraging advanced technologies such as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and automation tools to streamline the recruitment process.
These technologies enable recruiters to sift through large volumes of resumes efficiently, identify top candidates, and schedule interviews with ease, significantly reducing the time it takes to fill vacancies.
It’s also worth checking out places that offer temporary workers, for example, those in the medical or mental health field will be able to take advantage of services like physician recruiter companies who can give you talented and passionate staff on a short term basis.
Enhanced Candidate Sourcing
In today’s competitive job market, attracting the right people requires innovative candidate sourcing strategies; Employers are leveraging social media platforms, professional networking sites, and job boards to reach a wider pool of candidates and in doing so you can uncover some hidden gem candidates. You also want to make sure that you support your candidates, especially when you come to hire.
Additionally, employee referral programs and talent acquisition partnerships with educational institutions and industry organisations have become popular avenues for sourcing qualified candidates. By proactively engaging with passive candidates and building talent pipelines, organisations can expedite the recruitment process and reduce time-to-hire.
Virtual Recruitment and Remote Onboarding
The widespread adoption of remote work has transformed the recruitment landscape, paving the way for virtual recruitment processes and remote onboarding practices- in fact, in 2022, it is estimated that around 27% of the US workforce was working remotely and this is an upward trend that has been seen in the UK too.
Video interviews, virtual career fairs, and online assessments have become integral components of the modern recruitment process, allowing employers to conduct interviews and assess candidates from anywhere in the world. This can also be helpful to people with disabilities and mental health issues, to be able to interview from within their own home.
Agile Recruitment Strategies
In response to rapidly changing market dynamics and evolving needs, organisations are adopting agile recruitment strategies to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and talent requirements. Agile recruitment involves breaking down the recruitment process into smaller, manageable tasks, enabling recruiters to respond promptly to hiring demands and make data-driven decisions. By adopting an agile approach, organisations can reduce recruitment cycle times, improve candidate experiences, and maintain a competitive edge when recruiting new talent.
2024 is the Best Time to be Recruiting!
In 2024, the recruitment landscape continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements, changing workforce dynamics, and the need for agility and efficiency.
While the time it takes to recruit a new employee may vary depending on factors such as industry, role complexity, and candidate availability, organisations are using innovative recruitment strategies and technologies to speed up the process and secure top talent in a competitive market filled with approximately 12 million Americans every month and millions in the UK.
It is also important to support the mental health and wellbeing of new employees through the recruitment stage to onboarding and beyond, to ensure they feel settled and can thrive in your business. HR can assist with this, as well as developing wellness plans when employees begin
By embracing virtual recruitment, agile methodologies, and metrics-driven approaches, organisations can reduce time-to-hire, improve candidate experiences, and achieve better recruitment outcomes in the dynamic and fast-paced world of talent acquisition (whilst embracing employee wellbeing).
Trigger warning: discussion of self harm/suicide attempts.
I was so excited when I saw my online friend Emily Katy’s brand new book coming out! Emily was one of the first reviewers of my book Bring Me to Light and had taken photos of her reading it with her dog and some horses :). I followed her on social media and saw that she was writing her own memoir on what it was like to live as a teenager with undiagnosed autism and mental ill health. This review is not gifted or sponsored- I just wanted to read Emily’s story.
I want to congratulate Emily and her team as this week it has become a Sunday Times Bestseller which is an incredible feat for any author, especially for their first book!
Emily says,
“Far too many autistic people – women and girls especially – fly under the radar, unseen and unsupported. Many of us reach crisis point and only then (if we are lucky) do we find out that we are autistic. I hope this book can add to the collection of autistic voices demanding change in how autism is understood and recognised”.
I bought this book because I wanted to understand what it was like to live as someone with autism undiagnosed and how that affected Emily’s overall mental health, leading her to be sectioned on a psychiatric unit as her health deteriorated. Although autism is not a mental illness and many see the positives living with a neurodiverse brain, it does impact on mental health, especially when it is undiagnosed by a system not set up to understand it in women.
To the outside world, Emily , who is from the UK like me, looks like a typical girl, with a normal family, living an ordinary life. But inside, Emily does not feel typical, and the older she gets, the more she realises that she is different. As she finally discovers when she is 16, Emily is autistic.
Girl Unmasked is the extraordinary story of how she got there – and how she very nearly didn’t. Still only 21, Emily, writes with startling candour about the years leading up to her diagnosis. How books and imagination became her refuge as she sought to escape the increasing anxiety and unbearable stresses of school life; how her OCD almost destroyed her; how a system which did not understand autism let her down; and how she came so close to the edge that she and her family thought she would never survive. We see how family and friends became her lifeline and how, post-diagnosis, Emily came to understand her authentic self and begin to turn her life around, eventually becoming a mental health nurse with a desire to help others where she herself had once been failed.
(image: Emily Katy)
Emily bravely navigates how being undiagnosed with her autism led to her struggling with OCD, anxiety, self harm and depression -which led to suicide attempts. Thankfully, once Emily was able to get a proper diagnosis of all her symptoms that felt right for her (autism and OCD), she found herself able to recover from her depression. In the book, Emily also discusses ways to help you if you are self harming or feeling suicidal. She talks about how being on a psychiatric unit was extremely distressing and as someone with autism, she found that things like loud noises, unpredictability, lack of normal routine or a schedule and new people coming, were just some of the things she struggled with. While at the unit, Emily was also misdiagnosed as having a personality disorder, as well as an anxiety disorder.
It is clear from reading this important book, that Emily feels one of the reasons she was misdiagnosed was because she was a girl. Autistic females tend to fly under the radar for longer due to assessment methods being developed for males, masking to try to fit in with others socially and their special interests being more socially accepted. As someone with bipolar, I have often been called ’emotional’ or ‘drama queen’ and Emily mentions these labels were given to her and other women with autism too. I found reading the lists of autism myths and facts really helpful to further my understanding.
What stands out to me in Girl Unmasked is Emily Katy’s courage. Not just in telling her own story of the perils of living with undiagnosed autism and how it impacted her mental health, but the fact that after surviving multiple self harm and suicide attempts and being sectioned on a psychiatric unit, she has now become a mental health nurse at just 21 (and now bestselling author) to help others. Emily has managed to move forward with her life and achieve huge things, despite living with the trauma she has faced and she has amazing friends and family too, who are there to support her.
I loved this book and read it in 2 days. Girl Unmasked is not an easy read – it is a meaningful, powerful real story of someone’s life. Please do read with care as it discusses mental health themes alongside autism. On the front of Emily’s book is a rainbow and to me that symbolises the hope with which she lives her life and is now bringing to others.
Emily Katy, 21, lived as an undiagnosed autistic girl for nearly seventeen years. After completing her degree in 2022, she qualified as a mental health nurse. She has a large, highly engaged following on social media: @ItsEmilyKaty X (formerly Twitter) 68.4k followers, 21k Instagram followers and a blog www.authenticallyemily.uk, where she talks about autism and mental health. Emily is a Trustee of the charity ‘The Autistic Girls Network’
Trigger warning: discusses delusions, psychosis, mania, anger and schizoaffective disorder. please read with care. This is someone’s real story from the Jewish community.
Illnesses like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and psychosis are common but I never thought they would happen to me. For me it started in Israel where I was away on my gap year program.. The first 8 months of the 10 month ‘year’ had gone very well, I had enjoyed myself, made some good friends and done what I had set out to do, which was to become a leader of my youth movement at home and enjoy my gap year.
However, my experience of Schizoaffective disorder – not that I knew what it was then, began when I was living in Be’er Sheva in the south of Israel. I believe I was triggered by night shifts volunteering for the Israeli Ambulance Service, MDA, and also living with a group whom had come to Israel from England together. In all honesty, I didn’t feel like they wanted me around which made me very sad and upset.
I started to behave and think in a way which wasn’t me. I remember my mind literally racing around unable to keep still. My thoughts were different to normal as well, I couldn’t understand what was going on around me and why people were ignoring me. Instead of being normal Henry, I became super powered Henry! I thought I could transfer energy to and from people at times and like I had some sort of special mission on the earth.
It turned out that a distant relative of mine, according to my granny , had been institutionalised. It seemed that I may have inherited this from them, although I am not 100% sure.
I cut short my gap year by two days to get away from the group I could no longer stand living with and arrived home. My family could instantly tell that something wasn’t right with me. I wasn’t just thinking strange thoughts and behaving oddly, I was in a manic state. I wanted to do things all the time, taking way more risks than normal and I was losing my temper far more. This was because I had manic symptoms of bipolar disorder (a mood disorder) as well as delusions from psychosis (where my mind lost touch with reality and I began to think things that weren’t real).
Becoming unwell with delusions
However , not one to be deterred I decided that the best course of action for me was to join the university I had a place in – Birmingham. Here I remember having a very high level of confidence, and strutting around the university like I owned it. I remember joining the Ultimate Frisbee team and getting the nickname ‘Rowdy’ because I argued a lot and probably didn’t come across well to the others. I introduced myself to the lecturer on the first day and believed that the music I was listening to was giving me a special power so I spoke to him listening to headphones on.
One time I was with my university flat mates (who were very nice to me) and I began to hear their thoughts. I would repeat mantras to myself such as ‘positive emotion’ ‘negative emotion’, every time I took a step. I was attending a Jewish society Friday night meal and I began to see auras (coloured lights and energies) around people, I could see who wanted to talk to me and who was unfriendly just through the energy I perceived to be the colour of their skin. I have heard that some people regard these experiences as spiritual or psychadelic, and maybe they are, and I have an open mind to this, however if you have an episode like I had it can definitely be something which affects your life.
In my manic state I was highly opinionated and this made me quite argumentative. Having such a lot going on in my mind, I also became quite messy, a habit I still haven’t quite managed to overcome from this time.
I also believed that having this experience of auras was for a special purpose. When I got ill for the second time I actually believed that I could remember the name of my previously life, Agon. And I was a kind of prophet. This began in this stage of the illness. Agon was a lecturer of economic history and I felt like the history they were talking about was my life story. I remember walking into a lecture late because my thoughts had become so disorganised that I couldn’t navigate across campus and thinking that all the coughs in the lecture theatre were aimed at me. I had no time for studying and I managed to get my lowest ever mark in a test of 10% which shows how my mind was not itself.
My mum was worried about me and emailed a friend of mine who was also studying at Birmingham, whom I knew from my youth movement, they were very worried about me too and invited me round to meet them a few times but also didn’t really know what was going on and were having their own difficulties.
When I came home for the Christmas holidays I went on a Jewish Conference where I fulfilled my dream of finally becoming a Jewish Youth Leader, something I had dedicated my gap year towards. However, I didn’t behave as my normal self. My delusions and mania got worse and although I felt on a high, it’s difficult for me to really comment accurately.
My mother, convinced me somehow to see a psychiatrist. I couldn’t quite believe him when I saw him. He told me that instead of having incredible powers and the ability to hear others’ thoughts, I had in fact suffered an episode of psychosis. I was devastated to hear this news I couldn’t quite believe that the powerful experiences I had been experiencing were in his words an illness called psychosis. After this I was put on a powerful antipsychotic medication – olanzapine. – I put on a lot of weight in a short space of time. I My thoughts slowed right down and gradually came to my senses. At least I was me again, my family were very grateful .
Most people normally feel a great sense of gratitude after a period of illness,. However, I was so confused having been in this state for 10 months and not really understanding what was going on that I couldn’t quite share their joy.
I was assigned to an Early Intervention team who were meant to help me and eventually get a job. However, things don’t always go according to plan. I didn’t get on with the team that well, I didn’t get on with my family, I didn’t get on with my friends and I hadn’t gone back to normal. Although my delusions had stopped, I hadn’t got the right diagnosis so I wasn’t on the right medication. This unluckily affected my confidence and although I went back to University, I wasn’t happy there and had to come home a few weeks into my second year.
Without knowing what to do with myself and on benefits, I lived at my Mum’s house for a few years and one of the few joys in my life was playing football for my local football team where I could forget about myself every week. Through this, I made some new friends and some of my old school friends who had stuck by me remarkably through this rough period also joined, for which I am always grateful.
While struggling with my mental health, I did what a lot of people do and looked for a solution in meditation. However, as a Jewish person, I took this one step further and joined a Buddhist Organisation. At first it seemed quite benign but I was desperate to solve my problems so I carried on going. This was a terrible idea for a number of reasons. Firstly the meditations took me into my own little world and began to bring my delusions back. The organisation which seems to me looking back that it was was a cult, sensing my keen attitude tried to brainwash me and led me to believe that their sect was the source of all happiness and that furthermore they could solve all my problems. I moved in with them and because of what they had taught me I came off my meds.
This was a very intense period of psychosis, I was living with 10 other people all trapped in this other world from normal society, my delusions were bad, while meditating I believed other people were communicating with me, and I began to hallucinate in my sleep. Which in turn turned to daytime hallucinations.
After losing my temper really badly with one of the ‘leaders’ I was kicked out, who had become fed up with the mess I was leaving. However I was seriously unwell, my symptoms were worse than the first time and I began to hear voices which I hadn’t the first time, I remember walking through London with different people in the centre doing what I thought was communicating with me, telling me where to walk and that I was on a special mission.
(image: Pexels: Lisa Folios)
Being Sectioned and a Diagnosis
After the Buddhist Centre banned me, I was sectioned, which means that I was taken without my consent into a mental health hospital. Luckily my sister came to visit me a lot and alerted some of my friends. She was really supportive during this time and arranged for people that I knew, and barely knew to come and visit me every day. This included people from my old synagogue, cousins and family and I was so grateful. My mother didn’t come to see me much though as I was having delusions about her. I think deep down I felt she knew me to too well and would snap me out of the state I was in, and I wanted to stay in it, so I acted badly when she was there and the staff advised her not to come.
One time in the hospital I was summoned to speak to the doctor. All I remember is going to see him and starting to sing. Then being taken away. There were many times in the hospital where I acted not as myself, due to mental illness.
The doctor read my file, met me and I was diagnosed with Schizoaffective disorder. This was life changing for me and I am so happy I have been given this diagnosis. My medication was improved. It was such a relief being on the correct medication.
Rebuilding my life and running a half marathon
That’s kind of where the present comes in. I had to (and still am) rebuilding my life. Reforging abandoned friendships, one of my best friends from school came to visit me three or four times in hospital. They supported me by meeting me for a coffee or pizza every week for about 4 years after I came out of hospital!
In this time, I managed to finish my degree in Economics at the third time at a London university where I got a 2.1. I then got an internship in Cyber Security and an in person job at the British Library. I was so happy to have achieved this after all I had been through! I am now living independently and able to relate to and get on with others and live my life. I am so grateful for everything I have been through, despite the difficulties.
Recently I was inspired by a friend to try to exercise more, which as recommended to me by my doctor, is just as important as medication. In order to raise money for mental health I am going to run a half marathon in London. I felt it would be right for me to run for Schizophrenia research.
Few trials in life are as demanding or relentless as those rooted in chronic physical pain or emotional trauma. For the young adult grappling with long-term afflictions, navigating through daily life can feel like traversing a battlefield with no map and an unreliable compass.
Seeking Solace in Shared Stories
When the weight of your struggle seems too heavy to bear, one of the most powerful avenues toward comfort and understanding is through storytelling and shared experiences. Whether you’re dealing with the debilitating effects of chronic illness, the fallout from trauma, or a blend of both, realizing you’re not alone can be profoundly liberating.
Joining Support Groups
Surrounding yourself with peers who understand firsthand the turmoil you face can provide a unique and invaluable support system. Consider reaching out to local or online support groups focused on your specific condition or trauma type. Here, you can share your story, glean insights from others’ journeys, and forge connections that transcend your individual pain. When you open up to a circle of understanding listeners, you’ll find that there is collective strength in solidarity.
Creating Community
Online forums and social media groups can serve as modern-day campfires, where you can find solidarity and support among those with similar struggles. From these virtual communities, real friendships and mentorships can blossom, creating a network that uplifts and sustains, even on the darkest of days.
The Healing Art of Expression
When words fail us, sometimes the canvas, the page, or the stage can amplify our voices. The creative process—whether through visual arts, music, writing, or performance—can be an outlet for the unspoken struggle within us. Engaging in art as a form of therapy not only provides an escape; it can also catalyse healing on a deeper, psychological level. Be careful though!
Exploring Therapy Through Art
Art therapy, a form of psychotherapy that utilises creative means to express and process emotions, can be particularly powerful for young adults navigating complex internal landscapes. In a safe and guided environment, you can use artistic mediums to explore memories, release pent-up feelings, and discover new perspectives on your pain.
Finding a Creative Community
Being part of a creative community can cultivate a shared language around your pain that transcends traditional dialogue. Whether you join a local writers’ group, painting class, or theater troupe, immersing yourself in art alongside others can provide catharsis, camaraderie, and a fresh lens through which to comprehend and cope with your experiences.
Professional Partners in Your Personal Battle
With a struggle as intricate and unyielding as chronic pain or emotional trauma, it’s often necessary to call upon specialized professionals who can provide the knowledge and guidance you need to manage and, ideally, overcome your challenges.
Therapy and Counselling
The benefits of therapy and counselling for chronic pain and emotional trauma are well-documented. Contacting a skilled therapy center or counselling office can equip you with tools to address the cognitive and emotional aspects of your condition. Cognitive-behavioural therapy, in particular, has shown efficacy in helping individuals reframe their experiences and manage their pain more effectively.
Seeking Medical Specialists
Chronic pain often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Connecting with pain management specialists, physical therapists, or holistic health practitioners can lead to innovative treatments and strategies for maintaining your well-being. For those contending with trauma, seeking out psychiatrists, psychologists, or trauma-focused therapists can pave the way toward understanding and healing deep psychological wounds.
Navigating Life With a Compassionate Guide
The path to healing and resilience from long-term afflictions is rarely a straight line. Sometimes, having a life coach or mentor—a compassionate and knowledgeable guide—can help you chart a course that aligns with your personal goals and values.
Life Coaches
Life coaches work with clients to identify areas of dissatisfaction, set goals, and make strategic plans to achieve those objectives. While a therapist may look into your past to heal emotional wounds, a life coach can help you focus on the present and future, encouraging you to move forward with intention and purpose, despite your struggles.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentors, too, can be instrumental in guiding young adults through the labyrinth of chronic pain and trauma. Whether personal or professional, a mentor can offer support, share wisdom, and act as a role model for resilience. A mentor’s insight and perspective can prove invaluable as you learn to not just survive, but thrive, despite the weight you carry.
Fortifying Your Internal and External Network
In your darkest moments, it’s crucial to know that there are sources of strength—both internal and external—to which you can turn. These can be practices that you cultivate within, or connections you foster without, that fortify you against the relentlessness of your pain.
The Power of Daily Practices
Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and relaxation techniques can serve as anchors in the storm of chronic pain or trauma. These practices help you tune into your body-mind connection, fostering a sense of control and calm that is often elusive. Establishing a consistent routine of these activities can help reduce stress, manage pain, and improve your overall quality of life.
Building Resilient Relationships
Cultivating healthy and supportive relationships can significantly bolster your resilience in the face of chronic pain or trauma. Whether it’s family, close friends, romantic partners, or even pets, the unconditional support and love found in strong relationships can act as a wellspring of hope and comfort. Nurturing these connections—through open communication, empathy, and mutual aid—can create a network of resources that sustain you through even the most challenging times.
Finding your way through the intricate labyrinth of chronic pain and emotional trauma as a young adult can be daunting, but it’s not a lonely path. By reaching out to these potent sources of support and understanding, you can begin to unravel the complexities of your experiences and piece together a map that leads to a life defined not by your pain, but by your resilience and triumph.
This article is by Meghan Belnap, freelance writer.
Have you ever noticed that your environment has a direct impact on your mood, productivity, and overall well-being? Creating a space that fosters personal growth and self-improvement is essential in creating a positive mindset and achieving your goals. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to transform your space for your personal development and positive mental health. In this post, we’ll explore some practical tips and tricks to help you create a space that nurtures personal growth and inner transformation.
Create Inspiring Zones
Designate specific areas in your space for different activities that align with your personal growth goals. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a meditation corner, or a home office for pursuing your passion projects, having designated spaces for different activities can help you stay focused and motivated. Personalize these zones with items that inspire you, such as motivational quotes, artwork, or plants that bring a sense of calm and positivity to the space. In addition to personalizing these spaces, incorporating elements of nature can further enhance your inspiring zones.
Natural light, for instance, not only improves mood but also increases productivity and creativity. If possible, position your dedicated spaces near windows or in well-lit areas. Adding indoor plants to these areas can also boost air quality while providing a tranquil and refreshing ambiance. For a more dynamic and versatile space, consider using movable dividers or curtains. These can help in delineating your zones without committing to a permanent layout, allowing you the flexibility to adapt your space as your personal growth journey evolves.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Bringing the outdoors in can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. Consider adding plants, natural light, and earthy tones to your space to create a soothing and grounding environment. Plants not only improve air quality but also have been shown to reduce stress and improve concentration. Open up your curtains during the day to let in natural light, or invest in a light therapy lamp to mimic the benefits of sunlight on cloudy days. Integrate water elements into your space to foster a tranquil and healing environment conducive to personal growth.
A small desktop fountain or an aquarium can introduce the calming sound of moving water, creating a serene atmosphere that enhances focus and mindfulness. Furthermore, selecting furnishings or decor made from natural materials like wood, stone, or bamboo can add texture and warmth to your surroundings, further rooting your space in the calming beauty of nature. These elements, when thoughtfully incorporated, work harmoniously to not only beautify your environment but also to support your mental and emotional well-being, making it a fertile ground for personal development and growth.
(image: free image)
Clear the Clutter
One of the most important steps in transforming your space for personal growth is decluttering. Clutter can create chaos and overwhelm, making it difficult to focus and be productive. Start by going through your belongings and getting rid of anything that no longer serves you or brings you joy. Consider donating items you no longer need or use, and organize the remaining items in a way that is visually appealing and functional. Investing in climate controlled storage can be a great option for storing seasonal items or sentimental belongings that you want to keep but don’t need on a daily basis.
After tackling the physical clutter, addressing digital clutter is equally critical in creating a space conducive to personal growth. Digital clutter, including unorganized files on your computer, unused apps on your phone, and a cluttered email inbox, can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter. Set aside some time to organize your digital life by deleting unnecessary files, unsubscribing from unwanted emails, and organizing your digital documents into clearly labeled folders. A clean digital workspace can significantly boost your focus and productivity, making it easier for you to concentrate on your personal growth goals.
Cultivate a Mindful Routine
Establishing a mindful routine in your daily life can help you stay grounded and present, even amidst the chaos of daily life. Create a morning and evening ritual that includes activities like meditation, journaling, yoga, or reading that nourish your mind, body, and soul. By dedicating time each day to self-care and reflection, you can cultivate a sense of inner peace and clarity that will support your personal growth journey. Your physical environment can play a crucial role in facilitating these routines, so make sure to curate your space with intention and purpose.
Embrace Minimalism
Simplifying your space and your life can have a transformative effect on your mental and emotional well-being. Embrace the principles of minimalism by focusing on quality over quantity, decluttering regularly, and being mindful of your consumption habits. By simplifying your surroundings, you can reduce distractions, increase your focus and productivity, and create a sense of calm and harmony in your space. Additionally, minimalism can cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
Transforming your space for personal growth is a powerful way to create a supportive environment that nurtures your goals and aspirations. By decluttering, creating inspiring zones, incorporating natural elements, cultivating a mindful routine, and embracing minimalism, you can foster a sense of peace, balance, and inspiration in your space. Remember that personal growth is a journey, and your environment plays a crucial role in supporting your growth and self-improvement efforts. By taking intentional steps to create a space that aligns with your values and aspirations, you can create a sanctuary that empowers you to be your best self!
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