So many aspects of life can impact your mental and physical health and overall wellbeing. In this blog, we will be focusing on relationship stress, seasonal changes and our homes and how they can impact our wellness.
Your Relationship
Your relationship is one of the things that can impact your health the most. Of course it has the ability to impact your mental health, though we’re also talking about the physical side of things. This is especially apparent if your relationship is full of stress and causing you to struggle mentally. Stress from relationships can trigger skin conditions such as acne and break outs. It can be a reaction that your body is having, to tell you that it needs to slow down and heal.
Relationship troubles can lead to arguments and isolation and cause emotional difficulties. If you’re worried that your relationship is not good for your health, try talking to your partner calmly and in a safe environment. If this is not possible, reach out to a therapist or support network too.
The Season
Time of the year has a huge effect on our mental health, the season changes everything. In the fall (autumn) and the winter it’s far more common for people to be ill with depression due to the weather, than it is in the summer months. People also become more physically unwell too. This could be for a number of reasons, but it’s partially because people’s immune systems are weaker when it’s colder outside.
So, if you notice that you are getting poorly, that your joints are hurting, that you’re generally feeling unwell, it could be because of the colder weather and season.
Your Home
Your home doesn’t mean to harm you, but sometimes a build up of dust or toxic material, a leaking roof or something else can really cause you problems you can’t avoid. You can try cleaning, making repairs, and even throwing out old furniture and replacing it with new pieces. Oak dining chairs and tables are in fashion right now, so why not consider it?
At the end of the day, there are so many different things that can impact your health and you have to be ready for all of them. It’s important that you remain vigilant, and if something seems to be causing you any issues with your health, you have to work on it asap and reach out for support from your doctor.
A few years ago, I was delighted to discover this incredible charity- Christmas for CAMHS through a post by its founder Ro Bevan. This charity means a lot to me because 20 years ago this festive season, I was a very unwell 16 year old on a NHS child and adolescent (CAMHS) in patient psychiatric ward in the Priory North London, struggling with a bipolar mixed episode. I had psychosis and hadn’t yet been diagnosed with bipolar. Although I am Jewish and don’t celebrate Christmas, I remember that the ward gave us small presents and that other children/adolescents wrote me lovely messages of kindness and hope wrapped up in seasons greetings. Being away from home and especially during the festive season is filled with loneliness and sadness, especially if you are in hospital. In 2004, Christmas for CAMHS did not exist but their work now is vital.
So who are this amazing charity?
Christmas for CAMHS is a small charity who gives gifts and goodies to children and young people in hospital for their mental health over the festive season. This is our 9th year of giving gifts to young people in CAMHS (children and adolescent mental health services) inpatient units across the UK and this year we’re giving over 1300 gifts!
Christmas For CAMHS was originally set up because Dr Ro Bevan saw a huge disparity in the way CAMHS units were treated over the festive period compared to other NHS services for children and young people.
In 2015 Ro was working in a children’s hospital for those with a physical illness. That Christmas the children’s hospital had tons of presents donated, mostly from corporate donors – so many presents that there was enough leftover for patients’ birthdays until June of the following year! A year later, she was working in child and adolescent mental health and, in stark contrast, they had no presents donated at all. The patients had one present each, chosen by the therapy team and paid for by the ward – scrimped and saved from the NHS budget that is meant to cover therapeutic activities and other expenses.
Ro posted about the inequality on Facebook and before she knew it, her post had gone viral with 1,032 shares and so many supportive comments. It inspired her to start Christmas For CAMHS the following year to support these children and young people who would otherwise be forgotten by the generous public.
When the charity first began in 2016, they set up a simple fundraiser online which raised £1000 and managed to send around 300 gifts to young people in units that year. Since then, they have grown to be able to reach every CAMHS unit in the UK, but still work in a pretty similar way! There is the online fundraising page running each year where people donate either as individuals or on behalf of fundraisers they have run in their local community or with work colleagues. Additionally, there are corporate donations and people setting up their own fundraising pages to do amazing challenges to raise money (a couple of years ago one fundraiser ran a marathon around a Christmas tree!).
There is also a wish list where people can donate specific chosen gifts for children who may be feeling very alone.
(image: Christmas For CAMHS)
The charity reaches out to every CAMHS unit in the UK to ask the staff that work there how many young people they might have over Christmas. They also ask them what they think their young people might like, picking from a list of tried and tested categories, and the age range of their young people. The elves then work night and day to ensure that gifts are bought that align with what each CAMHS unit has requested and that are safe for young people in hospital for their mental health to be given.
Once the gifts have arrived there is a major ‘packing weekend, in Bath. During this, volunteers come and help pack up massive boxes with all the assigned gifts, some Christmas decorations, some activities (such as colour in paper chains or blank cards), a Wellbeing Advent Calendar, some fidget toys and an extra ‘ward gift’ for each ward to enjoy together. We don’t wrap the gifts, so the wards can check them, but we do provide wrapping paper and sticky gift tags. We also provide a bigger gift, when requested, for young people on the wards who may not receive a gift from anyone else this Christmas, such as young people who have no family support. The gifts then get delivered to each CAMHS ward ahead of Christmas day.
This year, the charity is also sending wards some paper chain ‘strips’ with cheesy cracker jokes written on them, made by members of the public and assembled by young people on the wards, providing a tangible reminder that we are all still connected despite what the young people are going through. Young people loved these last year.
It is always so nice to receive messages from young people about the gifts that they’ve given. A young person recently told the charity:
“The gift made me smile so much. I’d had such a bad day and it was an utterly terrifying time in my life – I was about to turn 18 and had never felt more alone. It was so weird but lovely to think that people who didn’t know me cared enough to make me and my friends feel special and connected. You really do such an amazing job. You’re so kind, thank you.”
The whole team and all donors are thinking of every child and young person who will be spending the Christmas period in hospital due to their mental health, which is exactly why Christmas at CAMHS does what it does – we want them to know that we’re thinking of them and that lots and lots of people are holding them in their hearts.
We’ve all heard the phrase ‘change starts at the top’. And when it comes to building safe and secure work environments, this notion becomes vitally important. Employees are the ones who bear the brunt of a lack of strong, skilled leadership teams. Leaders, managers and HR teams have a duty to look after staff, and wellbeing is a crucial piece of the puzzle.
With appointing physical first aiders being a legal requirement, more and more businesses are beginning to recognise the need for mental health support to be given the same significance – and Mental Health First Aid training is the solution.
Nathan Shearman, director of training and therapy at Red Umbrella, explores the indispensable role of MHFA training for businesses’ leadership teams.
Why is Mental Health First Aid becoming indispensable to business culture?
“Mental Health First Aid is a powerful resource that allows certain individuals to become qualified with a basic understanding of how to provide mental health support – much like physical first aiders do for physical health issues,” explains Nathan.
“Overall, it’s an incredibly reliable solution to building happier and safer work environments. Most of us would hesitate to join a business without physical first aiders, so why would a lack of mental health support be any less concerning?
“Through MHFA, individuals are trained to identify early signs of mental health issues, and how to act in response. Knowledge and education are instrumental when it comes to mental health, and mental health first aiders can ensure individuals who are struggling are guided towards the right resources.
“Appointing MHFAiders can also help prevent issues from escalating, leading to individuals needing to take time off work, or experiencing a full-blown crisis.”
Why is MHFA vital for leadership teams in particular?
“Recent research shows that 31% of employees feel uncomfortable discussing mental health with their managers, which means that employees are less likely to come forward and start that discussion..We’re all familiar with the culture of stigma that dictates that if someone comes forward to voice their mental health struggles, they may be out of a job. This is extremely detrimental for a business.
“By being MHFA trained, leaders can recognise the signs that someone is not okay, and step in to start those conversations. It enables that vital early intervention that can be the difference between someone recovering to their normal levels of functioning and wellbeing quickly, and someone taking extensive time off, or suffering serious mental health issues.
“It also means leadership teams can be better equipped to manage their own mental health. There are significant pressures on leaders and managers, and often the more senior someone becomes in an organisation, the less likely they are to discuss their own wellbeing, or seek support if they need it. The more informed they are, the more equipped they are to respond.”
(image: Unsplash)
How does MHFA equip leadership teams to handle mental health issues within staff?
“Firstly, it’s about awareness. Being able to spot when someone isn’t okay, when they’re struggling, or just noticing when there are additional risks or stresses associated with a task, role or project.
“For example, having a leader say to their team ‘I know this project has tighter deadlines than usual and that might make some of us feel higher levels of stress, what can we do to support you?’ can go a long way to having employees feel seen, heard and supported.
“It also means when they do notice someone isn’t okay, that they know how to respond. They feel empowered to have those difficult conversations, they don’t worry about saying the wrong thing, and they feel confident that they can be the supportive leader they wish to be.
“Being MHFA trained doesn’t mean that issues won’t arise within a team, but if leaders know how to respond well, their team will have more confidence in them and the organisation itself.”
(image: Unsplash)
What are the short-term vs long-term benefits of implementing MHFA for leadership teams?
“Short-term benefits for leadership are greater awareness and therefore visibility of issues within their teams, which enables them to respond quicker to potential issues. It also allows them to immediately check in with their own wellbeing, and make adjustments to their lives so they are able to be the most effective and healthy version of themselves.
“In the long term, employees will feel more supported, will be more engaged and as a result more productive, creative and loyal to the organisation.
“The biggest benefit is if leaders in an organisation are MHFA trained, the culture around mental health shifts massively. It enables more people to come forward when they’re struggling and to access support, and it makes the company more attractive to current and potential employees, driving talent retention and acquisition.”
For more information on MHFA training and how it can benefit your organisation, please get in touch with Red Umbrella: https://red-umbrella.co.uk/contact
About Nathan Shearman
Nathan Shearman is the director of therapy and training at Red Umbrella, an organisation that’s improving the mental wellbeing of the UK workforce by working in partnership with large employers to deliver bespoke mental health training and support solutions.
Nathan is a qualified psychotherapist and counsellor with a background in private practice and 10+ years of experience in the field.
Mental health is finally getting recognition in society. The NHS in the UK has appointed their first medical director for mental health and neurodiversity. Our wellbeing should come first during all stages of life.
Mental Health at Any Age
Poor mental health doesn’t discriminate, and it can affect anyone at any age. It impacts how we cope and how we relate to other people.
The Signs of Mental Health Issues
Note anything that might be a sign of poor mental health.
Carers should also look out for any of these signs early on. The faster these are acted on, the sooner the quality of life can improve.
The Role of Social Connection
As humans, we thrive around others. Our loved ones and our community give us both emotional support and a sense of belonging.
To expand connections, look at joining a club or doing some volunteering. These interactions can ease loneliness, which can be especially common in older adults.
Coping with Life Transitions
As we age, we’ll go through many transitions in life, some positive, and some not. Things like retirement, the loss of a spouse or even moving house can be difficult to navigate. Triggering negative feelings.
Reach out to a trusted friend. But if things start to become unmanageable, seek the help of a professional, like a GP or psychiatrist.
(image: Lesley Juarez, Unsplash)
Trying Mindfulness and Meditation
Lots of people find these practices useful. It helps to connect us to our feelings without judgment. Being aware of our emotions is so important and connecting with our breath.
Start with breathing exercises or guided meditation. To reduce anxiety, mindfulness should be done regularly.
Maintaining Hobbies and Interests
Make time for your hobbies- whether its sport, art, writing, gaming, music or drama. Taking time to do things we enjoy gives a sense of achievement. In some cases, it also connects us with others.
The Role of Technology in Mental Health
Many apps offer mental health support, and some of them are even free. Social media is also a great tool for staying in touch with loved ones.
Older adults might need some support for navigating new technology. Carers or loved ones might need to give them a helping hand.
Nutrition and Mental Health
When we’re not feeling great mentally, it’s easy to fall into bad eating patterns. But we need to make sure we’re getting the vitamins and minerals that keep our brains healthy. Eating well is key at any age to support a healthy mind.
Summary
As we go through life’s journey, we must focus on our mental health at every stage. Learning to test how we’re feeling and navigate changes will keep our brains healthy. If we start to notice a decline, there’s no shame in seeking the help of a professional. It can help us navigate through this tough period.
Stay connected to others and build new connections through mutual interests. For carers there’s plenty of resources online for creating a plan to help your loved one’s mental health.
I am absolutely delighted to share that Vuelio has listed Be Ur Own Light as a Top 10 UK Mental health blog! For the 6th year running! I am so grateful as we work hard year-round on the blog. Thank you to all our amazing collaborators too. These lists recognise influential blogs in their sectors.
Alcohol dependence is an addiction that has a significant effect on the person who is struggling with it, as well as their loved ones. While it might be difficult, aiding someone through their recovery process is essential to assist them in kicking their alcohol addiction. These are some insightful suggestions for offering a loved one struggling with alcohol dependence genuine support.
Understanding the Nature of Alcoholism
Understanding the nature of alcohol dependence is crucial for providing appropriate support to a loved one who is struggling with the addiction. Physical and psychological dependence are both aspects of the complicated illness. . Knowing the nuances of this lays the groundwork for providing knowledgeable and empathetic support.
Foster Open Communication
Encourage your loved one to communicate honestly and openly. Establish a secure environment where people can freely express their ideas and experiences without worrying about being judged. They can communicate their emotions to you in a non-judgmental setting, which helps to develop trust and reinforce your bond. This candid conversation is essential to comprehending their viewpoint and offering useful assistance.
Educate Yourself About Alcohol Addiction
When it comes to assisting someone who is battling alcohol dependence, knowledge is a powerful tool. Spend some time educating yourself on the various facets, including its causes, effects, and the available treatment options. If you are well-informed, you will be able to provide support that is more meaningful to the individual and will become an invaluable resource for them on their path to recovery.
Encourage Professional Help
Encouraging your loved one to seek professional aid is just as vital as providing emotional support. They will have access to professional help that is designed to meet their unique requirements if you suggest therapy or counselling to them. They can also use free alcohol addiction helplines to connect them with experienced specialists who can offer urgent support and guidance at any time.
Set Boundaries
Being your loved one’s supporter means looking after yourself too. Set up healthy, defined boundaries for your own emotional and physical wellbeing. Maintain your composure while asserting these limits and be sure to explain that you are doing it to maintain a healthy and supportive connection between you and the other person. By establishing boundaries, you foster a more positive dynamic.
Attend Support Groups Together
Investigate the option of joining support groups together as a group. Friends and family members whose lives have been impacted by the addiction of a friend or loved one might find a supportive community in these groups. It can be really encouraging to talk to other people who have gone through similar experiences, and it can provide useful insight into different ways of dealing with difficult situations.
Practice Patience and Empathy
Alcohol dependence recovery is a progressive process that calls for both tolerance and compassion. Recognise that setbacks and relapses are possible and that this is a journey. Adopt a compassionate stance in these instances instead of passing judgement, stressing the significance of carrying out the healing process. Your constant support through thick and thin can play a big part in their eventual success, however not everyone is the same.
Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Encourage healthy behaviours to help in the healing process. Inspire people to engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy diet, and get enough sleep. Not only does engaging in healthy behaviours contribute to one’s physical well-being, but it also helps in the improvement of one’s mood and the reduction of stress.
Celebrate Milestones
Maintaining motivation throughout the process requires acknowledging and celebrating victories at every stage of the healing process, regardless of how minor they can appear. Positive reinforcement can be provided by acknowledging accomplishments along the path to recovery, such as abstaining from alcohol for a short time, finishing a counselling session, or achieving a particular objective. By celebrating together-achieved milestones, you can improve your connection with one another and emphasise the significance of their efforts.
Be a Source of Consistent Support
When helping a loved one through alcohol dependency, consistency is the most important thing you can do. Maintain a persistent commitment to the welfare of the people you care about to establish yourself as a dependable source of assistance. They may report feeling more confident and secure in their ability to heal because of this unwavering support, which helps establish trust and confidence. Keep in mind that the steadfast dedication you show toward helping them can be a big factor in their recovery.
Understanding, empathy, and encouragement are necessary while helping a loved one who is battling alcohol dependency. You can help them heal a great deal by being involved in their path, remaining informed, and encouraging good adjustments. Consider calling a helpline for professional advice and support if you or someone you know needs help right away.
When it comes to mental health, many people tend to focus on the usual suspects: stress, anxiety, depression, and medications. However, did you know that your food choices also play a significant role in your mental well-being? Over the years, studies have revealed the powerful connection between what we eat and how we feel emotionally. It’s not just about getting the right nutrients for physical health, but also for mental health. This blog post will explore some of the clear examples of how eating affects your mental health.
Mood Swings
What we eat affects the chemistry of our brain, which can lead to mood swings. Consuming foods high in sugar and simple carbohydrates, such as cakes and candy bars, may give you a quick energy boost, but it can also cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to irritability, anxiety, and depression. Eating a balanced diet with protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats will help stabilise your mood and keep your energy levels consistent; buying from health food stores with less processed foods and organic produce like Southtown Health Foods can help with this goal.
Stress and Anxiety
Eating nutrient-dense foods can play a big role in reducing stress and anxiety. Foods like salmon, walnuts, and chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to lower levels of stress hormones. Other foods, such as leafy greens, are rich in magnesium, which can help decrease anxiety. On the other hand, consuming caffeine and sugar can increase feelings of anxiety.
Brain Fog
The foods we eat can also impact our cognitive function. Processed foods and fast food meals that are high in trans fats and sugar can cause inflammation, which affects the brain’s ability to think clearly and process information. It’s important to fuel your brain with nutrient-dense foods, such as whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like avocado and nuts.
Depression and Mental Health Disorders
Studies have shown that people who consume a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein have a lower risk of depression and other mental health disorders. These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals that are crucial for proper brain function and emotional well-being. On the other hand, a diet high in processed and fast food can increase the risk of depression and other mental health issues.
Gut Health
The gut-brain connection is a well-known phenomenon, and the gut microbiome plays a vital role in our mental health. Consuming a diet high in fibre, fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi, and prebiotics like garlic and onions can help foster a healthy gut microbiome and improve mental health. On the other hand, consuming a diet high in sugar and processed foods can lead to an imbalance in gut bacteria and inflammation that can negatively impact mental health.
In conclusion, what you put into your body matters for both your physical and mental health. Meal planning and making mindful food choices can go a long way in nourishing your brain and keeping your mood stabilised.
It’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all diet that will work for everyone, but incorporating more whole foods into your diet is a good start. Take control of your mental health by paying attention to your diet and making changes as necessary. Your body and mind will thank you for it!
Please note that a healthy diet without any other support is not a ‘cure’- make sure to reach out to professionals if you are in crisis.
Thanks to our friends at Vuelio, who not only ranked as again as a Top 10 UK Mental Health blog which is amazing- but included this little blog in the top 5!!
This is our highest ranking and I am so honoured. Thanks to all the writers and business/brands we work with too for their hard work in creating content.
This blog is in its 7th year now and can’t wait to see what the next year will bring. This is particularly special as this week is Mental Health Awareness Week too. The aim of this blog is to provide information to help people feel less alone and to dispell any myths of stigmas around mental illness.
Well done to all on this list and all the fab mental health bloggers out there.
Job hunting is never easy, and it can be especially challenging in this current climate. With more people competing for fewer jobs, the pressure to find a job can really take its toll on your mental health and morale. But there are steps you can take to help keep your spirits up during your job search. Here are six tips to help you maintain a positive outlook while job hunting.
Maintain Your Physical Health
Ensure you eat healthy meals, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Taking care of yourself physically will give you the energy and strength you need to stay motivated throughout your job search process. Plus, the dopamine you get from exercising helps stabilise your mental health.
Set Realistic Expectations
Setting goals for yourself when job searching is important, but it’s also important to set realistic expectations for what you want out of the process. Setting unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and disappointment when things don’t go as planned. Keeping realistic timelines, salary goals, and more in check will help you in this process.
Stay Connected with Friends and Family
Reaching out to friends and family during your job search can provide much-needed support and helpful advice from those who know you best. Staying connected with people who care about you will boost your morale and remind you that people in your corner are rooting for you.
Develop Networking Skills
Networking is key when it comes to finding a new job, so focus on building strong relationships with those in your industry or field. You never know who might have connections or insights into potential opportunities that could be perfect for you. Attend conventions, group meetups, or whatever is available to you to further your network.
Stay Organised
Keeping track of all the applications, resumes, emails, interviews, etc., can be overwhelming at times. Make sure you stay organized throughout the process by creating systems that work for you. This could include keeping notes in documents, making spreadsheets tracking your progress, or whatever works for you. Having things in order will help reduce stress levels associated with searching for a new job significantly.
Take Breaks
While it’s important to remain focused on finding a new position, taking some time off every now and then is essential as well – even if it’s just one day per week where all you do is relax and enjoy some much-needed “me time.” Taking regular breaks from the search allows time for reflection which may lead to fresh ideas and perspectives on how best to tackle the next step in your journey.
Searching for a new job can be stressful at times, but these six tips should help keep your spirits high. Remember that taking care of yourself physically, setting realistic expectations, staying connected with friends/family members, developing strong networking skills, staying organised, and taking regular breaks should put up in good stead throughout this journey – so don’t give up.
On the 1st March 2016, I started this blog as a way to provide therapy for myself- as I was going through panic attacks, (caused by trauma). Can you believe that was 7 years ago?! I can’t! Since then I have had several years of therapy and my life changed so much too for the better- I met my husband, we got married and moved to our first home.
The blog has turned into a book Bring me to Light (with Trigger), writing for Metro.co.uk, Glamour, the Telegraph, Happiful, Rethink Mental Illness, Mind and other incredible organisations, I have partnered with large and small brands, charities, businesses, writers to create content that battles stigma on mental health. We have been awarded as a Top 10 UK blog by Vuelio since 2018 (thank you) and I love to share my story to help others and educate people about bipolar, anxiety, panic disorders, psychosis, mania and mental health in the workplace (amongst other mental health topics!). I have also recorded podcasts and have begun speaking in the community about bipolar with my Dad.
I cannot believe it has been 7 years since I opened up my computer to write- I was struggling. a lot. Writing has been such a therapy and a saviour to me.. and I hope this blog helps you too!
As always, I want to thank all my contributors and brands (sponsored or not), as well as the digital agencies and freelance writers who provide content too.
This year March 22- 23 we have featured (where it says my name, I wrote it!)
beurownlight.com 