Tag: Anxiety

What 6 Phases Does the Borderline Personality Disorder Relationship Cycle Consist Of? by Maya

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Kenny Eliason: Unsplash)

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 of communication 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.

This article was written by Maya.

Celebrating Small Victories: The Importance of Milestones In Outpatient Rehab by Rianne Hunter

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 5 Comments

(image: Pexels:)

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 their outpatient 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 Abuse: How Does It Affect Women on an Emotional Level? by Maya

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Matthew Ball: Unsplash)

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:

● Depression

● Mania

● Psychosis

● Anxiety

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.

This article was written by Maya.

How Long Does It Take To Recruit a New Employee in 2024?

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Unsplash)

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).

This article was written by a freelance writer

Book Review: Emily Katy – ‘Girl Unmasked: How Uncovering Autism Saved My Life’.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Emily Katy)

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.

Girl Unmasked: How Uncovering My Autism Saved My Life is out now, published with Monoray.

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’


5 Ways You Can Transform Your Space for Personal Growth by Addy Reeds

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 3 Comments

(image: Roberto Nicks, Unsplash)

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!

Addy Reeds is a freelance writer.

The Problem with Self-Medicating for Mental Health Issues by Maya

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Marcos Paulo Prado: Unsplash)

Self-medicating to resolve mental health issues can sometimes leave the door open for substance abuse. A lot of information goes into choosing the right psychiatric medicine, and it is not something you should choose without medical input. To avoid this common problem, here are a few things you should know about self-medication.

The Consequences

Mental and physical health are a top priority for dual diagnosis treatment. Depression, mania, anxiety and irritability are only a few underlying mood changes that someone may experience. On their own, these mental health conditions are already hard to deal with. When those same conditions are combined with possible substance use disorders, it creates a co-occurring disorder. As an example, a person that is suffering from anxiety will try to self-medicate with unprescribed depressant drugs. These downers are sedatives by nature, and can quickly turn into an addiction for someone who becomes dependent on how it makes them feel. These should only be prescribed by doctors and taken with care.

The Truth

When you’re aware of the consequences of self-medication, the treatment steps become much clearer as a goal. Without professional experience, you can’t diagnose the original underlying cause of your condition. Not all symptoms are created equally, and there is no way for a patient to factor in how a specific medication will interact. Psychiatric medications should never be combined with alcohol, which includes things like cough medicines. Self-medication is not good for you and your body or mind should never be the experiment to find out what works.

Risky Behaviour

Mental health stigmas are one of the reasons that people are open to the dangers of self-medication. They feel that society has a judgmental attitude towards mental health prescriptions. With self-medication, these same prescriptions and their variants are purchased after going through multiple illegal hoops.

Besides the legal issues that could arise, there is a good chance that you are not treating the correct condition. Getting medication to treat depression is a terrible idea for someone that is suffering from bipolar disorder. And when you’re suffering from anxiety, the risk of overdose rises. There is no reason to risk the mental and physical consequences of self-medicating when there are more appropriate avenues to treat your condition. Please seek help from your psychiatrist or get referred to one.

Reaching A Personal Goal

When your health is in danger, think twice about going the risky route of self-medicating. It’s easy to use clouded judgement as an excuse for not getting better. No matter how you start, a healthy mind will always be positively fuelled by making healthy personal decisions. Sometimes, self medication can turn into addiction, which can wreak havoc on your body and mind. Reach for appropriate medical support to help support your recovery.

This article was written by Maya.

Teaching Resilience to Teen Girls in a Challenging World by Dr Hannah Yang.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Yin Ge: Unsplash)

Today’s teen girls are growing up in a time that’s very different from when their parents and grandparents were young. They’re surrounded by new technology and social media that consistently exposes them to unrealistic beauty standards, cyberbullying and constant comparison to others.

This is why it’s so important for educators and parents to teach teen girls resilience – the ability to cope with challenges, bounce back from failures, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. This will then boost their mental health.

Challenges Encountered by Teenage Girls During Adolescence

The path to adulthood for adolescent girls is often lined with various challenges that significantly influence their development. While each girl’s experience is unique, there are some common struggles they frequently encounter:

Regular Use of Social Media

Building connections with family and friends is crucial for individuals of all ages. Social media has revolutionised the way we maintain these relationships, particularly over great distances. However, this constant online presence has a downside.

Many teenagers find themselves grappling with the pressure to maintain a certain persona on these platforms. Influenced by the glorified lives of young celebrities and popular influencers, as well as the need to keep pace with peers, this pressure can take a toll on their self-esteem and lead to a skewed perception of themselves.

Expectations From Friends and Family

The role of education in developing an individual’s skillset is undeniable. However, the stress of excelling academically, often influenced by lofty expectations within the family, can create significant strain on teenagers’ mental health. Comparing themselves to their peers, parents, or siblings sets high standards that can be challenging to meet.

If academic pressures aren’t managed well, they can harm a teenager’s self-esteem, particularly when they don’t meet their own expectations. It’s important for teenage girls to realise that their worth and intellect aren’t just measured by their grades or school performance.

Unhealthy Desires to Fit In

Despite the current portrayal of young online influencers as champions of self-expression, the struggle to conform to their ideals can be a significant issue for many teenage girls. Being part of a social circle can offer comfort and a feeling of belonging, which is often an essential aspect of their growth.

However, this pursuit of fitting in can lead girls to sacrifice their own beliefs and values. This may take various forms, such as changing their appearance significantly or adopting harmful eating habits, all in an effort to gain acceptance within a particular social group of peers.

The Importance of Resilience in Overcoming Challenges

Adolescent girls often draw strength from their relationships with friends and family. However, they frequently confront some of their toughest challenges when by themselves. This underscores the importance of resilience, giving them the ability to respond or recover from difficult situations.

Resilience goes beyond simply picking yourself up after setbacks. It encourages learning from these experiences and using them to build character, ultimately coming out stronger from going through various challenges in life.

Overcoming Personal Setbacks

In their formative years, young women often encounter various personal hurdles, including dealing with rejection, managing failures, or going through traumatic life events. If they don’t have strong coping mechanisms, these challenges can have lasting effects, shaping their self-confidence and future relationships.

Developing resilience equips these young women with the necessary skills to confront and overcome these challenging moments, growing stronger and more self-assured.

Learning From Success and Failure

Learning from life’s challenges doesn’t need to be a solo journey. Engaging with a mentor or participating in a support group can offer young girls new insights and different perspectives they might not have considered alone.

In situations that are more complicated, consulting with professionals in settings such as anxiety therapy or trauma therapy can provide a secure space for teens to work through their experiences effectively. These forms of support can also help young women build self-awareness of how their experiences may be having a lasting impact on their mental health while also discovering helpful coping mechanisms.

Improving Decision Making

Young individuals often possess a feeling of invulnerability and belief that they have all the answers. This combination of perceived invincibility and limited experience can result in hasty, impromptu choices, some with lasting impacts.

Teen girls who focus on building their resilience are more inclined to consider the long-term implications of their actions. They become experienced at evaluating the advantages and disadvantages beforehand, leading to wiser choices and avoiding potential mistakes.

Begin Cultivating Resilience Today

Developing resilience isn’t a one-off task – it’s an ongoing journey that demands persistence and dedication. By actively engaging in resilience-building activities and learning from both their successes and setbacks, young girls can cultivate effective coping mechanisms that will benefit them throughout their lives and help their mental health.

This article was written by Dr. Hannah Yang.

Visionary and healthcare entrepreneur by passion, Licensed Psychologist by training, Dr. Hannah Yang loves creating new possibilities in the world of mental health and wellness. Dr. Yang established Balanced Awakening in 2015 as a niche psychotherapy practice for women. As Balanced Awakening flourishes in Chicago, and soon Miami, she also loves to tap into her passion for design and Feng Shui to create fabulous environments for herself, her team, and clients.

5 Valid Reasons For Not Becoming a Mother

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 3 Comments

(image: Valentina Conde: Unsplash)

Women that don’t have children will often be on the receiving end of the big question of when they’re going to start having children. But, there are some women who simply don’t want to have children, and all of them are extremely valid. However, some don’t understand this concept, and if you’re wondering why someone would ever feel like that, you’ve come to the right place. While no woman should ever have to explain herself, we’re going to explore some of the reasons why a woman wouldn’t want to become a mother.

Health problems

For some women, the choice to have children may be taken away from them due to health concerns. It might be that they can’t have children because of their health, or it might even be that becoming pregnant could endanger their health. And, while there are many avenues when it comes to having children, such as surrogacy or adoption, some women would simply prefer to carry their child themselves. When this isn’t possible, they may then choose to not have children at all.

A painful history

Sadly, some women will have a difficult or painful history that might put them off the idea of having children all together. It might be that they’ve grown up with abusive parents and don’t want to make the same mistakes. Or, it could be that they’ve been through something extremely traumatic like rape, and would rather not bring that kind of history into their children’s lives, especially if they experienced a life long injury because of it. Instead, they may speak with a sexual offence solicitor and bring the offender to justice, and then move on with their lives.

They don’t want to bring a child into this world

Every person thinks about this at some point or another, and some women will choose not to bring a child into this world if they don’t believe they can provide them with a safe and happy upbringing. Others may look at the world, citing the sense of war, environment and poverty as a reason to question whether it’s a good idea to bring a child into this world.

Giving up a social life and less freedom

Another concern that some women have and choose not to give up is their social life or freedom to travel. While times have changed compared to, say, fifty years ago, it’s still common for the mother to stay at home with the child while the partner goes out to work. While it’s not impossible to have a social life when you’re a mother, it’s certainly not as easy. And, for some, this plus freedom to live the life they want to live is simply not something they want to give up.

Career priorities

Women have just as much of a right to have a successful career as men do, and some women choose to prioritise their career over having children. A career can sometimes take decades to climb and some don’t want to have time off to have children and juggle their work.

This article was written by a freelance writer.

What is Trichotillomania and How Can You Treat It?

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 4 Comments

(image: Unsplash: Tim Mossholder)

Trichotillomania is a condition where you have an uncontrollable urge to pull out your own hair. This is usually hair from your scalp but may also involve other areas of your body such as your eyelashes, eyebrows, genital area, legs, armpits, or face. Pulling out your hair may help to relieve feelings of stress or anxiety. It is also known as “trich” or TTM. 

What are the symptoms of trichotillomania?

Symptoms of trichotillomania vary from person to person. They may be automatic, meaning you pull out your hair without being aware that you are doing it; for example when you are studying, reading, or watching TV, or focused which involves hair-pulling on purpose to relieve anxiety or stress.

Hair-pulling is usually done in private, and many people with trichotillomania feel ashamed or embarrassed about their condition and try to hide it from others. It is commonly accompanied by other behaviours such as biting your nails, picking your skin, or chewing your lips or cheeks.

Symptoms of trichotillomania may include: 

  • Frequent, repeated episodes of pulling out hair from your scalp or other parts of your body 
  • Increased tension before pulling out your hair, followed by a feeling of pleasure or relief afterwards
  • Visible hair loss, thinning or bald areas on your scalp or other parts of your body
  • Irritated or sore skin around the area 
  • Damage to your hair follicles
  • Rituals such as pulling out specific types of hair, following the same steps or pulling out your hair in certain patterns
  • Playing with pulled-out hair, such as rubbing it across your lips or face, biting, chewing, or eating pulled-out hair
  • Repeated failed attempts to stop hair-pulling 
  • Avoiding situations where people might find out about your hair-pulling such as sleepovers, visiting hair salons, swimming, or sexual relationships 
  • Problems or conflict with family and friends as a result of your hair-pulling
  • Pulling fibres from blankets and clothing or hair from pets or dolls

What causes trichotillomania?

The cause of trichotillomania isn’t fully understood. It may be a way of dealing with stress, strong emotions anxiety, a habit, or a hormonal or chemical imbalance. Trichotillomania may also be genetic and often runs in families. 

What should I do if I have symptoms of trichotillomania? 

If you have symptoms of trichotillomania, remember that you are not alone, and help is available. Make an appointment to see your GP. 

How is trichotillomania treated? 

The main treatment for trichotillomania is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) called habit reversal training. Habit reversal training aims to replace a bad habit with something that isn’t harmful, and may involve:

  • Keeping a journal of your hair-pulling to identify triggers and learning how to avoid them
  • Learning to replace hair-pulling with another action that isn’t harmful, like squeezing a stress ball
  • Getting support from loved ones and support groups 

Some self-help tips for trichotillomania that may help include: 

  • Relieve stress by squeezing a stress ball or using a fidget toy 
  • Wear something over your hair such as a bandana or a tight-fitting hat
  • Cut your hair short
  • Exercise
  • Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation or take a soothing bath to ease stress or anxiety
  • Exercise
  • Put plasters on your fingertips

Other possible treatments for trichotillomania may include: 

  • Acceptance and commitment therapy — can help you learn to accept your hair-pulling urges without acting on them
  • Cognitive therapy — works by changing negative thoughts and beliefs, and learning healthy ways to manage your condition
  • Medication — trichotillomania isn’t usually treated with medication, but you may be prescribed medication such as antidepressants to treat an underlying condition like depression or anxiety. 

Further help and support 

Many people with trichotillomania feel isolated and try to hide their condition from others. Talking to people you trust as well as your GP and joining support groups can help you feel less alone and often helps to reduce your anxiety and hair-pulling. 

For further information, advice, and support on living with trichotillomania, contact:

  • Trichotillomania Support
  • OCD UK
  • Anxiety UK
  • Alopecia UK

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