Brigid and team very kindly gifted me a copy of her wonderful book for review. Although I have not yet finished it, I have found it very inspiring and such an important read. Here’s what Brigid and her publisher have to say:
Brigid Sheehan didn’t receive her bipolar diagnosis until early adulthood but, looking back, she realises how the condition may have affected her in so many pivotal moments. By writing this memoir and sharing her highs and lows, she hopes that her journey into the past will help others in the same position – and show them that they, too, can live full lives in spite of their bipolar diagnoses.
Brigid says, “I have chosen to tell the story of my lifelong experience as a bipolar sufferer because I think another person’s lived experience can help access knowledge, although no two situations are the same… Bipolar has not become a friend, but I have simply got to know it better and found the means to cope.”
Living with bipolar is never easy and Brigid documents the many highs and lows and how she lives with it.
A new film by the charity Nip in the Bud exposes the hidden dangers of social media and smartphone use among children. A Stolen Childhood provides startling insights from children, headteachers and doctors, shedding light on the everyday harm caused by digital platforms.
Launching today, the film highlights several alarming statistics. A shocking 90% of girls and 50% of boys report receiving explicit pictures or videos they did not want to see. Additionally, 1 in 5 children have experienced online bullying, with 24% of those bullied resorting to self-harm and 22% altering their appearance as a result.
Furthermore, boys as young as 13 have been targeted for sextortion scams, and 80% of teenage girls feel pressured to provide sexual images of themselves.
Emma Robertson, co-founder of Digital Awareness UK, emphasises the hidden nature of these issues: “The thousands of children we talk to in schools tell us that their parents often don’t know how much time they’re spending on their devices overnight, or what they are doing online. This is a new and hidden world which adults can find hard to penetrate.”
MRI scans show screen time reduces brain areas responsible for visual processing, empathy, attention, memory and early reading skills.
In response to these findings, many psychologists, headteachers and GPs are advocating for stricter guidelines:
No smartphones until age 14
No social media until age 16
These recommendations aim to protect children from various online risks, including increased loneliness, exposure to harmful content, access to strangers, behavioural addiction and cyberbullying.
At Nip in the Bud we produce free, evidence-based films and other resources aimed at parents, carers and teachers of primary-aged who may be struggling with mental illness or unmet neurodiverse needs.
Our mission is to empower families and communities around our children to recognise and respond to early signs of mental illness or challenges in a neurotypical world, with resources made in conjunction with mental health experts, educationalists and families going through similar experiences – facilitating early intervention, so that problems can be “nipped in the bud”, allowing our children to blossom.
Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day. This awareness day is so important as the rate of suicides in the UK and globally is increasing. About 10 years ago, I devastatingly lost a family member I loved dearly to suicide 💔- mental health treatment, awareness and support is so important. Often, even with these, people are still dying. I know myself the power of medicines, therapy and kindness from loved ones.
One of the reasons I wrote my children’s picture book ‘Arabella and the Worry Cloud’ (illustrated by Shelley the Artist) is because I believe that mental health education and understanding our feelings from a young age is so important. My book focuses on teaching children the power of positive thinking to relieve anxiety. So maybe it can do a bit of good in the world! I definitely didn’t have a book like this as a child.
So, I am so thankful today for the No Panic charity team who have shared this blog about my book today.
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.
When dealing with the challenges of at home hospice care, finding ways to reduce stress can make a significant difference in both the patient’s and the caregiver’s experience.
Mindfulness is one such technique that has gained attention for its ability to help individuals manage stress and maintain a sense of peace during difficult times.
This approach is especially valuable when navigating the emotional complexities that come with end-of-life care.
Understanding the Role of Mindfulness in Hospice Care
Mindfulness is about being present in the moment.
It’s a practice that encourages awareness of thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment.
For those in at home hospice care, mindfulness can be a tool to manage the anxiety and fear that often accompany serious illness.
One caregiver I spoke with shared how mindfulness helped her mother, who was receiving hospice care at home.
They would sit together, practicing deep breathing exercises and focusing on the simple act of being together.
This small routine became a comforting ritual that eased her mother’s anxiety and brought them closer.
Techniques to Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated.
In fact, it’s often the simplest techniques that are the most effective.
Here are a few methods that can be incorporated into a daily routine:
1. Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is one of the most straightforward mindfulness practices.
Encourage the patient to take slow, deep breaths, focusing on the rise and fall of their chest.
This can be done while lying in bed or sitting comfortably in a chair.
A friend of mine used this technique with her father during his hospice care.
She found that starting the day with a few minutes of deep breathing helped him remain calm and focused throughout the day.
2. Guided Imagery
Guided imagery involves visualizing peaceful and calming scenes.
It could be a favorite vacation spot, a serene beach, or a quiet forest.
This technique allows the patient to mentally escape from their physical discomfort.
A family I know used guided imagery with their loved one who was receivingat home hospice care. They would describe their favourite memories of trips they had taken together, creating a mental journey that brought comfort and joy.
3. Body Scan Meditation
Body scan meditation is a technique where attention is focused on different parts of the body, from the toes to the head.
This practice can help in releasing tension and promoting relaxation. One of my neighbours found this practice particularly helpful for her husband. He would close his eyes and slowly focus on each part of his body, which helped him manage pain and find a sense of peace.
(image: Unsplash)
Integrating Mindfulness Into Daily Care
Incorporating mindfulness into at home hospice care doesn’t require drastic changes to a routine.
It’s about finding moments in the day where mindfulness can be naturally integrated.
For instance, during meal times, caregivers can encourage mindful eating, where the patient focuses on the flavours and textures of their food.
This not only helps with digestion but also turns a mundane activity into a mindful practice.
Another example is during personal care routines, like bathing or dressing.
Caregivers can encourage patients to focus on the sensations of warm water or the feel of soft fabric against their skin.
These moments, though brief, can provide a sense of normalcy and comfort.
Real-Life Impact of Mindfulness in Hospice Care
The real impact of mindfulness is seen in the quality of life it brings to both patients and caregivers.
A close friend of mine shared a touching story about her aunt who was inathome hospice care. Her aunt had always been a worrier, but mindfulness helped her find peace in her final days.
Through guided meditation and deep breathing, she learned to let go of her fears and focus on the present moment.
This not only eased her anxiety but also brought a sense of calm to her family.
The caregivers also found that these mindfulness practices helped them cope with the emotional toll of caring for a loved one in hospice.
They were able to be more present, less overwhelmed, and more connected to their aunt during this difficult time.
Practical Tips for Caregivers
If you’re a caregiver looking to incorporate mindfulness into at home hospice care, here are a few practical tips:
Start small: Begin with just a few minutes of mindfulness each day.
Be patient: Mindfulness is a practice that takes time to develop.
Create a routine: Incorporate mindfulness into daily activities to make it a natural part of the day.
Focus on the positive: Encourage the patient to focus on what they are grateful for in the present moment.
The Healing Power of Presence
Mindfulness in at home hospice care is not about eliminating pain or discomfort; it’s about finding moments of peace amidst the challenges.
By focusing on the present moment, patients can experience a sense of calm that transcends their physical condition.
For caregivers, mindfulness offers a way to connect more deeply with their loved ones, creating meaningful moments that can be cherished long after they are gone.
One patient I knew, who was in the final stages of hospice care, found immense comfort in the simple act of sitting quietly with her daughter.
They would hold hands, breathe together, and share stories from the past.
These moments became a source of strength for both of them, demonstrating the profound impact of mindfulness on the human experience.
Lastly…
Incorporating mindfulness into at home hospice care can provide both patients and caregivers with tools to manage stress, find peace, and create meaningful connections.Whether it’s through deep breathing, guided imagery, or body scan meditation, these practices offer a way to navigate the emotional complexities of end-of-life care.
For those providing care, mindfulness can be a source of comfort and strength, helping them remain present and connected during this difficult journey.
And for patients, mindfulness can offer a sense of peace, allowing them to focus on the moments that matter most.
This article was written by a freelance writer and contains do follow link.
As the world gets more concerned and more appreciative of mental health and its impact on life, therapy has become more of a viable option for many. Whether you’re trying to cope with trauma or just work on some aspects of your personality and lifestyle, therapy is a great tool, but before you’re ready to jump in, you’ll need to know how to get the most out of your therapy.
Be open
The first and most important thing to keep in mind about therapy is that before you even sit in the office, you should have an open and comfortable attitude about the entire process. Much therapy gets stagnant as clients wait for breakthroughs just because they’re not ready for uncomfortable conversations or for sharing intimate details about your life. Withholding crucial information like that of your family members or crucial events in your life will only slow down the progress you’re able to get out of therapy. Instead, trusting the professional you’ve partnered with and really internalising their advice will allow you to get acclimated to the process much faster, and you’ll get more out of it as a result.
Get ready for uncomfortable conversations
As previously mentioned, another thing you’ll need to ensure is that you’re mentally prepared for the uncomfortable conversations you may have in the therapist’s office. This is because a lot of the trauma people carry throughout their lives is tied to a few incidents earlier in life, and talking about those incidents is the first step to truly healing. That means you’ll have to eventually vocalize your deepest fears and insecurities and the issues you’ve been going through, both to allow your therapist to better understand your psyche and to help yourself make important breakthroughs throughout your journey.
Find the right therapist
Another part of getting the most out of your therapy is finding the right therapist to guide you on your journey because the person you’re working with will eventually be entrusted with the deepest parts of your personality and subconscious. This means finding someone you’re fully comfortable with and one that is easy to visit; in your own country. Chicago residents (USA), for example, should look for an experienced therapist in Chicago. Finding a professional that you’re comfortable with and someone who’s nearby will only make it easier to regularly make your appointments and make time for therapy, pushing yourself towards more progress.
Be consistent
Consistency is the most important part of any major life goal you’re trying to achieve, and that includes therapy because of how unique the experience of therapy is for most people. If you’re not making it to your therapist’s office week after week for your regularly scheduled appointments, you won’t be able to make those important breakthroughs because each appointment will mostly be concerned with you and your therapist getting used to each other again. If you feel that your therapy isn’t working in its earliest stages, you shouldn’t let that discourage you since different people make progress over different periods.
Do the homework
Most therapists out there know the importance of daily self-improvement habits for their clients, and that includes things like journalling or keeping a dream diary. This can be tiring at first, but this homework is crucial to the entire process since your therapist will get a better idea of your underlying fears and the thoughts that take control of your unconscious mind most often. This will help your own progress, so you get the most out of therapy you possibly can. You can communicate all of your fears if you’re writing them down regularly for therapy.
Like most aspects of self-improvement, therapy has the capacity to change your life and can even cause you to have a major shift in perspective about key moments in your life. However, before you’re ready to embark on the phase of your life that will inevitably have a giant impact on you, it’s important to prepare yourself for what’s next so that you can get the most out of the therapy you’re participating in.
Elizabeth Howard is a freelance writer. (this article contains sponsored links)
As a child, I was a big worrier! I remember feeling anxious from about aged 4. I don’t know if its just my personality/ genetics or what was going on, but I was always a worrier.
So, I decided that I wanted to use my experiences to help children with their mental health too. Poor mental health often starts in childhood. For me, I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 16 , and was off school with intense anxiety as part of a depressive episode at 15. It runs in my family and I know there are families now who were like mine or children living in more difficult environments. Children in loving, supportive homes (like mine was) can still experience anxiety around nursery, school, after school clubs and friendship issues, bullying and something I did not have contend with.. social media bullying. Other children have special educational needs or disabilities that impact them day to day. The spectrum is huge and I wanted to create a positive book to help.
Arabella is 7 years old and her special talent is worrying. In the book, her worries are represented by a cloud, known as the Worry Cloud, who comes down to see her from the sky. He reminds her of all her worries and she tries to run away from him. However, once she begins to think of positive thoughts and memories with her family like eating ice cream at the beach or swimming with her brother, her mind becomes lighter and happier. These positive thoughts are represented as light beams of positive energy and she finds she can put her worries into perspective. The book also serves as a reminder that the storm does not last forever!
(image copyright: Eleanor Segall and Shelley the Artist)
I am very blessed that my Dad has a close friend who is a renowned artist- Shelley. Shelley’s art work and illustrations are beautifully drawn, colourful and were perfect for how I wanted Arabella to be. She is an esteemed digital artist, mural maker, painter and sketcher. She really brought Arabella to life! So the process began….
Once Shelley came on board, we met every few weeks online for about 5/6 months so she could show me the illustrations she had created and I could give my input as the author. We had lots of fun while Shelley sketched the characters on her ipad for me over Zoom and we really love working together. Shelley is super talented and I am so thankful she is the illustrator of Arabella! You can see her work at www.shelleytheartist.com
So self publishing… why did I self publish? I had sent the manuscript to agents and had meetings with my old publisher and another famous publisher I had worked with on another book. They for different reasons eg budget and having a similar type of children’s book, did not want to take it on. Submitting books to agents means constant rejections and so I felt that it was slowing down time to get the book out there and thought why not self publish through Amazon instead? I could have submitted to more places as didn’t submit to as many as I could have. I would still love to be represented one day by an agent and major publisher so I will need to send out more manuscripts- watch this space!
Once Shelley and I had finalised the illustrations and pages, she resized them for me and then (through an author friend, Joanna Gutkin) I had the recommendation to Abid Hussain via Fiverr, who formats books! Abid then formatted (laid out) the pages for me and created the PDF files for the ebook and paperback. Once this was finalised and looked at by me, he then put it on Amazon KDP for us. I also spoke to a printer friend (of my Dad again as he has an amazing network) Hak Huseyn of Absolute Print printers who helped me to size it, choose the right paper and printed copies of the paperback for us too. As I am new to self publishing, Hak reminded me I would need an ISBN, so once that was paid for and barcode put on, we were good to go! Thanks Hak and Abid!
(image copyright: Eleanor Segall and Shelley the Artist)
This entire process was not as quick as I describe… it took us 9 months .. oh and I also forgot the trip to the bookshop I took with my Dad to find the right size of children’s book when we were about to format. The bookseller even got a tape measure to size it for us in inches, so thank you to Books on the Hill St Albans.
I also want to thank author friends Joanna Gutkin , Esther Marshall, Lauren Posner and Shani Singer who answered my queries about their books and self publishing and the Empowered Author Group on Facebook too.
Thanks also go to my Dad who believed in this book and helped me so much with it! And to the friends and family who read early copies. Rob, my husband has also been so supportive. And to Shelley for working with me!
If you buy a copy for your child, niece or nephew, cousin, friend’s child or your class at school I hope you love reading it and that it helps your child to understand that worrying happens, but we can talk about it, process it and find healthy ways to cope.
Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their daily lives and overall well-being. Counselling offers a supportive and effective way to manage your anxiety, helping you regain control and improve your mental health.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that manifests in various forms, including social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), and panic disorder. Symptoms often include excessive worry, panic attacks, and constantly feeling anxious. These symptoms can interfere with daily activities, making it crucial to seek appropriate help.
How Counselling Helps with Anxiety
Counselling for Anxiety
Counselling provides a safe space to explore and understand your anxiety. A therapeutic counsellor works with you to identify the root causes of your anxiety and develop strategies to manage it effectively.
Therapy for Anxiety
Different types of therapy can be used in counselling to address anxiety. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) helps reframe negative thoughts, while exposure therapy gradually reduces fear responses. Both are proven methods in managing anxiety and improving mental health.
Types of Counselling for Anxiety
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely used approach that helps you understand and change negative thought patterns contributing to anxiety. It focuses on developing practical skills to manage anxiety symptoms and anxious thoughts.
For example, if you often experience negative thoughts like “I can’t handle this situation,” CBT can help you reframe this thought to something more constructive, like “I can take small steps to manage this situation.”
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is particularly effective for phobias and social anxiety. It involves gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, helping you build tolerance and reduce avoidance behaviours. For instance, if you have a fear of public speaking, exposure therapy might start with speaking in front of a small group and gradually working up to larger audiences.
Talking Therapies
Alongside private talking therapy practices, NHS talking therapies service provides a space to express your feelings and gain insights into your anxiety. Whether through face-to-face sessions, group therapy, or online counselling options, talking therapies offer valuable support. These sessions can help you feel heard and understood, which is a crucial step in managing anxiety.
How Therapy Sessions Work
Therapy sessions are tailored to your specific needs. During these sessions, you and your counsellor will create a treatment plan focused on your goals. Regular sessions build a therapeutic relationship, essential for effective treatment.
The consistency of therapy sessions helps reinforce strategies to manage anxiety. For example, your counsellor might help you track your anxiety levels and identify what can trigger anxiety, which can be discussed and addressed in each session.
Benefits of Counselling for Different Types of Anxiety
Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Counselling helps manage chronic worry and stress, providing tools to cope with daily life. Techniques such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises can be incorporated into your daily routine to reduce overall anxiety levels.
Panic Disorder
Techniques like CBT are used to cope with panic attacks, reducing their frequency and intensity. Learning breathing exercises and grounding techniques can help you regain control during a panic attack, and if CBT doesn’t work for you there are other options of therapy available.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Counselling aids in managing obsessive thoughts and compulsions, promoting healthier coping mechanisms. For example, a counsellor might use exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, a type of CBT specifically designed for OCD, to help you resist the urge to perform compulsive behaviours. This approach is effective in treating anxiety associated with OCD.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Counselling addresses trauma, helping reduce PTSD symptoms through therapeutic approaches like CBT and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). These therapies can help you process traumatic memories and reduce their impact on your daily life.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Strategies in counselling help overcome social fears, improving social interactions and confidence. Role-playing and social skills training can be part of your therapy to help you feel more comfortable in social situations. By learning to manage your anxiety, you can gradually overcome social anxiety disorder and improve your quality of life.
Addressing Specific Concerns
Health Anxiety
Counselling helps those who constantly worry about their health by addressing underlying fears and developing coping strategies. Techniques like CBT can help you challenge and reframe catastrophic thinking related to health concerns.
Stress and Anxiety
Techniques to manage stress are integrated with anxiety treatment, offering comprehensive support. Learning time management and relaxation techniques can help reduce the overall impact of stress on your anxiety levels.
Seeking Additional Support
While counselling is a crucial component in managing anxiety, there are other resources available to complement your treatment. Organisations like Anxiety UK offer additional support, information, and resources for individuals struggling with anxiety disorders.
These organisations can provide helplines, support groups, and educational materials to further assist you in your journey towards better mental health.
Accessing Mental Health Services If you’re struggling with Anxiety
It’s important to know that help is available (although there can be waiting lists for therapy). The mental health service in your area can provide access to counselling and other forms of support. Your general practitioner (GP) can refer you to appropriate services, or you may be able to self-refer to local mental health teams.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and taking this step can be the beginning of your journey to managing your anxiety effectively.
Embracing a Healthier Future
Counselling offers effective strategies to manage your anxiety, tailored to your specific needs. By working with a counsellor, you can gain control over your anxiety and improve your mental health.
Whether it’s through CBT, exposure therapy, or talking therapies, counselling provides the tools and support needed to navigate your anxiety and lead a more fulfilling life. Understanding the types of anxiety disorders and how they can be managed through therapy is crucial in overcoming anxiety.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, consider exploring counselling services. Taking the first step towards seeking help can make a significant difference in managing your anxiety and enhancing your quality of life.
Buick Hamblin is an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist with over 20 years in the field. Specialising in person-centred therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), she offers compassionate, non-judgmental support to clients dealing with a range of issues, including depression and relationship problems. Accredited by the BACP since 2007, Buick provides flexible counselling options both in Grantham, UK and online.
In an environment where life’s hectic pace can strain family relationships, family therapy seems like a ray of hope for preserving relationships and promoting comprehension. Although the phrase “family therapy” can conjure up ideas of resolving disputes, the advantages of this approach go much beyond that, including enhanced relationships, better communication, and emotional healing.
Enhancing Communication Skills for Stronger Connections
Healthy relationships are based on effective communication, and family counseling services are essential for improving this ability. Communication failures are a common cause of miscommunication, conflict, and emotional distancing in families. Families can acquire and hone skills that enhance their capacity for eloquent and sympathetic thinking and emotional expression via counselling. Therapists help family members express their needs and actively listen to one another via various techniques, including role-playing and guided conversations. A family’s ability to communicate better can result in more meaningful and fruitful relationships. For instance, activities aimed at recognising and resolving communication patterns that fuel conflict are often included in counselling sessions. Family members can lessen the number of disagreements and misunderstandings by learning to have talks with more empathy and understanding.
Addressing and Resolving Conflict Effectively
Family life will always include conflict, but if unsolved concerns are not properly handled, they can become serious difficulties. Family therapy offers a neutral, safe environment for discussing and working through issues. Family members can share their opinions and feelings in talks led by therapists without worrying about being judged. Families are better able to resolve disputes in a way that fosters understanding rather than hate in this controlled setting. Families that get treatment concentrate on improving their ability to solve problems and resolve conflicts. Counselors often teach family members conflict-resolution strategies like compromise and negotiation, which help them identify points of agreement and strive toward amicable resolutions.
Strengthening Emotional Bonds and Family Cohesion
Family therapy has a crucial role in strengthening emotional ties and promoting unity within the family. Emotional distance often results from unsolved problems, unfulfilled desires, or traumatic experiences in the past. Family members can examine and resolve these underlying difficulties in therapy, which promotes emotional healing and fortifies bonds between them. Families might better comprehend one another’s experiences and viewpoints by using facilitated conversations and therapeutic activities. Activities intended to improve emotional connection, including telling personal tales or expressing appreciation, are often included in the therapy process. Through deeper connections fostered by these activities, family members can develop empathy and trust.
Improving Family Roles and Dynamics
Redefining and addressing family roles and dynamics is another aspect of family therapy that can have a big influence on relationships and family functioning. Rigid or dysfunctional role structures are a major source of discontent and conflict in many households. For instance, a family member can take on an emotionally taxing caregiver role, or there can be tasks that are not evenly distributed, leading to conflict. The chance to assess and modify these responsibilities to better suit the needs and abilities of each family member is offered by therapy. In order to recognise and treat problematic patterns in roles and dynamics, therapists collaborate with families. Families can investigate and reinterpret roles in a manner that fosters harmony and respect for one another via therapy. As an example, family members might work together to create new rules about who gets what or help each other adapt to new positions within the family.
Fostering Resilience and Coping Strategies
The development of resilience and useful coping mechanisms is yet another important advantage of family therapy. Families often deal with a variety of pressures that might harm their relationships and mental health, such as health problems, financial hardships, or life changes. Families that get therapy are given the skills and techniques to deal with these pressures and keep a good attitude. Therapists assist families in creating coping strategies that improve their capacity to deal with difficulties and adjust to changes. Teaching stress management strategies, developing problem-solving skills, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices are a few examples of therapeutic approaches. Families develop resilience, support one another through trying times, and manage to stay stable in the face of outside challenges.
Finally…
The advantages of family therapy for improving family dynamics and relationships are immeasurable. A family that receives family therapy can become more cohesive, resilient, and supportive—a place where people feel empowered to face life’s obstacles as a unit.
Sometimes, I get emails about stories and they really stand out to me. This was one of them. A friend of mine knew about this suicide prevention charity in Israel, called Gila’s Way. The Hammer family in the Jewish community sadly lost their daughter Gila z’l to suicide when she was just 18. Gila had mental health issues and the family want to save lives in her name and make sure it doesn’t happen to another family. Rabbi Shalom Hammer, Gila’s father and a world renowned lecturer, started sharing his insights from Gila’s tragic story in order to raise awareness, teach empathy, and promote dialogue regarding suicide in order to ensure its prevention.
Gila’s Way is a non-profit organisation which implements, educates and presents programs regarding mental health awareness and suicide prevention in order to save lives.
I asked Rabbi Shalom Hammer a few questions about his life saving mission:
Your charity Gila’s Way has such an important mission. Please can you tell me more about Gila as a person, her mental health struggles and how you as a family coped in the aftermath of her tragic death/ how the charity got set up?
Gila was an unbelievable girl, vibrant, vivacious, social, hilarious and extremely sensitive. She was a leader of her peers socially and she loved to have fun. She also saw the world in a very innocent wholesome way, she was not capable of harming anyone nor did she believe that people would harm her. Tragically she experienced a sexual episode which was obviously extremely traumatising for her. She also did not wish to or know how to openly communicate the degradation she felt and the pain she was experiencing. Consequently, a swell of anxiety and depression built up inside of her and she eventually began to lose hope which ultimately lead to her passing away.
After Gila died, we decided to take the inexplicable pain and the unfathomable loss to as much of a positive place as possible. My wife and I feel that Gila should be alive and the reason she is not is largely because of the lack of knowledge with mental health and certainly suicidal ideation that we had and that so many others have as well. Gila’s Way is an organisation therefore, who’s primary concern is education via seminars, lectures, interactive workshops and presentations, understanding that the more we educate and inform the greater chance we have of lowering the numbers and preventing suicide.
(image of Gila z’l: Gila’s Way and Hammer Family)
2. What would you like people to know about teen suicide and suicide prevention in Israel and globally?
The most important vital point that I cannot emphasise enough, is that the vast majority of people who die from suicide, do NOT want to die. Particularly when we are speaking about adolescents who are experiencing so much pressures and may impulsively make a decision within a few seconds and not realising that it is finite. When people understand that most people who die from suicide, did not want to die, they also understand that this means we are capable of saving that person.
3. What is your message to other parents coping with children with mental health issues or who have also experienced bereavement?
There are a number of very crucial messages for parents. Firstly, don’t be afraid or ashamed to talk and converse, secondly don’t converse with just everyone. Dealing with mental health and a child who is challenged, is very procedural and therefore exhausting. Make sure to speak to the right people and save your energies for those people. Don’t speak to just anyone because you will grow more confused and more exhausted; make sure to find those/that people/person who can be helpful and focus on speaking to them.
In addition, pay attention to what your child is “saying”. A child (or anyone for that matter) who is dealing with mental health challenges or experiencing a crisis, will not necessarily explicitly say “I need help”, but they will often send “cries for help” and share those signs because they really want help. Some of those “warning signs” can be familial/social isolation , spending long hours in their bedrooms and refusing to join the family for activities which they normally enjoyed. In addition, they may be exhibiting exhaustion, or become physically unkempt, and they also might desist from performing normal expectations (like going to school, doing their homework, participating in events etc.)
Finally, and this is something that I consistently emphasise, trust your parental instincts. We were blessed with instincts and often a Dr or professional might suggest something and our instinct is saying “this just does not sit well with me”…trust that instinct and pay attention to it, because it is there for a reason.
(image: Gila’s Way)
4. What do you at Gila’s Way want to achieve through your charity and how are you doing this through programmes/events?
Our primary focus is on education. We don’t want any parent or any significant other, to be in situations where they “don’t know” or “didn’t know enough” because knowledge is power and empowers us with the capacity to be aware, respond and even save a life. We do so through the many programs, presentations, seminars and interactive workshops and exhibitions that we offer for diverse groups (parents, educators, adolescents, leaders, professionals, here in Israel in the army and pre-military academies). Engaging audiences in the conversations breaks stigmas and allows for knowledge and consideration.
Finally, Gila’s Way offers a consultation service (NOT a hotline). Navigating the mental health system, especially in Israel, isn’t simple. If one knows someone struggling with their mental health, they can schedule a consultation with us to help guide them through initial steps towards healing and recovery.
‘Whoever saves a single life is considered to have saved an entire world’ (the Talmud)
beurownlight.com 