Today is World Bipolar Day and its a day where we raise awareness globally about living with bipolar disorder and battling social stigma
When I had my first depressive and manic episodes in 2004; I was a teenager and had no idea what was happening to me. I was helped not only by family support (my dad was diagnosed 4 years before me) but also by some amazing psychiatry health professionals (shout out to Dr Mark Berelowitz at the Royal Free and the team at the Priory North London).
Bipolar changed my life as a young person in both good and difficult ways. It made me stronger; more resilient and more empathetic. But it also made me depressed, manic; anxious and fearful. There were times where I was scared of my own brain and didn’t know where bipolar started and Eleanor ended.
20 years later, I take daily medicines and engage in therapy and I go long periods between episodes due to finding the right medications. This is my own experience and some people with bipolar rapid cycle or have more regular episodes.
Remember it’s ok not to be ok but reach for support and never give up. There is a future and a way forward. I will keep talking about bipolar to help others and raise vital awareness and funds for our condition. Please also support charities like Bipolar UK and have a read of my book Bring me to Light.
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.
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 withtrichotillomania 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
This article was written by HealthPrem. Features sponsored links.
Drug and alcohol addiction can take a toll on your mind, body, and soul. It’s not easy to overcome addiction, but it’s never too late to start your journey to recovery. Rehab centres provide ample opportunities and resources for people struggling with addiction. Unfortunately, some people delay treatment because of fear, uncertainty, denial, or other valid reasons. Delaying treatment can lead to dire consequences, such as chronic health issues, financial problems, relationship issues, and even death. This blog post outlines the top 5 benefits of rehab and why you shouldn’t delay treatment.
Sense of Community
Rehab gives you the opportunity to surround yourself with people who are supportive, understanding, and empathetic to your situation. It helps to know that you are not alone in your struggle and that there are other people who genuinely care about your recovery. Being a member of a recovery community can help provide accountability, social connection, encouragement, and motivation to push through the tough times. It’s easier to navigate the journey to recovery when you have the support and guidance of others who have gone before you.
Professional Support
Rehab centres have trained and experienced professionals who can assist you in your recovery journey. From therapists and counselors to medical doctors and holistic practitioners, these professionals can help you optimise your physical, mental, and emotional health. They can provide personalised treatment plans, medication-assisted therapy, holistic therapies, and other useful resources to help you achieve your recovery goals. Going to a rehab centre gives you access to evidence-based treatments that have been proven successful in addiction recovery.
New Habits take time to form, but being in a rehab center gives you the chance to create healthy habits and routines. Repetition leads to new neural pathways, which eventually leads to new habits that are sustainable and beneficial for your recovery. You learn things like healthier coping strategies, better communication skills, mindfulness techniques, and relapse prevention skills. Through rehab, you can learn how to retrain your brain to respond to situations in ways that are not harmful to you or others.
Safe Environment
Rehab provides a safe and secure environment that gives you fewer opportunities to relapse. Being in a controlled space helps minimize distractions, triggers, and temptations that can hinder your progress. You’ll have the chance to focus solely on your recovery without the distractions of daily life. Moreover, rehabs help keep their clients accountable to themselves and others. As such, being in an accountable and safe environment can help set the foundation for success.
Self-Identity
People who struggle with addiction often lose sight of their self-identity and what makes them unique. Being in rehab can help rediscover who you are and what you stand for. You’ll have the chance to uncover your strengths, talents, passions, and goals. You’ll be able to reflect on your life and identify what led you down the path of addiction in the first place. By discovering your true self, you’ll be better prepared to cope with any challenges that may come your way.
Seeking treatment for addiction is daunting, but the benefits of rehab are worth the effort. Taking the first step towards recovery can give you a chance to regain control over your life. The sense of community, professional support, formation of new habits, safe environment, and rediscovery of self-identity are just some of the benefits of going to rehab. Don’t delay treatment; the sooner you start your recovery journey, the sooner you’ll be on your way to living a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
Oprah always inspires me to dream bigger, to manifest, to try and not lose hope in the dark times. I wanted to share her message of hope with you. She experienced so much darkness and so many setbacks but she wrote her own script. She believed in hope, in love and positivity and she worked hard.
That’s all any of us can do, to manifest our dreams in life with support from the universe/ higher power.
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses that affect millions of people worldwide. These disorders can have a devastating impact on a person’s physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. If you think a friend may be struggling with an eating disorder, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. There are many different types of treatments available for eating disorders, and the right approach will depend on the individual’s unique needs and circumstances. This blog post will discuss some of the most effective eating disorder treatments to consider if you think a friend may be struggling.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is a highly specialised form of care that involves staying in a hospital or residential facility. This type of treatment is typically recommended for individuals who are experiencing severe eating disorders and need intensive support and supervision.This inpatient eating disorder treatment may include medical monitoring, individual and group therapy, and nutritional counselling. This approach can be highly effective in helping individuals regain weight, learn new coping skills, and develop healthier eating habits.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is another option for individuals who are struggling with an eating disorder. This type of care involves visiting a mental health clinic or hospital on a regular basis for counselling and other therapies. Outpatient treatment may be appropriate for individuals who are in the early stages of recovery, or who have a less severe eating disorder. It can also be a good option for those who need to balance treatment with work or other responsibilities.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
(CBT) Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a widely used form of psychotherapy that has been shown to be effective in treating eating disorders. This approach focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that contribute to disordered eating behaviours. CBT can be used in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and may be combined with other types of therapies to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Family-Based Treatment
(FBT) Family-based treatment (FBT) is a specialised approach to treating eating disorders in children and adolescents. This approach involves the entire family in the treatment process and is designed to help parents and caregivers support their child’s recovery. FBT has been shown to be highly effective in treating anorexia nervosa, and may also be used to treat other types of eating disorders.
Nutritional Counselling
Nutritional counselling can be an important component of eating disorder treatment. This type of therapy involves working with a registered dietitian to develop a healthy eating plan that meets the individual’s specific needs and goals. Nutritional counselling may be used in conjunction with other types of therapies, such as CBT, to create a comprehensive treatment plan.
Eating disorders are complex and challenging to treat, but with the right help, recovery is possible. If you think a friend may be struggling with an eating disorder, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. Inpatient and outpatient treatment, cognitive behavioural therapy, family-based treatment, and nutritional counselling are all effective options to consider.
Remember, recovery is a journey, and it may take time and patience to achieve lasting results. With the right support and treatment, your friend can learn to overcome their eating disorder and live a happy, healthy life.
Road accidents can have devastating consequences, not only physically but also mentally. While physical injuries are often visible and receive immediate attention, the psychological impact of such traumatic events can sometimes be overlooked.
Road accident victims must prioritise their mental health alongside their physical recovery. In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of addressing mental health after a road accident and provide practical tips for staying mentally resilient during the recovery process.
Understanding the Impact
The aftermath of a road accident can trigger a range of emotional responses, including shock, fear, anger, sadness, and anxiety.
These feelings are normal reactions to a traumatic event. Still, if left unaddressed, they can develop into more serious mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety disorders.
Victims need to recognise and acknowledge their emotions rather than suppress them, as this can help prevent long-term psychological complications.
Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Well-being
In the aftermath of a road accident, prioritising mental well-being is crucial. Here are essential tips for maintaining your mental health.
Manage Stress
Dealing with the aftermath of a road accident can be incredibly stressful, but some techniques can help manage stress levels.
Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation are all effective ways to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
It’s also helpful to practice stress management techniques such as time management, setting boundaries, and prioritizing tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Remember to be patient and permit yourself to take breaks when needed.
Navigating the legal aftermath of a road accident can amplify stress during recovery. However, you can alleviate some of that burden with a dependable legal team like Herrman & Herrman providing support.
Entrusting your case to experienced professionals allows you to shift focus towards prioritising your mental health and overall well-being.
Knowing that competent advocates are handling the legal complexities empowers you to engage in self-care practices without the added pressure of legal concerns weighing on your mind.
Seek Support
Seeking support is paramount for road accident victims. Opening up to trusted friends, family, or mental health professionals can offer validation, comfort, and valuable perspective during a challenging time.
Furthermore, consulting a qualified therapist provides a safe space to process trauma. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) are particularly effective in addressing trauma-related symptoms.
By actively seeking support and engaging in therapy, victims can embark on a journey of healing, resilience, and eventual recovery, empowered by the guidance and expertise of those who understand and specialise in mental health care.
Self-Care Practices
Self-care is indispensable for preserving mental well-being throughout the recovery journey. Prioritise ample sleep, a nourishing diet, regular exercise, and indulging in hobbies that foster joy and relaxation.
Steer clear of detrimental coping mechanisms like substance abuse, as they can compound mental health challenges. Tending to your physical health bolsters mental resilience and facilitates recovery.
By nurturing yourself holistically, you cultivate a foundation of strength and vitality, empowering you to navigate the emotional complexities of post-accident recovery with greater resilience and grace.
Remember, self-care isn’t an indulgence; it’s a vital component of healing and self-preservation.
Connect with Others
In the aftermath of a road accident, isolation can intensify feelings of loneliness and depression. Therefore, victims need to connect with others actively. Whether it’s spending quality time with loved ones, seeking support from friends, or participating in support groups tailored for individuals with similar traumas, fostering connections is paramount.
Engaging with those who comprehend your experiences can offer validation, empathy, and a profound sense of belonging.
By building a network of understanding and supportive individuals, road accident victims can navigate their emotional journey with resilience, knowing they are not alone in their struggles.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Recovery from a road accident, both physically and mentally, takes time and patience. It’s essential for victims to set realistic expectations for their recovery and to be gentle with themselves along the way.
Healing is sometimes linear, and setbacks or challenges may occur along the road. By accepting this reality and focusing on progress rather than perfection, victims can cultivate resilience and navigate the ups and downs of recovery more effectively.
Conclusion
Road accidents can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health. Still, with the proper support and coping strategies, victims can navigate the recovery process with resilience and strength.
By prioritising their mental health, seeking support, practicing self-care, managing stress, connecting with others, and setting realistic expectations, road accident victims can promote healing and regain a sense of control over their lives.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and to take things one day at a time. Your mental health matters, and you deserve support and compassion as you journey toward recovery.
It’s not uncommon for individuals to feel lost, overwhelmed, or dissatisfied with their lives. You may struggle to find meaning and purpose, leading to a sense of unease and frustration. This is where existential therapy comes in. Existential therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals confront and come to terms with the existential challenges of living. It can be a powerful tool for those seeking meaning and purpose in their lives. This blog post will explore 5 benefits of existential therapy.
Increased Self-Awareness
One of the key benefits of existential therapy is increased self-awareness. This helps individuals understand themselves on a deeper level. The therapy sessions provide a safe and supportive environment where people can explore their innermost thoughts and feelings. By gaining a better understanding of themselves, individuals are often able to make more informed choices and live more fulfilling lives.
Improved Coping Skills
Existential therapy also helps individuals develop better coping skills. The therapy sessions often involve exploring the challenges of living, such as the inevitability of death and the search for meaning and purpose. Through this exploration, individuals are able to develop better coping skills and strategies for dealing with the existential challenges of life. This counselling can lead to increased resilience and the ability to handle difficult situations with greater ease.
Greater Sense of Purpose
Another benefit of existential therapy is the development of a greater sense of purpose. Through the therapy sessions, individuals are encouraged to confront the big questions of life, such as “Who am I?” and “What is my purpose?” This exploration can be uncomfortable at times, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By developing a greater sense of purpose, individuals often find that they are more motivated and fulfilled in their daily lives.
Improved Relationships
Existential therapy can also help individuals improve their relationships. By gaining a deeper understanding of themselves, individuals are often able to relate to others in a more meaningful way. By focusing on the existential challenges of living, such as the search for meaning and purpose, individuals are able to connect with others on a deeper, more authentic level. This can result in more fulfilling and meaningful relationships.
Increased Creativity
Finally, existential therapy can lead to increased creativity. By exploring the existential challenges of living, individuals are often inspired to think outside the box and express themselves in new and unique ways. This can lead to increased creativity and a sense of joy and fulfillment.
Overall, existential therapy can be a powerful tool for those seeking meaning and purpose in their lives. This therapy can lead to increased self-awareness, improved coping skills, a greater sense of purpose, improved relationships, and increased creativity. If you are struggling to find meaning and purpose in your life, consider exploring existential therapy as a way to move forward. Remember, you are not alone in your search for answers, and existential therapy can help you along the way.
This article was written by freelance writer Lizzie Weakley.
Your immune system is what your body has to help you fight off infectious diseases and other illnesses you might contract. Everyone has an immune system, but if you get older or have certain conditions, that system is weakened. That can be a problem if you contract something harmful.
There are several dangers of alcohol addiction of which you might be aware, but most people don’t think about their immune systems when they realise they have a drinking problem. Let’s talk for a moment about how the two things can be related.
Is It Possible to Weaken Your Immune System Through Alcohol Use?
The answer to whether alcohol use can weaken your immune system is a resounding yes. There is now a great deal of anecdotal and empirical evidence that suggests you can more easily contract many different viruses and diseases if you ingest alcohol often.
It’s also worth mentioning that the more you drink, the more likely it is that your immune system will be damaged. You may be able to avoid this issue for a while. However, if you start drinking steadily as you settle into the rhythms of alcoholism, this is one of the health risks that you begin to take on.
Can Your Immune System Recover Once You’ve Damaged It?
It’s possible for your immune system to recover to some degree if you’ve damaged it. This is true if you’re a regular drinker, a smoker, a user of other recreational drugs, and in most other cases, as well.
If you have been a long-term addict, then you have probably done damage to your immune system. That doesn’t mean you should give up if you’re in the throes of addiction, though.
What is the Best Way to Prevent This Problem?
The best way to prevent damaging your immune system through excessive alcohol use is to either cut back or stop drinking altogether. If you are not able to cut back then at least you can take steps to minimise or control your drinking.
The other thing you can do is to start monitoring other ways that you’re living. That translates to exercising more, eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, keeping yourself at the optimal weight, and getting a good amount of sleep every night.
It is also important to reach for help and support from rehab clinics, psychiatrists/counsellors and your GP. Support is out there for you. if you are struggling with addiction.
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.
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