WiseUp Team Building, the multi award winning, UK Youth wellbeing and resilience organisation, has launched WiseUp to Switching Off – a guided programme designed to help young people and families build healthier relationships with screens and technology.
This launch comes at a time when children’s digital wellbeing is at the centre of national discussion, with the UK government recently consulting on measures inspired by Australia’s ban on social media for under-16s as part of wider online safety reforms.
With evidence mounting globally – recent World Health Organization data shows that rates of problematic social media behaviour among adolescents increased from 7% to 11% between 2018 and 2022 and that more than one in ten teenagers may struggle to control their use and experience negative consequences such as disrupted sleep and lower wellbeing – WiseUp’s journal is positioned as a practical alternative to purely restrictive approaches.
A significant proportion of young people report a negative impact on mental health from digital and social media use; a UK Digital Youth Index indicates that approximately 17% of young people aged 8–25 say their internet and digital device use harms their mental health, with the prevalence rising among older teens equating to around 2.5 million young people across the UK.
Richard Wise, CEO of WiseUp, said: “We created WiseUp to Switching Off, a digital detox guide, because families, teachers and young people are increasingly telling us they want positive and practical tools – not more tech bans – to make sense of their digital lives. Screens are now woven into education friendships and culture but when usage becomes compulsive it can undermine sleep focus and emotional wellbeing. Our journal helps young people become aware of their patterns reflect on their experiences and make incremental sustainable changes.”
He continued: “Screens themselves aren’t the problem – but the way they pull young people in can be. When scrolling becomes a coping mechanism, when anxiety, loneliness or pressure drive screen use the impact on wellbeing can be profound. WiseUp to Switching Off exists to break that cycle. It gives young people permission to pause, space to breathe and the tools to reconnect with themselves and the world around them — while empowering schools and parents to put wellbeing back at the centre of everyday life.”
(image: Izzy Park: Unsplash)
The WiseUp to Switching Off digital journal combines evidence-based education about technology and the brain, practical habit-building tools, daily reflection prompts and offline challenges designed to improve focus sleep and connection with others. It is intended for use both at home and in educational settings complementing Personal Social Health and Economic (PSHE) learning.
Parents and wellbeing leads in schools have reported that the journal has helped young people reduce conflict over screens. It has also improved sleep routines and helped them rediscover offline interests, reinforcing WiseUp’s belief that self-directed change (rather than coercive restriction) is both sustainable and empowering.
WiseUp encourages parents, teachers, practitioners and policymakers to explore the journal and join the ongoing effort to support a balanced digital future for young people. To download your free copy visit the WiseUp website.
Time to Talk Day is today and it is ‘the nation’s biggest mental health conversation’. This year’s theme is Brave the Big Talk, have conversations about mental health experiences that might feel a bit unspoken, with an aim to destigmatise mental health issues.
Today I would like to talk about living in remission with Bipolar 1 Disorder (I was diagnosed aged 16 in 2004 and am now 37!). I am lucky that although the illness I have when unmedicated is severe- I have had episodes of psychosis and mania and suicidal depression, and been hospitalised twice, I live in remission these days.
What does remission mean to me?
It means my medication (Lithium and Quetaipine- a mood stabiliser and anti psychotic) stops the very high (manic) and very low (depressive) moods and I can cope better. I am still a work in progress but its way less severe!
It means that although I have ongoing therapy to deal with past trauma, I don’t need to see a psychiatrist at present and am managed by my GP.
It also means that I don’t have to worry too much about bipolar episodes, which is not the same for everyone with our illness! I do however still struggle with anxiety, which I have spoken about before and some days can be harder than others.
Time to Talk Day say, ‘ Talking openly and honestly can be the first step towards better mental health for everyone. It can even save lives. Talking can reduce stigma and help people feel comfortable enough to seek help when they need it.‘
10 years ago, Rabbi Daniel Epstein and the team at Jami charity had an idea about making the stigmatised topic of mental health in the UK Jewish community be more visible amongst synagogues and organisations. They did this by focusing on the day of rest- Shabbat, with Rabbis and speakers of lived experience or mental health professionals. I was lucky to come on board as a volunteer in the first few years, alongside a wonderful team. My role was to help contact Jewish shuls and organisations by email and in the first year I believe we got the Shabbat in to over 80 organisations and over 100 in subsequent years.
My reason for doing this was because I struggled with bipolar disorder (depression, mania and psychosis) and anxiety/PTSD from when I was 15. I felt that no one really talked about it publicly on a communal level and I was inspired by my friend Jonny Benjamin MBE, who was open about having schizoaffective disorder and taking a sledge hammer to stigma. I also admired the work of Jami in the hubs and with their Head Room Cafe and I wanted to make a difference.
I can’t quite believe that the Jami Mental Health Shabbat is 10 years old this year. The Shabbat enabled me to speak about lived experience with my Dad (who also has bipolar) to two large communities (my childhood one- Bushey and husbands- Chigwell) and my Dad spoke at Belsize Square and Edgware Yeshurun about our joint story. I was diagnosed with bipolar at 16 and my Dad was at 44. We were honoured to help dispell stigma through telling our stories from the pulpit, however difficult they were.
The Shabbat has also enabled thousands of people to have conversations and mental illness is no longer hidden in the shadows to be feared. The theme for the tenth Jami Mental Health Shabbat is ‘Bringing Mental Health to the Table’
Jami says, “This special Shabbat is an opportunity for us to encourage conversations on mental health, raise awareness of mental illness and distress and share ideas on how to support ourselves and others within our community. There are many ways for you, your synagogue, school, student or youth group to get involved and everyone can mark Jami Mental Health Shabbat in their own way. Some communities choose to arrange for members of their congregation to share their lived experience or invite mental health professionals to lead a talk, discussion or panel event.”
This year you can get involved by hosting a meal for JMHS and ask your guests to donate instead of bringing a gift, sign up for the free toolkit of resources (services, activities for all ages and much more) or donate at https://jamiuk.org/donate-to-jmhs_meal/ . For other ways to get involved please see: https://jamiuk.org/get-involved/jmhs/.
Jami Mental Health Shabbat coincides with Torah portion- Bo. On this Shabbat, we read about the plague of darkness, which can be likened to the experiences of many living with mental illness and distress. The Torah portion also talks about how the Israelites, full of hope, could see through the darkness into the light. This special Shabbat is an opportunity for us to encourage conversations on mental health, raise awareness of mental illness and distress and share ideas on how to support ourselves and others within our community.
As the Shabbat is this weekend, I want to show my support. Although I won’t be sharing our story in shul this year, everyone doing so should be so proud. I will be donating to Jami to show my support.
Where to get help with your mental health
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, there are a variety of options depending on the issue of concern.
SHOUT – 24/7 crisis text service – Text Jami to 85258
Ring your GP or out of hours service for an emergency appointment
Contact your Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) if you have one
Samaritans – Call Samaritans on Freephone 116 123 (24 hours a day)
Call the PapyrusHopelineUK, on 0800 068 41 41 or text 88247 if you are under 35 and worried about how you are feeling. Or call if you are worried about a young person.
Call 999 or NHS Direct on 111 (England) or 0845 46 47 (Wales)
Don’t hesitate to call 999 in mental health emergencies
Heres to 10 amazing years of mental health conversations!
I was hesitant to write this blog as my husband Rob and I have just come back from a truly wonderful holiday in Venice, Italy and I feel so grateful we had that time together. We had been waiting all year to go away properly and we had the best time. We walked over many bridges, saw some beautiful things such as St Marks Square and Basilica, Museo Correr (where I found the most incredible ballroom that was like the one in Beauty and the Beast- see photo below), The Doges’ Palace and we celebrated Robs birthday by going on a day trip by boat to Murano and Burano Islands. Murano is the home of stunning glassmaking and Burano is the island with the colourful houses and its a UNESCO world heritage site, famous for lace making. It was so pretty! We also toured the Jewish quarter- the ghetto in Cannaregio and synagogues, ate lots of delicious food (pasta and tiramisu) and went to Chabad (the Jewish centre) for shabbat, went shopping, took water buses and gondolas and just really enjoyed the time off work and exploring. Venice is a truly beautiful place and at every turn you can see something new and exciting- whether its a boat or gondola going along the canal or towers of meringues in a bakery window, to seeing an old lady shuffling over a bridge carefully with her stick and Italians carrying their dogs in little bags to keep them warm, Venice is full of character and of life. One of my favourite things was seeing the laundry (yes really) being hung out on pulleys over the canal in the Jewish Ghetto area, as they don’t have gardens.
I surprised myself this trip with how much I was able to do exercise wise. My husband loves to keep busy and lives life at a faster pace than I do and there were mornings where I found this hard and felt overwhelmed by the thought of the day, so rested and went out later in the day. But generally, we were able to go and explore some wonderful things together. There were a few days I did 14,000 steps a day! Which for someone who is quite sedentary normally, I was so pleased I could do this. Venice was just a truly beautiful city- we stayed in a lovely hotel that used to be a Palazzo (Palace) and had Murano glass chandeliers, it also was on the Grand Canal and had a Vaporetto (water bus) and Water taxi stop. Exploring the city with my husband gave me such a lovely focus and I was really amazed by how much I was able to do, how much walking I did, which proved to me that I can be active and explore.
(image: E Mandelstam- Museo Correr)
Coming home, I have felt hugely grateful to have had this time with Rob. However, adjusting back to normal life in January is hard anyway, but after a holiday I find my anxiety rises a bit. There have been plans I wanted to do here that I havn’t been able to do. However, I am working on it and on exposure therapy with myself to try and do more things here, go out the house more (as I work from home) and do what I can so that my anxiety doesn’t stop me from living my life.
When you have an anxiety disorder, it can be tough sometimes to go outside, to meet people, to do basic things in your normal environment. The weather is cold and dark early, all you want to do is hibernate. Which I feel is OK! I do notice though that its when I start feeling more anxious and unable to do things and can’t push myself that I have to take a step back and start looking after myself, just plan in a few small things to achieve. Overplanning for me tends to be a disaster! Even on holiday, if there was too much planned in, I found I couldn’t always do it and so we had to adapt plans, but I still did lots so to me, that was a win.
The January blues can be hard whether you have been lucky enough to go away or whether you are here and contemplating a brand new year and what it can bring. Remember to be kind to yourself and make things achievable. Whether you’re looking for a new job or you want to achieve another goal, know it will unfold at the right time. I am not good with being patient, but sometimes we have to be!
If you are struggling with your mental health and you need more support, please reach out to your GP, psychiatrist or therapist if you have one. I find things like taking my medication on time and getting enough rest also help me too. I am also counting the wins of thank G-d being well enough to travel and enjoying that time with my husband. I still achieved things and I have to remember I am capable of more than I think sometimes. The most important thing for me is making I do not spend too much time indoors- as the anxiety can then worsen.
Everyone tells you how amazing it is once the baby comes. And it is, no doubt. But everyone also skips the part of how hard and confusing it can be at times. You lack sleep, run on instinct and love, and all of the responsibility comes down on you hard. But all that’s normal.
Every parent gets that mix of joy and struggle at some point. However, if the downs start to outweigh the ups, you should take a pause and look at it more deeply.
All the Emotions No One Warns You About
Before birth, it’s all about the baby – the ultrasound photos, due date, tiny clothes and picking names. But few people prepare you for what happens after.
In reality, many of the emotional changes begin well before birth. Reading about mental health during pregnancy can help expecting parents notice early signs of anxiety or mood shifts that often carry into postpartum life.
All the hormonal changes and lack of sleep can make even the simplest task feel difficult. Anxiety, sadness, and self-doubt can creep in, sometimes out of nowhere. In fact, around one in five women experience postpartum depression or anxiety, and partners often feel it too.
But remember, no one really gets into it completely ready, and everyone learns as they go.
Rest Isn’t a Bonus, but a Necessity
“Sleep when the baby sleeps.” You’ve heard it a million times, and it’s certainly easier said than done. But rest really is essential. It’s how your body heals, and your mind resets.
You can try using the 5-5-5 rule: five days in bed, five days on the bed, five days near the bed. No strict formula to it, of course, but use is a reminder to slow down a bit.
If naps still seem impossible, just lie down for a few minutes and breathe, even when your brain insists that your baby needs you every second. And if someone offers to take a night shift, let them. One full night of sleep can change how you see everything.
Pregnancy and early parenthood can really impact maternal well-being. You must learn how to rest effectively, because your recovery is your number one priority next to your baby.
When “Baby Blues” Don’t Fade
Crying for no clear reason? Worrying constantly about the baby? That’s normal in those first days. However, if it lasts more than two weeks, or you start feeling numb, detached, constantly anxious and worried, there could be something more to it.
Watch out for signs like:
Persistently low mood
Trouble bonding with your baby
Racing thoughts or panic
Appetite or sleep changes that don’t make sense
Thoughts of harm to yourself or your baby
If these sound familiar, reach out to your doctor, midwife, or mental-health professional. With help, things do get better. Getting support early makes healing faster and safer, for both of you.
Take Care of Your Body
It’s hard to think clearly when you haven’t eaten since breakfast or when you’ve lived on coffee for days. Keep yourself hydrated – a water bottle within reach works best. Your body needs steady fuel, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Once your doctor says it’s okay, take short walks or stretch a little. You don’t need to “work out”, just move a bit. And if you’re healing from a C-section or stitches, follow the recovery plan. Pain makes everything harder.
Small Things Count
Some days, you’ll feel like you’ve disappeared under all the baby tasks. But you’re still there, you just need to remind yourself.
Try reclaiming tiny moments. Close the bathroom door and take that shower – even if it’s a quick one. Put on a song you love. Drink your coffee before it goes cold. It sounds silly, but it matters. The little things add up. You don’t need a meditation app or fancy breathing routine.
Just stop for a second, notice your breath, maybe wiggle your toes on the floor. That’s it. Even a minute or two of peace can reset your nervous system.
Know When to Ask For Help
There’s a point where no amount of self-care or deep breathing can help. If you’re struggling to function, or if each day feels harder instead of easier, that’s your signal. That doesn’t mean you’re weak; it means you’re human.
Postpartum depression and anxiety are real medical conditions, but they’re treatable. A doctor, midwife, or therapist who understands postpartum life can help you find the right mix of support. Sometimes that’s talking, sometimes medication, sometimes both. The right kind of help makes everything easier.
Give Yourself Time
Recovery after birth doesn’t move in a straight line. One day you’ll feel like yourself again, the next you won’t, and that’s fine. Your body, mind, and heart all need time to settle into this new life you have.
Rest when you can, ask for help when you can’t.
Some days, progress is just making it through – and that’s still progress.
What a year it has been, the ninth year of our blog! And now we are nearly at the end of 2025 and approaching Christmas. Thank you to every single person who reads, comments, shares and supports this blog.
This is to wish you and your family a very happy Christmas/ holiday period, filled with light, love and laughter. We celebrate Chanukah and it has been a difficult time this year but we tried to make it joyous and still lit our candles.
Sometimes the festive season brings into focus the things that we don’t want in our lives or difficult relationships. It can impact our mental health. Please don’t suffer alone and protect yourself, if you need to talk to someone please call the Samaritans at 116 123.
Have a wonderful Christmas/ festive season and even better new year! 2026 will be the tenth year of this blog!
Women’s wellness extends beyond the absence of illness — it is about achieving equilibrium across physical energy, hormonal harmony, and emotional wellbeing. From adolescence through menopause, women experience intricate biological changes that influence mental health, vitality, mood and desire. These fluctuations are often shaped by stress, nutrition, and environmental factors, making holistic self-care essential.
In recent years, many women have sought out natural and herbal approaches to maintain this balance, supporting their physical and mental health. Herbal wellness offers a time-tested, holistic alternative that works in harmony with the body’s natural cycles rather than overriding them. Rooted in ancient traditions like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, this approach uses plants and botanicals to regulate hormones, calm the mind, and renew energy.
Among these botanicals, Horny Goat weed for women has become particularly popular for its potential to revitalise energy, support hormonal balance, and enhance intimate wellbeing. Used traditionally to strengthen vitality and circulation, it is now gaining modern recognition as part of women’s natural wellness routines.
By exploring the synergy between herbs, hormones, and vitality, this article highlights how nature’s remedies can restore equilibrium, empowering women to sustain energy, regulate mood and mental health, and nurture desire naturally.
Energising from Within
Energy isn’t just about caffeine or sleep—it’s also about how your body maintains vitality through its hormonal and metabolic systems. For women, fluctuations in oestrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and stress hormones like cortisol can significantly affect how lively or fatigued you feel. These also affect our mental health and wellness- balancing hormones is essential to keep balanced moods too and release stress.
The role of adaptogenic & tonic herbs
Adaptogenic herbs help your system respond to stress and restore equilibrium rather than merely stimulating energy. For example, botanicals such as Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) are shown to help regulate cortisol and support energy—particularly in women experiencing perimenopausal shifts. Meanwhile, classic tonic herbs can enhance overall vitality by supporting circulation, metabolism, and mind-body resilience.
Supporting daily vitality
Including herbal support doesn’t replace foundational habits—adequate sleep, balanced blood sugar, moderate exercise good nutrition (and even the occassional massage) remain the core. But once you’ve done the basics, certain herbs can offer an extra layer of support: boosting mood, supporting adrenal reserve, and helping sustain physical and mental energy during hormonal transitions.
Hormone Balance: The Underpinning of Wellness
Hormones guide everything from mood and cycles to skin, sleep and sexual function. If they’re out of balance, the ripple effects can affect energy levels, libido, and overall well-being.
Herbs that support hormonal harmony
The research shows a growing list of botanicals that can help women:
Herbs such as Vitex agnus‑castus (chasteberry) and Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) have been used for menstrual problems, perimenopause and menopausal symptoms.
Adaptogens like ashwagandha may help regulate adrenal output and thus indirectly influence hormones like progesterone and oestrogen.
Broad-based herb lists emphasise the role of phytoestrogens and adaptogens in natural hormone modulation and stress resilience.
A specific botanical to highlight- but limited evidence
One herb worth special mention in women’s wellness for hormonal and energy support is Epimedium grandiflorum, more commonly known as Horny Goat Weed. While often marketed for men’s use, its active compound (icariin) has been studied for effects on hormone signalling, circulation, and energy.
Used in a women-centred herbal blend, it may contribute to hormone-supportive outcomes, though it’s important to emphasise the evidence is still limited and human data is scarce.
How this works in practice
When hormones are out of alignment, for example, in perimenopause or following a stressful period, typical symptoms may include low energy, irregular cycles, mood shifts or lowered sexual desire. By choosing herbs that support adrenal resilience, modulate mild hormonal shifts and promote circulation/tonicity, you give your system extra resources during transition periods.
Desire & Wellness, Naturally
Desire isn’t just a matter of emotion—it is influenced by hormone levels (especially oestrogen, testosterone, progesterone), mood, fatigue, circulation and self-image. Herbal support offers a gentle, subtle way to enhance this layered network.
The link between energy, hormones and libido
When a woman is tired, stressed and hormonally imbalanced, it’s no surprise that desire may take a back seat. Conversely, improving energy, reducing daily stress and supporting hormonal balance can create an internal environment more conducive to intimacy.
(image: Unsplash)
Practical Recommendations for Women
Here are suggestions on how to incorporate a herbal-wellness strategy, mindful of safety and synergy:
Foundations first – Prioritise sleep, movement, a nutrient-rich diet (plenty of leafy veg, healthy fats, quality protein), hydration, and stress management.
Choose adaptogens & tonics—for example, ashwagandha to regulate stress hormone output, or herbs such as chasteberry or black cohosh if you’re experiencing menstrual or menopausal challenges.
Circulation & desire-support – A herbal blend containing Horny Goat Weed (for women) can be one component of a holistic intimate-wellness support plan, provided there are no contraindications.
Cycle & life-stage awareness – Tailor your regimen to your particular stage (e.g., pre-menopause, post-menopause, post-partum). Your hormone profile and needs will differ.
Check interactions & contraindications – Herbs are powerful; for example, Horny Goat Weed may interact with certain heart medications or hormone-sensitive conditions. Always consult a healthcare practitioner, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding or on medications.
Expect gradual, subtle shifts – Herbal support is not abrupt therapy; you might notice steadier energy, fewer mood dips, mild improvements in desire—not dramatic overnight changes.
Track your metrics—keep a wellness journal: energy levels, mood, cycle regularity, libido. Over 6–8 weeks, you can judge what’s working and what might need adjustment.
Evidence, Safety and Realistic Expectations
It’s important to approach herbal wellness with grounded expectation and awareness about the evidence base.
While many herbs show promising effects in cell or animal studies, human clinical trials are often limited. For example, with Horny Goat Weed, evidence for its impact on female intimate function is still very preliminary.
Herb-drug interactions and contraindications must be taken seriously. For instance, Horny Goat Weed can affect blood-pressure regulation, heart rhythm and hormone-sensitive cancer situations.
Quality matters: herbs vary in strength and purity. Look for credible sourcing, third-party testing and clear labelling.
Natural support is part of a broader wellness framework—not a substitute for medical evaluation if you have severe conditions (e.g., thyroid disorders, significant hormonal imbalances, sexual dysfunction caused by other medical issues).
Final Thoughts
For women, aiming for wellness means harmonising energy, hormones and desire, not just treating symptoms. A well-chosen herbal strategy adds an extra layer of support: adaptogens to stabilise stress, tonics to bolster circulation, hormone modulators to ease transitions, and formulae that incorporate botanicals like Horny Goat Weed for women to nurture desire and vitality gently.
When aligned with good lifestyle practices, this approach offers a natural, empowering path towards feeling balanced, energised and responsive. Remember: always tailor to your individual life stage, check with a health professional, and allow time for your system to respond.
Please know that Horny Goat Weed on its own is not a substitute for mental health or other medication. Please see your GP before taking new supplements.
Every year, the incredible charity Christmas For CAMHS brightens up the lives of children and teens on NHS CAMHS mental health wards. These are for children who are too ill with their mental health (often distressed and traumatised) to be at home with their families, friends and loved ones. In 2004, when I was just 16 and going through a bipolar episode, at Christmas, I was in a mental health ward away from home (I am Jewish and don’t celebrate Christmas religiously but there is something about being given a gift, a card, activities when you are far from home that warms the soul). I know how scary it can be to live in hospital with other ill children and teenagers. So, I absolutely love the work of this important charity.
Christmas For CAMHS was founded by Dr Ro Bevan. While working as a doctor on a children’s ward in 2015, she saw first hand that, during the festive season, hospitals supporting children with physical illnesses were showered with huge amounts of gifts, festive treats and celebrations – as they should be! They even had enough to cover ward birthdays the following year! The following year she was working on a child and adolescent mental health ward. She was shocked by the contrast. So she posted about the inequality on Facebook – “We had no presents donated. Our patients had one present each using money scrimped and saved from the NHS budget.” Her plea went unexpectedly viral, inspiring an intrepid bunch of volunteers to come together with her to create our charity Christmas For CAMHS. We had to make sure that no child or young person on a UK mental health ward was ever forgotten at Christmas again.
Since then the charity has gone from strength to strength, providing some essential Christmas hope for almost 9875 children and young people. Last year, in 2024, the charity sent over 1100 individual gifts (with an additional fidget toy too) to these children and young people – that’s gifts to every young person in every CAMHS unit in the UK!
They also sent 52 special additional gifts for young people on the ward particularly in need, such as those with no parental support and young people in foster care – this included items such as oodies, comic books and specialist art equipment. But that wasn’t everything! As well as individual gifts and goodies, they sent wellbeing advent calendars, festive decorations and activity kits – great for distracting and boredom-busting – paper chains, homemade cards and ward gifts such as jigsaws, art kits, books and board games. Festive season in a box!
(Image: Christmas for CAMHS)
The charity say, ‘It’s never really about the gift itself. For these young people struggling with conditions such as anorexia, psychosis, bipolar disorder and depression, it’s about a glimmer of hope — the knowledge that someone out there cares for them, is thinking of them, and wants them to feel less alone at a very hard time of year to be poorly in hospital. This is why what we do is so important. These fragments of hope and glimmers of joy can, and do, change the course of lives.’
A recipient of the charity’s kindness who was in hospital years before, told them the following and reached out to the charity.
She said: “I was in a CAMHS inpatient unit over the Christmas period when I was 17. While friends were studying for A Levels and passing their driving tests, I was really struggling to keep myself safe and needed to focus on basics like brushing my teeth and eating regularly. Staying in an inpatient unit is a really tough experience for anyone, but Christmas is particularly hard when the pressure to be with family and enjoy the festive period is much higher.”
I wasn’t safe enough to go home overnight yet, so woke up in hospital on Christmas Day. I remember feeling really low that morning, but the unit had received a care package filled with presents which were given to all of us who were there over the Christmas period. I don’t remember what l picked out, or what the other presents were, but I remember feeling like the universe wasn’t such a bad place after all.”
It felt really special that even when I couldn’t care for myself, there were people who did care for me.I hold that memory close to this day and I’m so grateful to Christmas For CAMHS for helping me through a really difficult time.”
I can relate to this person, I was lucky enough that in 2004, we did receive a small gift and I did get some cards from people in hospital with me (I was struggling with bipolar and psychosis at this time but I still remember that lovely feeling of being thought about by the ward staff).
(image: Christmas For CAMHS)
Christmas For CAMHS is a charity extremely close to my heart. This year, they hope to reach their 10,000th child this Christmas. Times are really tough for charities and they need your help to be Father Christmas and his Elves in all of the CAMHS wards in the UK again this year. You can support Christmas for CAMHS by donating online or choosing a gift from their wish list:
Sometimes life feels like a constant effort to keep up. We try to do things the “right” way, to make choices that look successful, to follow what others say will make us happy. Yet inside, many of us still feel anxious, confused, or tired. We wonder why it seems easier for others to find peace or purpose.
Human Design offers a different way to understand yourself. It is not about fixing or changing who you are. It is about learning how you naturally work: your energy, emotions, and ways of making decisions. When you understand this, life can start to feel lighter and more peaceful.
You can get a free Human Design Chart online using your birth details. The chart may look unusual at first, but it gives insight into how you are wired, how you connect with others, what drains you, and what supports your wellbeing.
So much of our mental stress comes from trying to be someone we are not. Human Design can help you see that your way of being is not wrong, it is simply different.
For example, some people are made to act quickly and follow their gut. Others are meant to take time and wait until things feel clear. If you are naturally the second type, trying to rush decisions can create anxiety or pressure. Learning your own rhythm helps you slow down and trust yourself. That simple understanding can calm the mind and reduce self-doubt.
Human Design reminds us that there is no single right way to live. Everyone has a different type of energy and purpose. When we stop comparing ourselves to others, something inside us relaxes.
You may begin to notice when your energy feels low and choose rest instead of pushing through. You might stop blaming yourself for needing quiet time or for feeling different. This acceptance helps reduce guilt and stress, which are heavy weights on mental health.
Another quiet gift of Human Design is how it can improve relationships. We often expect others to think, feel, or react the way we do. But when you understand that people have different emotional patterns and decision styles, it becomes easier to give space and kindness.
You may find more patience with your partner or family. You may notice that certain people energize you while others drain you, and you can make choices that protect your peace. Healthier connections grow from understanding, not control.
Human Design is not a quick fix. It is more like a mirror that helps you see yourself clearly. You can explore at your own pace, and you do not have to believe in anything spiritual to find meaning in it. It is simply a way to understand your patterns and give yourself permission to live more gently.
If you want to explore further, you can look into Human Design Software to study your chart more deeply and learn how your energy works day to day. But even just reading your basic chart can spark a lot of reflection and relief.
Good mental health often begins with acceptance. Human Design invites you to stop forcing yourself to fit an idea of how life “should” be and to start listening to what feels right for you.
When you live closer to your true design, life often feels softer. You react less, you rest more, and you start to trust that your own way is enough. There is no competition in that, just a quiet kind of peace.
In the end, Human Design is simply one more way to understand yourself with kindness. And that kindness, over time, becomes the foundation for healing.
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Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet it is often overlooked until symptoms become overwhelming. Millions of people around the world live with mental health conditions that can affect their mood, thoughts, and behavior. These challenges can interfere with relationships, work, and daily routines, but the good news is that treatment options are more accessible and effective today than ever before.
When individuals understand their condition and seek the right support, they can build healthier coping strategies and regain control of their lives. Two common struggles people face are bipolar disorder and anxiety—both of which can be complicated further when substance use is involved. Exploring recovery options designed specifically for these conditions can open the door to long-term healing.
The Importance of Addressing Mental Health Early
Early recognition of mental health symptoms is critical. Too often, individuals dismiss mood swings, prolonged sadness, excessive worry, or fatigue as “just stress” or “a bad week.” However, these patterns can signal a deeper issue that requires professional support. Addressing mental health concerns at the onset not only improves outcomes but can also prevent the development of secondary challenges such as addiction, chronic stress, or physical health problems.
By taking proactive steps, individuals are more likely to develop resilience and maintain stability over time. Family members, friends, and colleagues also play an important role by offering encouragement and understanding instead of judgment or stigma.
Understanding Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. Characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels, it goes far beyond the typical ups and downs that people experience in daily life. Those with bipolar disorder may experience manic or hypomanic episodes—periods of high energy, impulsivity, and elevated mood—followed by depressive episodes that bring sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities.
Because bipolar disorder exists on a spectrum, its symptoms vary greatly from person to person. This makes individualized care essential. Professional intervention, therapy, and medical management can significantly reduce the intensity and frequency of mood episodes, allowing individuals to lead fulfilling and balanced lives.
For those seeking guidance, comprehensiveBipolar Disorder Treatment programs provide structured support that combines psychotherapy, medication management, and lifestyle strategies to stabilize mood patterns. These programs focus on helping individuals better understand their triggers, strengthen coping mechanisms, and create long-term wellness plans.
The Overlap Between Mental Health and Substance Use
Mental health conditions often coexist with substance use disorders. This dual challenge, known as co-occurring disorders, can complicate both diagnosis and treatment. For example, individuals with bipolar disorder may use drugs or alcohol during manic episodes to maintain their energy or during depressive episodes to numb emotional pain. Similarly, those with anxiety might turn to substances as a form of temporary relief, leading to dependency over time.
The presence of co-occurring disorders makes it critical to find treatment centers that specialize in dual diagnosis. Traditional approaches that treat mental health and substance use separately may fail to address the underlying causes of each condition, resulting in relapse or incomplete recovery. Integrated treatment programs, on the other hand, provide a holistic approach that tackles both issues simultaneously, improving long-term outcomes.
Anxiety and Its Connection to Addiction
Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions worldwide. They can manifest as generalized anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, or phobias. For many, constant worry and fear interfere with work performance, social interactions, and even physical health.
When anxiety is left untreated, individuals often look for ways to escape their symptoms. Unfortunately, this can lead to reliance on alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit substances. While these may provide short-term relief, they create long-term consequences and increase the risk of developing addiction.
To break this cycle, specializedanxiety and addiction treatment programs are designed to address both issues together. These programs typically combine evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and medical support to help individuals identify the root causes of their anxiety while also treating their substance use.
(image: Sydney Rae: Unsplash)
Building a Strong Support System
Professional treatment is only one piece of the recovery puzzle. Having a strong support network can make a tremendous difference in maintaining long-term wellness. Family therapy, peer support groups, and community-based programs help individuals stay accountable while fostering connections that reduce isolation.
Loved ones can also benefit from education and counseling, as understanding mental health conditions makes it easier to provide the right kind of support. Encouraging open conversations about mental health challenges helps break down stigma and creates an environment where healing is possible.
Healthy Lifestyle and Daily Habits
Lifestyle changes play a critical role in managing conditions like bipolar disorder and anxiety. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices can all reduce symptom severity. For example, yoga and meditation help regulate stress, while consistent sleep patterns can stabilize mood swings.
Journaling, creative activities, and spending time in nature are additional strategies that promote mental clarity and emotional balance. While these habits may not replace professional care, they work in tandem with treatment to strengthen resilience.
Long-Term Recovery and Hope
Recovery is not a one-time event—it’s an ongoing process that requires commitment, patience, and self-compassion. Relapses or setbacks may occur, but they don’t mean failure. Instead, they can serve as opportunities to re-evaluate strategies and adjust treatment plans.
The growing availability of specialized programs for conditions like bipolar disorder and anxiety shows that no one has to face these challenges alone. With proper care, individuals can achieve stability, rebuild relationships, and pursue meaningful goals.
Final Thoughts
Mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder and anxiety can feel overwhelming, especially when compounded by substance use. However, effective treatment and recovery programs provide hope and healing. By seeking out resources tailored to specific needs, individuals can find balance and create a foundation for lasting well-being. It is important to be lead by a psychiatrist about medication and treatment when someone also has substance abuse.
No matter how challenging the journey may seem, recovery is always possible. Support, understanding, and professional guidance are the keys to moving forward and embracing a healthier, more fulfilling future.
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