What is social anxiety? Social anxiety is a difficulty where a person has an intense fear in social situations where they may be scrutinised by others. This fear can be very distressing, and may seem out of proportion to others. Often, the person is worrying about the judgement from others, and has an image inContinue reading “What is social anxiety?”
Category Archives: Anxiety
Looking after your mental health over Christmas
For many, Christmas is a very joyous time of year. It is synonymous with food, warm drinks, presents, time with family and friends, as well as a small break from work! However, for some, it can be a rather difficult period, as it is common for numerous people to have mental health struggles exacerbated overContinue reading “Looking after your mental health over Christmas”
What is imposter syndrome and how is it related to self-esteem?
What is imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome is the experience of lacking confidence in your own abilities and feeling like a fraud. This is coupled with the internalised fear that others will realise you’re not as skilled or competent as they thought. Although imposter syndrome is not a mental disorder listed in the diagnostic manuals, itContinue reading “What is imposter syndrome and how is it related to self-esteem?”
What are grounding techniques?
What are grounding techniques, and do they help? Grounding is a name given to exercises that can help to bring relief from high states of panic and anxiety or flashbacks of traumatic experiences. They can help orientate us back to the ‘here and now’, so that our minds are not stuck ruminating on past experiencesContinue reading “What are grounding techniques?”
How is our gut related to our mental health?
Many people with mental health issues, particularly anxiety and panic disorders, experience gut problems. For example, loss of appetite, stomach pains and Irritated Bowel Syndrome (IBS) are the most commonly discussed. This is because there is a link between our mind and gut. The Enteric Nervous System (also known as our second brain located inContinue reading “How is our gut related to our mental health?”
Going back to work and our mental health
During the summer many of us have enjoyed some time off. Be it a trip abroad, a festival weekend or a week relaxing at home, taking a break is vital. Now, for most people, they have returned to work. Undoubtedly, this can be a tricky time, re-establishing a work ethic, a routine, and opening ourselvesContinue reading “Going back to work and our mental health”
Perfectionism and low self-esteem
How does perfectionism and low self-esteem work together? Perfectionism is observed when a person sets themselves very high standards, which are often difficult to meet. When the standards are inevitably not met, this can lead to feelings of failure. In turn, this can result in low self-esteem and feeling anxious and depressed. Alternatively, the veryContinue reading “Perfectionism and low self-esteem”
Back to school: Young people’s mental health
A guide for parents It’s that time again! As the first week of being back at school comes to a close, everyone is fully in ‘back to school’ mode. Preparing for the year ahead is an important experience and a good habit to get into, as for anyone going into a new job role orContinue reading “Back to school: Young people’s mental health”
How is sleep related to our mental health?
In previous blogs, we have touched on the importance that sleep has on our mental and physical wellbeing, but not in a lot of detail. And it is true, sleep is absolutely vital as it serves several purposes. Firstly, it filters through the information our brains have collated and disposes of the unnecessary ‘junk’. ThisContinue reading “How is sleep related to our mental health?”
Mindfulness and mental health
What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is simply the ability to stay within the present. When feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious (and especially if these feelings are reoccurring) it can help to re-establish where, who and how you are in the present moment. By improving your awareness of thoughts and feelings, you are less likely to becomeContinue reading “Mindfulness and mental health”