October 10, 2019
Today is World Mental Health Day and the theme this year is suicide prevention.
According to the Samaritans, last year in the UK 6507 deaths by suicide last year. This marks a rise of 11% from previous years. Men are currently 3 times more likely to die as a result of suicide and this is highest amongst men aged between 45 - 49 years old. If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of harming themselves please make an urgent appointment with your GP and ask for help.
There are also charities which can offer support. These can be found on the
useful contacts sheet. Please feel free to share this with anyone you feel needs it.
Posted by K Clark. Posted In : Asking for Help
January 3, 2019
Posted by K Clark. Posted In : Managing Stress
July 9, 2018
With the temperatures soaring across the UK, it's important for those who live with ongoing health issues to take extra care. Below are some simple suggestions for helping you to achieve this.
For up to date weather information and forecasts check the
Met Office website. There is also useful advice on coping with a heatwave on
NHS Choices.
Posted by K Clark. Posted In : Managing Stress
May 18, 2018
Posted by K Clark. Posted In : Managing Stress
May 9, 2017
The theme for this years Mental Health Awareness Week centres around the theme of surviving or thriving. To me, I view this concept as the difference between having just enough or the bare minimum to stay alive and creating the best conditions for life and being able to flourish.
In mental health these are powerful concepts as illnesses, such as depression and schizophrenia, can rob the individual of the motivation to live the best life they can and many function at a level where they are jus...
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Posted by K Clark. Posted In : Self Confidence
November 1, 2016
As the seasons change and we move towards winter many people can struggle with their mood and motivation. This is in part due to changes in light levels and intensity. Also many find the run up to Christmas stressful and we are often more prone to winter bugs like flu. This is why it is important to make an extra effort to be kind to yourself and take extra care of your mental and physical wellbeing.
1. Sunlight & light therapy
During the winter months the days will shorten in the lead up t...
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Posted by K Clark. Posted In : Building Structure
October 10, 2016
Each year the events for World Mental Health Day are focused around a different theme. This year the theme is of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and hopes to raise awareness of the value of emotional and psychological supportive interventions during a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster or serious incident. The aim of this approach was to reduce the impact of these events and therefore reduce the chances of people developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The thinking behind...
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Posted by K Clark. Posted In : Managing Stress
June 2, 2016
Many people who experience issues with their mental health find morning times difficult. This could be due to medication side effects, low mood or anxiety or a general lack of energy and motivation. Below are some ideas to help you to improve your morning times and establish healthier habits.
The foundations to getting a morning of to a good start are laid down in your night routine. Getting to bed and asleep by a reasonable hour (ideally before midnight) will help to give you the energy yo... Continue reading...
Posted by K Clark. Posted In : Building Structure
May 26, 2016
According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, as many as 1 in 5 of us will experience depression during our lifetime. Depression, in the medical sense, is not just feeling a bit low or sad from time to time. This is very normal and we all experience some fluctuations in our moods over time. Depression is a condition where the person will experience persistent low mood over a period of time, for some it may be months or even years.
They may notice changes to their appetite, and consequenti...
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Posted by K Clark. Posted In : Building Structure
May 19, 2016
As we approach the summer months many students will be preparing for exams. Exams can be a source of great anxiety so learning to manage your anxiety in an exam situation will help you to perform your best. Below are some tips you can practice to help you manage exam nerves.
1. Breathing exercisesWhen you feel your anxiety levels rising take a few moments out to refocus on your breathing. Place your hand on your tummy as this can help you feel more connected with your breath. Inhale through... Continue reading...
Posted by K Clark. Posted In : Managing Stress
I am experienced mental health worker with 15 years experience working with young people and adults with enduring mental health needs. I have set up this blog to share some of the tips and skills I have learnt along the way. If you have any suggestions or particular questions you would like me to answer feel free to email me at [email protected]
