What Are Panic Attacks? Panic Attack Awareness is this month, but what are they? Panic attacks are intense but brief waves of fear or anxiety that tend to last between five and twenty minutes although they may last longer. They cause physical symptoms such as racing heartbeat, breathlessness, sweatiness, or dizziness. Panic attacks are [...]
What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Despite being fairly common, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD for short) doesn’t often get discussed. With this year’s National Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Day on July 24th, it’s a good time to explore more about this mood disorder. SAD is similar to low mood or depression. However, whilst depression is [...]
What Is Anxiety? Everyone feels anxious sometimes. Anxiety is a natural response to threats so it’s normal to find our anxiety increasing at the time of difficult life events or when we experience challenges. However, anxiety can become problematic when it seems out of proportion to the situation we’re facing. It’s also unhelpful when [...]
Maternal Mood Disorders Pregnancy is generally considered a period of emotional well-being for the woman and her family. However, for some women, pregnancy and the post-partum period are times of increased vulnerability to mental health disorders. Pregnancy and motherhood can lead to disturbed sleep, change in appetite, decreased energy, irritability, and worries. [...]
What Is OCD? OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is an anxiety disorder. It can affect anyone of any age and background. People with OCD tend to experience obsessions and compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions can be distressing, time-consuming and impact daily life. Obsessions refer to intrusive thoughts or images that frequently arise in the mind of [...]
Are you experiencing mental, emotional, or physical tension resulting from a difficult or very demanding circumstance in your life? Are you suffering from anxiety, fear, anger, or sadness? If so, there’s a good chance you’re experiencing STRESS. WHAT IS STRESS? Stress is our body’s reaction to pressure. There are a plethora of situations or [...]
What is Self Harm? Mental health struggles can look like anxiety, depression, mood swings, delusions, hallucinations, etc. These moments may feel like it is impossible to move forward or to feel better. When this is the case, the mental anguish can be so painful that some feel they must distract themselves with something easier [...]
What Is Valentine’s Day? Self-Care Practices for Valentine's Day Valentine’s day originated as an early Christian festival. However, in many parts of the world February 14th has now become a yearly celebration of romance and love. As Valentine’s day approaches, messages of romantic love are easy to come across. We might walk past a [...]
COPING WITH STRESS AND BURNOUT Prevention Tips for an Unpredictable World A well-known phrase is used when describing something as fixed and for certain – “death and taxes.” Not exactly an idyllic point of view that evokes much positivity, is it? As foreboding [...]
What is Social Anxiety? Social anxiety is more than nervousness around people. Most people feel a bit anxious in some social situations, such as at a job interview or on a first date. However, social anxiety is a diagnosable condition. It is characterised by someone feeling an overwhelming fear of social situations or interacting [...]
