Welcome back: Our previous article briefly looked into the World of literature on mental health. We considered the early inclusion of mental health literature available to our young minds by viewing Christopher Robin’s friends and his mental state of mind. Leaving the door open for discussion concerning his imaginary friendship was either a coping mechanism or schizophrenia.
Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses literature to support mental health and wellbeing. It involves the use of books, poems, and other written materials to help individuals understand and cope with their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours.
Bibliotherapy can be used in various settings, including schools, libraries, hospitals, and therapy sessions. Words and images in literature and poetry connect us to the past, showing that others have faced and overcome similar experiences. This brings comfort and reassurance that difficult times will eventually pass.
Why do you struggle to resist a sugary snack or struggle with anxiety?
The answer lies in our genes. Our genetic makeup plays an important role in shaping who we are and how we behave. Could it be possible that our genes are responsible for our circumstances?
A healthy mind is essential for overall well-being. It enables us to cope with the challenges of everyday life and maintain a positive outlook. But what does it mean to have a healthy mind?
It goes beyond just being free from mental illness; it encompasses having good mental health and emotional resilience. A healthy mind is characterised by clarity of thought, the ability to manage stress effectively, and the capacity to maintain balanced emotions.
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can go unnoticed until it causes severe health problems. In fact, hypertension affects over 1 billion people worldwide and is responsible for an estimated 7.5 million deaths annually. Understanding the risks of hypertension and how to prevent it is crucial for maintaining good health and longevity.
Continuing with the psychedelic theme, and the potential benefits to mental health have been covered in a previous article and podcast. The key issues were the potential therapeutic benefits, of using these compounds. After all, there was a 40-year pause on psychedelic research following the prohibition of these substances.
Have you ever wondered what the secret to overall good health is?
Turns out, it all starts with your gut.
The gut microbiome is an ecosystem of hundreds to thousands of microbial species living within the body. These populations affect our health, fertility, and even our longevity.
There is increasing evidence that the mixture of microorganisms found in the gut and intestinal tract plays a key role in regulating health. It is central to the digestion of food but has also been linked to the functioning of the immune system, mood and brain function, as well as to a range of conditions, including cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.
Heatwaves are silent killers, and the death toll is often recognised only months after the official figures emerge.
If heatwaves were named as storms to highlight the risk they pose, the dangers would be more widely recognised. Indeed, one in Europe in 2017 got more attention when it was nicknamed Lucifer, which kills many more people each year in the UK than any storm.
Heat exposure has also been linked with an increased risk of death or disability among children, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions and those who are obese.
One of the body’s most influential alarm signals is a headache, which is often a sign of physical or psychological overload. A headache occurs because of a primary or secondary cause.
Globally, it has been estimated that the prevalence among adults of current headache disorder is approximately 50%. Half to three-quarters of adults aged 18–65 worldwide have had a headache in the last year.
Feeling a bit down lately, maintaining a positive mood when life gives us lemons can be challenging. If you are feeling down, there are ways to help yourself feel better. Here are some natural remedies that will help lift your spirits and improve your well-being
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) says "social isolation and loneliness have a detrimental effect on health and well-being".
Some consider loneliness a primary emotion, on a par with fear and anger. For millions of years, survival relied on being part of a gathering; being isolated from your community was dangerous.
But now, a fear of loneliness can keep us in a toxic relationships, unfulfilling jobs, or destructive marriages.
Are you one hundred per cent satisfied with your life? Do you feel your life is fulfilling and full of meaning? Or are there things you gripe about and think you can’t change?
If you feel like you spend your life trying to be happy but never quite getting there, instead of shrugging your shoulders, why not decide to change right now.
The previous year brought us a lot of uncertainty and was definitely a year to be remembered, for better or worse. Try making 2022 more positive to bring you happiness, good mental health and the success you dream of!
Hey, are you listening?
We don’t always listen to our own self-talk or pay attention to the surrounding conversations.
Protecting and nurturing your emotional health is just as important as safeguarding your physical well-being. Being emotionally healthy means understanding and regulating your own emotions, while also recognising and empathising with the feelings of others.
You can engage in many habits regularly, some every day and some now and then, that can help you maintain your mental and emotional health.
Isolation is the “silent killer” affecting an estimated 8 million elders in the U.S., but it is an epidemic that often goes unnoticed and untreated.
On average, 40% of seniors are impacted by the isolation that comes with living alone and the resulting feelings of loneliness, increasing their risk for depression, dementia, and premature death.