This entry is relevant to the one posted on 17 Feb - checking out the credentials of your therapist and their form of therapy prior to starting sessions. It appears from this article [here] that homeopaths have been offering an ineffective ‘treatment’ for autism for some time. At this point, a government watchdog is making moves designed to make them stop offering it.
Burnout
Burnout is a chronic form of workplace stress that appears to be on the rise. The article [here] describes some symptoms of the condition, as well as two individuals’ experience of it together with some experts’ perspectives. One aspect of the problem seems to be that more and more cuts to funding are occurring as a result of austerity, but both of the individuals seem to have benefited from individual counselling. This other article [here] describes the issue from a millennial’s perspective in terms of the additional stresses that some younger adults have to contend with.
Miscarriage and PTSD
Health services seem to have not always supported people who have experienced a miscarriage well in terms of their psychological care around this loss. This article [here] describes the psychological effects that this loss can have if the person is not properly supported. It also indicates some options for treatment.
Bulimia in men
About 1.5% of women are likely to develop bulimia whereas only 0.5% of men are likely to experience it over the course of their lifetime. As such, the condition is rarer in men. For this reason, it is of interest to learn [here] that the famous sportsman Freddie Flintoff is to discuss his experience of Bulimia in a BBC documentary. Some details of the condition and Flintoff’s story are described in the article.
Checking out your therapist prior to seeing them
Some of the professional titles that mental health workers use are unprotected in law. In other words, it is not defined very well who can use and not use these titles. This video [here] describes the issue. Whilst there are a lot of professional bodies who accredit therapists, a first step is to check that the mental health worker is registered with one of them. You can then research the professional body to check that they accredit a form of therapy that is known to be effective. All therapists should have a description of their qualifications and the professional body with whom they are registered, detailed within their websites. If they do not, my recommendation is to avoid using them.
Smartphone addiction
Smartphones have become essential tools for modern day life. However, this article [here] suggests that almost a quarter of young people are ‘addicted‘ to smartphones. They can become panicky or upset if they are denied access to their phones, and cannot control the amount of time that they spend on them.
Exercise addiction
Regular exercise is generally considered to be good for mental health. There have been a number of previous posts on this blog about the topic. However, this article [here] describes the impact of being addicted to exercise. For example, it can have a negative impact upon relationships and physical health.
The effects of living with undiagnosed autism
Living with an undiagnosed mental health condition can leave the individual feeling different, alienated and misunderstood. This article [here] describes this experience through the eyes of two people who were diagnosed later in life, and it also speaks a little about the condition itself.
Reducing the challenge of Christmas for those with an eating disorder
Christmas can pose an increased challenge for those experiencing an eating disorder due to its focus upon meals. This article {here] offers some guidance for families around how to lower levels of stress for such individuals.
Making sense of patterns in romantic relationships through attachment style
Our early experience in life with parents (and separation from them) has an influence on how we form and maintain relationships (our ‘attachment style’). This can then have an impact in adult romantic relationships, sometimes resulting in patterns. This article [here] descries attachment styles and the impact that they can have. This article [here] has information that may help you to reflect on your attachment style.
Overcoming lower mood in winter
This article [here] outlines five steps that can make someone less inclined to feel low in the winter season.
The effects of stress on the brain
The article [here] describes in some detail the effects of stress on the brain. ‘Biofeedback’ is mentioned in the article which, in my experience, is an older (rather than new) form of therapy that is not currently widely available in England. However, the advice in the article: ‘face your fears, be more active, watch what you drink’ is sound general guidance. The article describes this guidance in a little more detail.
Bigorexia - Seeing yourself as being smaller or less muscular than you actually are
The is an increasing emphasis in young men on having a muscled, toned body. With this pressure, there appears to be an increase in ‘muscularity-orientated disordered eating behaviours’. These involve eating more or differently to gain weight and ‘bulk out’. If left unchecked, this can develop into a ‘body dysmorphia’ where individuals develop a distorted view of their body. The article [here] discusses how an example of this, ‘bigorexia’, can occur where individuals see themselves as being less bulky than they actually are.
What is dyspraxia?
Dyspraxia is a disorder affecting physical co-ordination, for example how well we are able to use a screw-driver or cutlery. It can also affect speech, which of course involves co-ordination, as well. This article [here] talks about the condition. If you want to know more and find out about getting help, this link [here] to a national charity may be helpful.
Intrusive thoughts - A deep dive
We all get intrusive thoughts. These are thoughts that are unwanted and usually seen as being unpleasant. They can trigger behaviors that are an attempt to cope with or counter the thoughts that are termed ‘compulsions’. This article [here] goes into some detail about the nature of these thoughts and offers some tips on how they can be reduced in frequency.
Does mindfulness work?
Mindfulness is well established as a treatment component for many adult health problems. However, this article [here] questions the strength of the scientific evidence behind the approach.
Being 'bipolar'
Getting to sleep earlier
The health benefits of time spent in nature
Postpartum psychosis
This condition is sometimes confused with ‘baby blues’ or postnatal depression. However, it is a much more serious condition that can involve experiencing hallucinations and delusions. This article [here] describes the symptoms relating to the condition and this one [here] describes one mother’s experience of this together with her journey to recovery.