***TRIGGER WARNING*** This is a post primarily about the use of AI as a therapy tool, which should be considered with caution. The post will talk about general mental wellbeing and the impact of social isolation and loneliness. Please only read on if you feel strong enough. If you or someone you know is inContinue reading “AI therapy – Can digital beings really support mental health?”
Tag Archives: Agoraphobia
Indoor sadness – how to keep on top of mental health when you’re housebound
When I used plan taking a day off at home I’d fantasise over multiple milky coffees, biscuits and cheese, leaving the Disney Channel on constant and ignoring my phone. This type of day is what most people imagine a housebound person is happily experiencing on a permanent basis. The reality is very different. Whatever theContinue reading “Indoor sadness – how to keep on top of mental health when you’re housebound”
Understanding Agoraphobia in Today’s Political Landscape
The world is not a pleasant place at the moment. Now, I have no idea if my brain is over-inflating the problems I’m seeing in the news and allowing them to impact my ability to be socially ‘normal’, but I can’t remember a time in my 43 years when I was more afraid of everythingContinue reading “Understanding Agoraphobia in Today’s Political Landscape”
Confidence, disability and fashion
Working out how I disguise myself into what the public perceives as ‘normal’ in preperation for my first footsteps outside in nearly 3 years. As someone who’s chosen to start a trial of wearing white during the same month that my nose started bleeding everytime my dog wags her tail, it’s safe to say myContinue reading “Confidence, disability and fashion”
Agoraphobia update – why do I dread graded exposure?
Let’s start with the obvious question – no, graded exposure is not an experiment where I slowly take off my clothes in front of other people, although that does sound easier than what’s being asked of me. Graded exposure is a form of therapy for people with phobias or phobic tendencies. You may have seenContinue reading “Agoraphobia update – why do I dread graded exposure?”
The start of my attempt at Agoraphobic recovery
Although this website focuses mainly on the positive impact creativity can have on both mental and physical health, the interest in my personal story tends to focus instead on one element of my many challenges – not leaving home for 986 days. To briefly explain, what started as a number of problems mobilising myself physicallyContinue reading “The start of my attempt at Agoraphobic recovery”
The challenges of a chronic Christmas
It’s Christmas time, that’s for sure, but sadly there’s plenty to be afraid of. As with every year, I found myself watching Christmas movies way back in November. Not only did they make me feel festive, they made me THINK festive too. But as the weeks flew by, and I gradually drudged through a pileContinue reading “The challenges of a chronic Christmas”
Even when I win, I lose. Mental illness and being awarded.
Before I start this post I’d like to make something clear. I’m incredibly grateful to have received the recognition I have and to be amongst some incredible winners who have achieved brilliant things for those living with poor mental health. I highly recommend looking at the other stories of winners if you want a lift.Continue reading “Even when I win, I lose. Mental illness and being awarded.”
Still up – Apple TV release an agoraphobic insomniac dream
With approximately 709 million channels available on my television, I often wonder why on earth I can’t find something to watch. My carefree limited-choice childhood may have been a better way of viewing – four channels were easier to navigate even if it was more restricted. But every now and then a series pops upContinue reading “Still up – Apple TV release an agoraphobic insomniac dream”
Life in a breakdown – my hidden realities of mental illness
****Trigger warning – this post will talk about depression, anxiety, self harm and suicidal thoughts. Please only read on if you feel safe and strong enough to do so. If you need help then my dedicated mental health and suicide prevention support line page has in-depth information with places to call or visit online thatContinue reading “Life in a breakdown – my hidden realities of mental illness”
Creative Steph 