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?”
Tag Archives: mental health
Dislocated life – coming to terms with my EDS diagnosis
The last six months have probably been some of the toughest I’ve experienced, certainly from a pain perspective. When I found out in early 2023, that my two Covid infections had left me with POST COVID syndrome, I assumed that most of the answers to my health problems would suddenly become clear. However, not everythingContinue reading “Dislocated life – coming to terms with my EDS diagnosis”
Say hello to Bells Palsy
Although I’m very open about my health you’ll be unsurprised to know there’s an awful lot going on at home that I don’t mention. Why? Well in many cases it’s about privacy for my family. I choose to be open about my story, but it’s not their choice, so I keep some things under wraps.Continue reading “Say hello to Bells Palsy”
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”
Early pregnancy conversations – our body, our choice.
My body, my choice, right? It’s a buzz-phrase but, for me at least, it’s one of the few important ones. As someone who is fully pro-choice, for a myriad of reasons, I’m proud to live in a country where it’s a choice we can all truly make. Let’s face it, for many women around theContinue reading “Early pregnancy conversations – our body, our choice.”
Pocket money – the newest enemy of my financial and mental wellbeing
Two pounds and fifty pence. It went up to £3 when I was twelve years old. You already know I’m referencing something that formed the introduction to financial planning for most of us in the 80’s and 90’s – pocket money. And yes, I started at half of a five pound note (which is howContinue reading “Pocket money – the newest enemy of my financial and mental wellbeing”
Christmas limbo existential crisis
***TRIGGER WARNING*** This post will talk about mental illness, OCD and compulsive behaviour, and how it all affects our mental health. Please only read on if you feel strong enough. Alternatively, for help and support please visit the mental health and suicide prevention support lines page on this website. ***TRIGGER WARNING*** It’s 5am on theContinue reading “Christmas limbo existential crisis”
Obsessive compulsive Christmas
***TRIGGER WARNING*** This post will talk about mental illness, OCD and compulsive behaviour, and how it all affects our mental health. Please only read on if you feel strong enough. Alternatively, for help and support please visit the mental health and suicide prevention support lines page on this website. ***TRIGGER WARNING*** Obsessive compulsive disorder isContinue reading “Obsessive compulsive Christmas”
Body confidence, mental strain and disability
**********TRIGGER WARNING********** This post will talk about weight, health, miscarriage and baby loss and how it affects our mental health. Please only read on if you feel strong enough. Alternatively, for help and support please visit the mental health and suicide prevention support lines page on this website. ********* Hmmm. It feels like I talkContinue reading “Body confidence, mental strain and disability”
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”
Creative Steph 