Has my health made me a failure? I seem to think so.

***TRIGGER WARNING*** This is a post primarily about low self confidence and feeling like a failure. The post will talk about general mental wellbeing and the impact of social isolation and loneliness, chronic pain, disability, depression and suicidal ideation. Although there are ideas for managing, please only read on if you feel strong enough. IfContinue reading “Has my health made me a failure? I seem to think so.”

AI therapy – Can digital beings really support mental health?

***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?”

Support services and abandonment – Can recovery happen if interventions start with an end?

***TRIGGER WARNING*** This post talks in detail about the current wait times for NHS care, as well as mental health treatments and physical health pathways. The post will touch on suicidal thoughts and the effect of delays in crisis care. Please only read on if you feel strong enough. You can find more information on mental healthContinue reading “Support services and abandonment – Can recovery happen if interventions start with an end?”

Grey pride – finding positive body image and the importance of passing it on

In the grand scheme of our collective mental health, one thing is true – self acceptance and self love are critical in any successful recovery and overall happiness. The way we perceive our reflection and our happiness with what faces us directly impacts our confidence both at home and in the outside world. In myContinue reading “Grey pride – finding positive body image and the importance of passing it on”

Is ‘fake care’ STRICTLY helping? How BBC prime time is handling its mental health emergency.

Twenty years of Strictly Come Dancing have gone pretty fast. When the show started I had relatives who are now long gone, my hair certainly looked darker, and I was still a confident woman in her twenties. Strictly was a small reality show with a pensioner for a presenter. I imagine they used fake crystalsContinue reading “Is ‘fake care’ STRICTLY helping? How BBC prime time is handling its mental health emergency.”

Awkward conversations – our discomfort could save lives

***TRIGGER WARNING*** This post will talk about the impact of mental illness, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, and lives lost to suicide. There will also be comments about potentially triggering language and events. Please only read on if you feel able to. For help and support with any of these issues, please visit my mental healthContinue reading “Awkward conversations – our discomfort could save lives”

Crap poem 58 – How I felt before the election

Hi everyone, and welcome to another Crap Poem as part of the COPE campaign. I wrote a post recently about my frustration with all parties over their handling of the election campaign from a disabled persons perspective. That frustration should have died down after I put my metaphorical pen to paper, instead it grew andContinue reading “Crap poem 58 – How I felt before the election”

Inequality and Marginalization: Mental Health and Disability in the General Election

***TRIGGER WARNING*** This post will talk about mental illness and disability and the effect the general election is having on these communities. I will mention the frustration caused by cultural bias and marginalisation. Please only read if you feel strong enough. For help with mental health and other issues please visit my get support page.Continue reading “Inequality and Marginalization: Mental Health and Disability in the General Election”

Should Mental Health Awareness last more than a week (and be more uncomfortable)?

***TRIGGER WARNING*** This post talks about mental health, mental illness and suicide. Although no specific details are shared, please only read on if you feel strong enough and safe enough to do so. For help and support please visit my mental health and suicide prevention support lines page. Ask for help rather than reading onContinue reading “Should Mental Health Awareness last more than a week (and be more uncomfortable)?”

Health support services – helpful tool or additional trigger?

***TRIGGER WARNING*** This post talks in detail about the current wait times for NHS care, as well as mental health treatments and physical health pathways. The post will touch on suicidal thoughts and the effect of delays in crisis care. Please only read on if you feel strong enough. You can find more information forContinue reading “Health support services – helpful tool or additional trigger?”