In challenging the stigma associated with mental illness, I’ve vowed to be as open and honest about my very real battle with it. I should not be ashamed, although it does make me want to […]
The Depression Diaries: An apology to my body
Dear Body, I’m sorry that I still don’t love you. I’m sorry that sometimes I can’t bear to look at you. As summer approaches, and everyone shows more skin, it makes me wonder what everyone […]
Mental Health A-Z: T is for Top telly to watch when you’re depressed
As I’m curled up on the sofa in the clutches of depression once more, in the onesie that I haven’t got out of for three days (yes, onesies are back – spread the word (did […]
The Depression Diaries: The secrets of self-harm
If I could go back a change one moment of my life, it would be the first time I self-harmed. If I knew at the time that this one small cut would be the start […]
The Depression Diaries: 365 Days Later…
So much can change in a year. If you told me one year ago I’d be where I am now I would have laughed in your face hysterically, until the hysterical laughter became hysterical tears, […]
The Depression Diaries: Suicide and Me
In the UK and ROI in 2013 there were 6,708 suicides. According to Samaritans; since 2007, the start of the recession, the rates of suicide have risen to their highest for over 30 years. In […]
How to get over Blue Monday (and any other day you feel depressed)
Blue Monday is over everyone! For those of you who don’t know what Blue Monday is, apparently, it’s the most depressing day of the year. Post-holiday blues, combined with debt from Christmas, going back to […]
A Different Kind of Christmas: Mental Health
Christmas is ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. For many the thought of Christmas conjures up images of mince pies, mulled wine, sitting cosily around the fire; this is not the case for everyone. […]
MENTAL HEALTH A-Z: D is for Depression
Although it’s one of the most common mental illnesses, the misconceptions about depression are still prevalent and helping to contribute to the overall stigma that surrounds it. Everyone feels down in themselves from time to […]
“Why should my depression define me?” The Germanwings plane crash and the stigma of mental illness
It’s incredibly hard to put into words what mental illness means to me. I’ve tried more times than I can count, through years of therapy and stammered attempts at explanations to others, but the truth […]
Mind Matters – The confusion of diagnosis
A recent study on the biological mechanisms of psychiatric disorders has revealed that schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and major depression share several biological mechanisms. The study attracted 60,000 participants and was a collaboration between hundreds […]
Crossing the rocky road towards fair mental health treatment
Society always seems to tread a fine line when dealing with mental health issues. It’s almost like we want to say we’re helping people but just can’t make the leap to actually doing it. Sure, […]