Category Archives: Mental Health

In my last post, we looked at what self esteem is and how it can effect relationships. I left you with an exercise to try. I wonder how many of you actually did it or at least tried? Some of us would find that exercise very difficult and maybe even impossible right now. That’s okay.Continue reading “Self-Esteem Part 2”

I just want you to know that I worked and continue to work through my mental health struggles with several mental health professionals. I do not do it alone! There are exercises and books I read on my own, but I always have help if I need it. Working through some of the exercises canContinue reading “Prelude to Self Esteem”

Self stigma occurs when we lock up our feelings and thoughts about ourselves so nobody else can perceive them because we are afraid of what people will think. We believe our feelings are shameful and therefore we walk within a dark shadow on a circular road that never ends. We isolate, avoid eye contact, shutContinue reading “Self Stigma and Shame”

What is stigma? “A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person” according to Oxford Languages. Why is there stigma around Mental Illness? We only need to think about that for a little while and we’re faced with representations of “crazy” from movies and the past (insane asylums). But, why is itContinue reading “Why all the Stigma?”

Mindfulness has become a mainstream intention over the last couple of years and is used in all kinds of general adaptations that bring people a full life. It is also used in Mental Health. What is mindfulness? In my own words, mindfulness is being present in the moment, observing our thoughts, feelings and actions withoutContinue reading “Mindfulness”

I’ve done a lot of work with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). There is no easy way through this type of therapy; it is just plain hard work! I’m not saying other types of therapy aren’t hard work, they are; I just want to acknowledge to myself and to you howContinue reading “Changing Your Feelings”

I believe that one of the best ways to change your feelings is to first accept them. It is a true gift to be able to accept this dichotomy. It takes a lot of hard work, focus and non-judgmental thinking practice to really accept my negative feelings. Fear, Rage and Sadness can be overwhelming andContinue reading “Accepting Your Feelings”

From my experience with my own mental health struggles and interacting with others who also struggle, beating yourself up is a common characteristic among us. It is also one of the most damaging. Often we are chastising ourselves for having the feelings we are experiencing. Have you ever questioned your own feelings in comparison withContinue reading “Don’t Beat Yourself Up”

According to the American Psychiatric Association: Mental illnesses are health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking or behavior (or a combination of these). Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities. You are not alone. You are not your illness/disease. It’s okay not to be okay. Before youContinue reading “What is Mental Illness?”