Category Archives: Mental Health

I’ve been writing a lot about the importance of Self Esteem, but now I’d like to take a good look at something that is just as important to build on. Self-compassion is a hot topic right now within all aspects of society urging people to look after themselves, especially their bodies with healthy eating andContinue reading “Self-Compassion”

Today I want to talk about Core Beliefs. These are deep seated beliefs that were formed when we were very young or through adolescence. I believe we all have these opinions of ourselves and that they can be both positive and negative. A belief in and of itself is defined as “any cognitive content heldContinue reading “Self Esteem Part 3”

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”