The Petite Psychologist

That's it for 2017 folk! It has just flown by- what a whirlwind of things which feel as though they happened just a week ago. It definitely highlights how important it is to cherish every day, because life moves  so  quickly. I started 2017 with the desire to make big changes in my new job. This was hard, and there were so many points throughout the year when I questioned how it would ever happen. My manager (a Clinical psychologist) seemed uninterested in staff development which was deflating to say the least. Coming into this job from a Masters was not mental stimulating enough for me but I have gradually managed to create some learning opportunities for myself and my colleagues. I cannot wait to be bolder and braver at making way for my needs. I also wanted to make some changes in my personal life, this year. I have had to adjust to being back home. Unlike previous years where I have been at university/school, I have had to put effort into keeping connected, network wi...

It’s no surprise that cold weather and short days are not the greatest motivation to get you out of bed and on a 5k run! But research supports that regular exercise releases chemicals in your body that can make you feel good, boosts your self-esteem, help you to concentrate, improves physical health and  sleep patterns. You might even enjoy the crisp air as well as these benefits (again everything in moderation so avoid obsessive exercise!).  Brave the crowds and browse the stores. Why not pursue some retail therapy and treat yourself to a little some thing too!  Go ice-skating! At this time of year there are a number of outdoor ice-rinks so we might be able to find one local to you. Winter walkies! I adore walking and it is perfect when I feel short on time, energy or motivation. This alternative to a hardcore gym sesh will still work wonders for releasing those endorphins. You can take your family, dog, friend or I tend to go on my own after dinner. Prefer...

Yep I am talking about SELF CARE. It is easy to neglect ourselves during December. While it may feel like the busiest time of the year. it pays to look after number 1. Perhaps when work or social pressures pile up, the routines that normally keep us healthy and happy — are usually the first thing to go amiss.  Also increased stress, eating poorly and drinking too much can also exacerbate issues like stress, anxiety and depression. Please try to take care of yourself — avoid don’t drinking or eating to excess and keep up with your usual routines of exercise and whatever keeps you together during the year.

Accept Who You Are Don’t get hung up on what the Christmas holidays are supposed to be like and how you’re supposed to feel. If you’re comparing your festivities to some movie perfect ideal, they’ll always come up short.  Some of us make people laugh, others cook fantastic meals. Some of us share our lifestyle with the people who live close to us, others live very differently.  I do enjoy socialising but generally in small doses and when I am some where I feel comfortable.  If you have mental health problems, don’t feel pressured to do more than you feel up to. Try to figure out some of your limits and take things as they come. Remember Christmas is just one day of the year! So whether alone or with others this Christmas, celebrate who you are. 

I have been guilty of hiding my feelings -  It’s hard to admit that at such an exciting time of year, you don’t actually feel that great. I used to think that it made me weak, needy or a downer.  But talking about your feelings can improve your mood and make it easier to deal with the tough times.  This helps us to take charge or ‘self-managing’ our mental health and doing what we can to stay healthy.  You may be surprised how others will be able to support you, or they may be able to relate to how you feel. Others may help you come up with practical solutions or simply help you feel less alone. It is helpful to create space for these conversations and also worth identifying who you can speak to about wellbeing.  When I feel overwhelmed I often try to reach out to friends that I trust. I find it reassuring that this also helps others to speak up about their feelings to me too.  Aternatively you may also want to tell a professio...

We are all unique and this diversity is what makes our world awesome!  Here me out... Some of us make people laugh, others cook fantastic meals. Some of us share our lifestyle with the people who live close to us, others live very differently.  If like myself, you have mental health problems, don’t feel pressured to do more than you feel up to. I  do enjoy socialising but in small doses. Learning to say no when we do not feel up to it or asking for support can work wonders. Remember Christmas is just one day of the year! Try not to pressure yourself- you do not owe any one and you deserve to enjoy life however you like. So whether alone or with others this Christmas, celebrate who you are. 

It's the most wonderful time of the yeeeeeeaaaar ... or so the song goes but lets face it Christmas can also be hella stressful.  Keeping up with our mental health during the festive period can be challenging to say the least. I have experienced mental health difficulties for 10 years I am always finding out new ways that may help us to cope.  It can seem frickin' frustrating to not have it all figured out by now, but that is a lesson right there! It is perfectly okay to cope better or worse at different points; we are constantly evolving, have unique  life experiences and our environment is rapidly changing  (hello technology advances and social media!). The festivities may feel as though they threaten the comfort of our routines and add other pressures emotionally, practically and financially Fear not because throughout December I have got your back! I will be suggesting simple tips each day which have a growing evidence base. They are things that hav...