Mental Health Resources

Here are some paid and free mental health resources (UK resources) you may find useful along with some general tips to improve well being.

Paid for services

Free resources - more to come as time permits!

Access on-demand wellbeing courses*

Introduction to Ayurveda
Managing the Monthlies

Rethinking Responses
Breathing & Self-Help

Questionnaires

Nutritional guidance questionnaire*
This will allow me to give you food groups do's and don'ts for you. Complete online or download to complete by hand.

Depression type questionnaire*
Five specific questions to answer
Complete online

*takes you away from this site, although one that belongs to Julie Anne

Free mental health resources & how to improve well being

Seasonal Affective Disorder

With lower levels of natural light during the winter months, those prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can result in disruption to the circadian rhythm - or internal body clock.

Where there is a lack of sunshire the production of seratonin and melatonin in the brain is affected. A lower level of the former is related to depression while the latter is responsible for sleepiness and therefore the feelings and symptoms associated with that state. It is unsurprising that higher levels of melatonin are found in those suffering from SAD.

Typical experiences of SAD sufferers are similar to those with what is known in Ayurvedic terms as "kapha" type depression.

These can be low mood you can't shake off, lack of interest or enjoyment, lethargy and sleepiness during daytime hours, excessive sleeping and trouble getting up in the morning. Weight gain and cravings of "heavy" food types (ask me or complete the guidance questionnaire above) are also typical.

Symptoms can be very mild or severe. They should never be ignored and although complementary therapies can be very helpful and positively impact on the root of many conditions rather than purely immediate symptoms, medical advice from a GP should always be sought in severe cases or if symptoms suddenly change, worsen or last beyond seasonal fluctuations.

In some other cases, which would always be considered severe, feelings of irritability, despair, guilt or worthlessness can be common. Some further advice can be found at pitta type depression.

According to the UK NHS, SAD can be genetic making some individuals more prone to this.

Ways to overcome this include:
- dietary and lifestyle changes including eating habits
- getting outdoor for increased exposure to natural light
- stress reduction measures
- follow advice for "pitta" and/or kapha advice according to your symptoms. (You are welcome to discuss this)

And...did you know that seeds are natural producers of seratonin? Incorporating some seeds into your diet as healthy snacks eaten alone, on/in cereal or porridge, desserts or salads can be very helpful albeit the seratonin content is not as high as that found in prescription medications. You can consume whichever ones you enjoy most, although pumpkin and sunflower seeds are particularly good.

My Wellbeing Week

This weekly progress form asks ten simple questions for you to note your answers to. It is in a simple format and designed to be a simple record of achievements, positive actions, goals and reflections. The aim is to help you reflect on events and acknowledge positive steps you have taken to maintain and improve your overall well being.

This is similar to what is sometimes called journaling which can sound daunting either because you are worried about time, don't feel confident about your writing or you just don't like it!

Well, this is a simple way around it. Why bother to do this, you ask?
- Writing things down can help express things we don't want to say
- Seeing your written words can help organise your thoughts and put things into perspective
- It makes things easier to remember and reflect on later to see how much progress you have made
- Gives you an outlet for any stress etc by allowing you to express it safely when you need to.

Any submissions will be private and not viewed by anyone other than yourself unless you expressly request this for any reason.

Sign in/register to access this (no cost involved)

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Mental Health Resources