From the LLTTF Blog
Does the time of year affect your mood and wellbeing
There is a growing knowledge about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) more often referred to as SAD! For some of us we may relate well to this term because that’s how we start to feel as the sun gets lower, the days get shorter, and the dark evenings come upon us. But what does this all mean? Well, for some people the autumn and winter months bring with it a feeling very similar to depression the main difference being SAD symptoms mainly occur in the winter months.
World Kindness Day
The 13th of November marks World Kindness Day and the theme for the year 2023 is a powerful reminder – “Be Kind Wherever Possible” -it’s easy to get involved. Simply look for opportunities to share kindness today and every day, and show care and compassion for others-...
Suicide – when people feel so bad they can’t go on
We are encouraging everyone to talk to someone who may be feeling vulnerable and low. Or to reach out for help if you are feeling that way yourself. If you’re reading this, it might be you are thinking about yourself or someone you know who has experience of suicidal...
Growing for wellbeing
Anytime is a good time to go outdoors. Summer is often an opportunity to get outdoors more often and enjoy as much of the good weather as we can. Not only is a bit of sunshine and fresh air good for us, but it is a great idea to dedicate time to nurturing plants, connecting with nature, and shutting off from our busy lives for a while and it also helps us to foster a sense of community, if tending to community gardens and allotments.
Dealing with Negative Thinking
Bad thoughts are the kind of thoughts that actually CAUSE bad feelings. They also often cause you to starting acting in unhelpful ways that makes how you feel even worse. Bad thoughts are really common and affect everyone- but at times when we feel under pressure, stressed or low they become more frequent, and also harder to put out of mind. Beat bad thoughts and you’ll feel better. Bad thoughts are also known as unhelpful thinking styles. Here are some examples to help you spot when your thinking isn’t helpful.
Being Thankful
The last few years of living alongside coronavirus, uncertainty around the war in Ukraine and the rising cost of living has made things we previously took for granted seem so much more valuable and precious. While we are all enjoying a more normal way of life than a...
Overcoming Shyness
In this blog we discuss how to deal with ‘Shyness’ which is described as a feeling of anxiety or apprehension when around other people. Someone who is shy typically judges themselves negatively and may feel judged or fear rejection when around others. This may focus on how they look, our abilities or performance, or how we look so they feel different from and inferior to others.
Dental Fear
Having a fear of anything can at times make life difficult. If that fear happens to be of the dentist, then oral health can seriously suffer as a result. A fear of the dentist could stem from a previous bad experience or maybe the fear stems from panic or worry that treatment will be painful, and you won’t cope. Read our blog about dealing with dental fear here.
World Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month (MMHA).
Perinatal mental health (PMH) is the emotional and psychological wellbeing of women during pregnancy and the first year after the birth of their baby. There are a range of mental health problems that may affect women during this period, such as depression, anxiety and other mental health problems such as postpartum psychosis. Perinatal mental health problems can have a significant and long-term impact on the woman, the child, and the wider family especially if left untreated. The woman may be supported by specialist teams during pregnancy or after the birth of their baby.
Some tips on staying happy
How often do you think about your emotional well-being? It’s worth assessing your emotional health regularly. Consider the particular demands or stresses you are facing and how they are affecting you. Give yourself permission to take a break from your worries and concerns. Recognise that dedicating even a short time every day to your mental fitness and happiness can reap significant benefits in terms of feeling rejuvenated and more confident.