I found Channel 4's programmes last week on mental health absolutely fascinating. It is encouraging that the stigma of mental illness is at last starting to be chipped away at after years of being swept under the carpet, and that we can start to realise that people who have suffered a mental illness can recover, and function really well (often performing better and more creatively than those who have never experienced mental ill health) in society.
In Ruby Wax's programme at the beginning of the week, she disclosed details about her mental illness, and how she had received treatment at the Priory. She then went on to study psychotherapy, and also a relatively new therapy - mindful cognitive behavioural therapy - which she has found a massive help to her. It was discovered that she had had quite a dysfunctional childhood and this may have partly been the cause of her breakdown in later life. She now seems to have found peace of mind, and has the support of a loving family. Ruby was keen to help three people 'come out' to their colleagues about their mental health issues, and it was very moving to see the reactions of their peers, when they told them about their their illness. Most striking was how empathetic and supportive they were, and the admiration and respect they felt for their colleague was palpable.
If we have a physical injury, we do not feel that we have to 'hide' it from others, so why do we need to do this with a mental problem? My belief is that mental illness is much more complex and less understood than physical disorders, and also it is very much bound up with our identity, who we are as a person. By showing ourselves in our true colours, we risk losing that sense of identity, that persona that we want others to see.
However, I think that it is important to be aware that we are made up of different parts, and this multi-dimensionality is what makes us unique. We can be extremely gifted and confident in certain areas, but at the same time can feel distinctly fallible in others. I am not ashamed to say that I have suffered with depression myself at certain times of my life, but it is my belief that this has shaped the person that I am, and I am also much better suited to help others who are suffering from mental illness.
By being open and honest about mental illness, we can really start to break down the taboo that it has had for so long, and - more importantly - give support and encouragement to those who suffer from it.
Best wishes,
Wendy x
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Sunday, 15 July 2012
Eternal youth?
An article I was reading this week talked about two new scientific discoveries which could delay or even reverse the menopause. The first technique involves taking tissue from a woman's ovaries pre-menopause and then freezing it, followed by implantation at a later stage. The second technique uses the woman's stem cells in order to produce revitalised ovarian cells, thus potentially 'growing' new ovaries.
For women who are unable to conceive due to an early menopause, these advances offer significant hope of being able to have a baby. It would also be true to say that many women would welcome not having to endure the side-effects of the menopause, which include mood swings, flagging libido, weight gain, hot flushes and loss of bone density (to name a few!)
As someone who has not yet had to cope with menopausal symptoms, but is rapidly nearing that time, I am not sure that I would want those extra years of so-called youthfulness. I speak from the privileged position of having a completed family, and therefore there are no more yearnings for children, and I do realise that it may be different for women who have not been so lucky. I also understand that some women have to endure the most awful menopause, and for them, foregoing this time in their life would probably be no loss to them.
However, I do think that the menopause marks a stage in a woman's life where she can start to feel much freer, perhaps having packed the last child off to college, maybe considering a new career or hobby, she is able to actively do those things that she wants to do at long last. Some women report to feeling a surge of energy post-menopause and can really start to look after themselves and devote time to enjoying this period of their lives. No longer defined by their womanhood, they can become the person they want to be.
For some I do realise that this time of life can seem daunting and scary, particularly if they were very involved with their families and children. Without this definition of womanhood, they suddenly feel that their bodies, minds and spirits are literally quite empty and so the future is a frightening place.
I feel, however, that this time in a woman's life, can be a real opportunity to change and develop. Throughout life we go through different phases, and by giving positive thought to this particular stage, in particular really looking after one's health through good nutrition and exercise, listening to what our bodies are telling us, and also starting to plan the life that we want, we can really use this time to our advantage.
Hypnotherapy is excellent at helping to deal with menopausal symptoms, and also helps us to connect with our subconscious in order to discover that sense of peace and contentment which we are all seeking.
Medical science is a wonderful thing, but maybe sometimes we need to let nature take its course.
All the best,
Wendy
For women who are unable to conceive due to an early menopause, these advances offer significant hope of being able to have a baby. It would also be true to say that many women would welcome not having to endure the side-effects of the menopause, which include mood swings, flagging libido, weight gain, hot flushes and loss of bone density (to name a few!)
As someone who has not yet had to cope with menopausal symptoms, but is rapidly nearing that time, I am not sure that I would want those extra years of so-called youthfulness. I speak from the privileged position of having a completed family, and therefore there are no more yearnings for children, and I do realise that it may be different for women who have not been so lucky. I also understand that some women have to endure the most awful menopause, and for them, foregoing this time in their life would probably be no loss to them.
However, I do think that the menopause marks a stage in a woman's life where she can start to feel much freer, perhaps having packed the last child off to college, maybe considering a new career or hobby, she is able to actively do those things that she wants to do at long last. Some women report to feeling a surge of energy post-menopause and can really start to look after themselves and devote time to enjoying this period of their lives. No longer defined by their womanhood, they can become the person they want to be.
For some I do realise that this time of life can seem daunting and scary, particularly if they were very involved with their families and children. Without this definition of womanhood, they suddenly feel that their bodies, minds and spirits are literally quite empty and so the future is a frightening place.
I feel, however, that this time in a woman's life, can be a real opportunity to change and develop. Throughout life we go through different phases, and by giving positive thought to this particular stage, in particular really looking after one's health through good nutrition and exercise, listening to what our bodies are telling us, and also starting to plan the life that we want, we can really use this time to our advantage.
Hypnotherapy is excellent at helping to deal with menopausal symptoms, and also helps us to connect with our subconscious in order to discover that sense of peace and contentment which we are all seeking.
Medical science is a wonderful thing, but maybe sometimes we need to let nature take its course.
All the best,
Wendy
Monday, 9 July 2012
Hypnotherapy for OCD
A number of my clients come to me asking for help with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). This can be an extremely disabling, anxiety-based condition which can totally dominate the person's life. It can present as a number of different symptoms and rituals, including:
hoarding, saving and collecting things
an obsession with symmetry
repetition
counting
fear of contamination
cleaning and washing
compulsive tidying/ordering
checking
repeating
touching
It is important to realise that many of us have our little quirks and rituals/ways that we do things, and this is perfectly fine, but it is when the rituals and obsessions totally dominate our life, and make it difficult for us to function that there is a problem.
Hypnotherapy can help the client to start to recognise the OCD as meaningless thoughts/feelings which can be ignored. Gradually, confidence is built once the client finds that he is the one who is in control, and the OCD (just like a bully who soon gets fed up when he does not get the response he is looking for)will start to dissolve away.
The client then experiences that wonderful feeling of strength and freedom, when they realise that they are able to live their lives fully again.
Do contact me on 01449 780352 or 0781 7158429, or you can email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk, if you would like to find out more about how hypnotherapy can help you to overcome OCD and indeed many other anxiety-based conditions.
Best wishes,
Wendy
hoarding, saving and collecting things
an obsession with symmetry
repetition
counting
fear of contamination
cleaning and washing
compulsive tidying/ordering
checking
repeating
touching
It is important to realise that many of us have our little quirks and rituals/ways that we do things, and this is perfectly fine, but it is when the rituals and obsessions totally dominate our life, and make it difficult for us to function that there is a problem.
Hypnotherapy can help the client to start to recognise the OCD as meaningless thoughts/feelings which can be ignored. Gradually, confidence is built once the client finds that he is the one who is in control, and the OCD (just like a bully who soon gets fed up when he does not get the response he is looking for)will start to dissolve away.
The client then experiences that wonderful feeling of strength and freedom, when they realise that they are able to live their lives fully again.
Do contact me on 01449 780352 or 0781 7158429, or you can email me on wendy@wendychalk.co.uk, if you would like to find out more about how hypnotherapy can help you to overcome OCD and indeed many other anxiety-based conditions.
Best wishes,
Wendy
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