Tag: mental health

Wellbeing in Colder Months

Posted on by T. Maxwell-Harrison

Wellbeing is the state of being comfortable, healthy or happy. Welfare of individuals is important year round but more so when the sun sets earlier during the autumn, rising later in the morning, leaving people in the dark most of the time.

This can have a significant impact on… you guessed it, mental health. With reduced daylight hours we can suffer from vitamin d deficiency – a crucial vitamin made in the body when skin is exposed to sunlight. This can result in depression and other mental health symptoms, like anxiety.

You can read more about vitamin d, and how you can raise those levels here on the NHS site: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d/

For many the darker days bring the feeling they want to comfort themselves. Maybe the lack of light, or lack of social interaction, the cold or even a general unhealthy diet can make it more difficult to get through.

Did you know that social interaction and a close-knit society can help depression?

This is the number 1 wellbeing tip I recommend for you. Science has studies on this.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7815303/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2860146/

There seems to be a lot of emphasis on other areas of life when it comes to wellbeing and staying happy. A good wellbeing plan might incorporate exercise, healthy eating and a regular sleep schedule for instance. But it might also lack any indication of a social interaction time.

I’ve touched before on how people can interact in more than one way. Notable is the of social media, video calling software both on phones and computers and just a general increased connectivity in the world. However, on the other end we also have seen numerous people talking about the increased isolation, depression and general mental health problems as a result of people not interacting, despite the increased connectivity. It could mean that face to face interaction is more effective. I believe this is the case, as seeing people in person is usually more rewarding than receiving a video of each other doing things and then simply talking about it over a call.

Having a pet that can interact will no doubt help you battle feelings of isolation. There is no need to feel isolated though.

Having a healthy eating plan, a regular sleep schedule, daily exercise and getting up and getting the early sun are basic methods to keep wellbeing stable. To take it further you could indulge in those feel good things you enjoy, like hot bubble baths, hot cocao beneath a thick blanket in the evenings, watching a movie alone or better yet going to the cinema with someone.

Take it from me that a GOOD WELLBEING PLAN will do you a world of good this autumn and winter. With increasing prices it is highly likely that the majority of people will not be doing much at all.

There are those will money though who will simply continue to go on expensive holidays and buy ridiculous priced items whilst the rest suffer though.

Try making a wellbeing plan today. Or share some tips below in the comments for everyone to try! Here are some things I like to do.

  • Watching a movie beneath a thick blanket with hot drink
  • Watching travel videos of hot countries
  • Reading and writing
  • Going to bed early and reading in bed
  • Walking in the early mornings or trying to get out at least once a day for a ‘leisure’ walk
  • Eating healthy
  • Contacting people
  • Painting
  • Playing video games (helps me feel connected, and works for me)

Your Healing is My Healing & Other News

Posted on by T. Maxwell-Harrison

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week

https://mentalhealth-uk.org/get-involved/mental-health-awareness-days/world-mental-health-day-2022/#:~:text=World%20Mental%20Health%20Day%202022%20World%20Mental%20Health,1%E2%80%99%20when%20it%20comes%20to%20your%20mental%20health.

After World Mental Health Day 2022 yesterday, how are you feeling today? I myself have struggled with elements of mental health and poor wellbeing, and at times to the point I could not get out of bed. At the moment I am doing okay, getting through each day, using a new medication which is aiding sleep. See what I did there? I talked about how I feel, and what is happening. The only difference with this is that it is online so you can only respond through comments, not vocalisation! The takeaway? Get together with someone and talk! Talk about anything and anything. Address how you both feel if needed and develop and grow. Need support? Go get it.

With so many people struggling it is not something I am happy to look over when I post. That is why I started this post by talking about mental health. Irregardless of the last two years people have always struggled.

Now onto some recent events in the world. I’ll throw in some interesting pieces too. The biggest news in Eastern Europe is the ongoing war in Ukraine. Russia’s invasion since February has proved to be a huge media sensation. But as us Brits sleep safely in our warm beds; how many children will sleep soundly as bombs drop over their home city of Kyiv?

https://kyivindependent.com/news-feed/four-explosions-reported-in-kyiv ~ The Kyiv Independent. Supporting independent journalism in Ukraine.

More news from Eastern Europe. Our Latvian brethren consider Estonia to be the friendliest nation.

Latvians regard Estonia as the friendliest nation

But did you know that the happiest country in the world is actually now Finland? Yes, it is. It used to be Denmark, but Denmark now falls into second place.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2022/03/18/ranked-the-20-happiest-countries-in-the-world-in-2022/?sh=78ad1a2335d5

More development news for Estonia as the Eu now pledges €354 million to boost the economy.

The EU to support Estonia’s poorest region with €354 million

Well, talking about economy. Did you know the biggest cheese producer in the world is actually Denmark? Everyone thinks the Swiss are, but they are not!

Estonia the seventh-largest cheese producer in the world per capita

Germany just celebrated its Oktoberfest! It is the largest of its kind in the world. Go to the site below to see next year’s adventures!

https://www.oktoberfest.de/en

Crisis off the coast for these boat dwellers as rescue teams called out!

https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2022/oct/06/more-than-90-people-rescued-from-seas-off-greek-islands-video

Well thanks for sticking with me. Those articles were what I found the most interesting over the last few days. I’d be interested to go down to the beer fest just for the sake of gathering intel for my posts! Pictures and all!

The book I am reading at the moment is Lee Childs Jack Reacher: Never go Back. They made two movies starring Tom Cruise based on this character.

As far as books go it is okay and easy to read and I am interested to know what happens to the character. If anything, it helps me relax.

Have a great day. Comment below with your struggles with mental health, and how you feel if you want to. Let us know what news caught your attention and what you want to see more of in the world!

Every Day is a Fresh Start!

Posted on by T. Maxwell-Harrison

Welcome! How are you today? I am good, thank you! – English

Willkommen! Wie geht’s? Mir geht es gut, danke! – German

Прошу. Як справи? – Ukrainian

Laipni lūdzam. Kā jums klājas? – Latvian

With that random introduction I hope you are all well, sincerely. With time nowadays going slower – most likely due to it being beautiful autumn – I feel as if I can do more.

I am on some new medication to help with mental health. During this time in my life, I obviously need them. I was hesitant to mention this but why not? People struggle sometimes and you should not be afraid to talk about how you feel or your mental health! Good wellbeing is important to maintaining a positive mindset. Mindfulness and meditation can assist, as can healthy eating and exercise. Social interaction is important too. Allow your body and mind to heal any way you can. The downside is that I am slightly tired during the day – due to the sedating effects – although I take it at night.

My poem today is called Fresh Start. I hope it echoes my ambitions for the future. This year has gone by fast. We are already in October! 

Plant the seed and watch her grow
power of the mind and I'm letting go
see her stem rise and the sun on her leaf
I can imagine, she'd be good to meet
her bright lit surface and rooted ground
she is growing, I am coming down
now she is high, reaching the sky
I am so glad, we can begin again.

Thanks for reading. If you liked then comment and like and reblog!

If you want to learn something new then consider using the internet! I say this as during the darker months keeping your mind active can make all the difference. I found some great sites to learn languages, for example; Lingoda and Pimsleur. Both offer language courses for a price each month.

Every day is a fresh start! Why not change every… single… day? Do something different every day. With the exception of some work which I would imagine involves some repetition. 😂😎

LEarn Something New!

Posted on by T. Maxwell-Harrison

How long does it take to learn a new language for example? Check out this site: https://www.babbel.com/en/magazine/how-long-learn-language#:~:text=Here%20are%20a%20couple%20of%20languages%20from%20each,%2888%20weeks%29%2C%20Chinese%20%2888%20weeks%29%2C%20Japanese%20%2888%20weeks%29

It indicates different languages to learn and expected time. French is considered easier than German.

I think learning something new should be fun! I chose languages as the first part of this post since I find it the most fun thing to do. It allows you to become engrained into foreign culture and at the same time you are able to learn to speak and communicate in that language.

New skills. Lots of suggestions here: https://www.developgoodhabits.com/new-skills-to-learn/#:~:text=General%20Skills%20to%20Learn%20%28The%20FUN%20and%20USEFUL,your%20life.%20You%20…%202%202.%20Speed%20Reading.

Apparently it takes six months or longer to learn a new skill. This is nothing to be afraid of but instead to enjoy. Why rush? The above site provides tons of things. From writing, languages, reading skills, painting, art and craft, dancing, musical instruments, design, crafting clothing, making things, photography and more!

Combined the idea is to learn something new whilst enjoying yourself. It is not productive to focus on something you don’t like. Although if you push yourself and focus and study etc., then you will likely come to enjoy it.

As we age our brains don’t really learn like they did as children. A healthy mind is an active mind. You learn by doing, and doing so helps improve those brain connections. You can experience improved well-being, happiness, reduced stress, improved memory and confidence, feeling more well rounded, and finding it easier to interact with others. It may also help you more into a new career, or to progress in your career, or to help people.

https://symondsresearch.com/benefits-of-adult-learning/

Learning a new language might help you to do some volunteering for a charity who supports refugees for example. It could also help you become a translator. One of the best thing you can do is learn something new, something you’ve never experienced before.

Learning doesn’t mean just skills though. It means anything that challenges you to experience new things. Going to a new place, learning the routes and then coming away having learned them is a learning experience. Interacting with new people, speaking to them and learning names is a different kind of learning but still useful. If you have anxiety then this is particularly good to help your brain relearn how to socialise for example if you were unable before. Cooking is a form of learning, whether that is with the aid of a book or not doesn’t matter.

Reading books – helps improve memory and attention and focus (learning). Writing and researching – helps to learn a topic, think of an essay you had to do once.

Sometimes when we push ourselves we become these incredible people that surprises us.

We cannot sit back and let out potential lay dormant.

Our Mental Health ~ Journey of Our Lives

Posted on by T. Maxwell-Harrison
View at Medium.com

Welcome to this post on mental health! Apologies for not posting anything for a few days too, I’ve been busy. I also found a free flight simulator which I downloaded last night and has been so far real awesome!

So, I collaborated with another writer/poet who joined forces with me in the above Medium post so we could each write about our mental health, particularly depression. I am not putting this in writer spotlight as it is not featured on my site. I would also appreciate if you could clap and comment on Medium to show your support and to make the post more visible to others, so we can raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with being depressed.

This last few years isolation, depression, and general poor mental health have been given a not so good reception, being completely and utterly ignored in those who need help. The system gives those with support more support, and does not support those in need with no support. You understand I hope, that the gravity of the situation is now out of control.

I once heard the actor Jim Carrey say that depression means your body is in need of a ‘deep rest.’ I agree, when you give it what it needs fundamentally, it can start to recover and heal.

Photo by Madison Inouye on Pexels.com

New Books to Read (Medieval Period!)

Posted on by T. Maxwell-Harrison

I went back to Bramhall, Cheshire today. It really is quite the lovely (expensive) suburban area. Returning to a shop selling oils, and purchasing Rose oil, I was almost set. But I’d spotted books outside a charity shop which needed perusing. I found 2: Conquest & Crusade by written by Stewart Binns and published by Penguin Books. On the way back I bought myself some lilies! (lilac?)

I was drawn to them as medieval history has to be one of my favourite time periods. I am also writing about it on my own site under Medieval England History where you can read all about the various fun things in medieval times. Conquest is set in the 1066 battle of Hastings. Crusade is set in 1072, so not that long afterwards. Both very interesting times in history. Well documented. No doubt they will be great reads as both are around 500 pages. They were books which you give a donation of your choosing, so I did.

Now moving onto the topic of mental health. Sadly I have struggled with quite bad depression for several months. Before that, yes it was present but it took such a nosedive. Anyway I am now commenced on an antidepressant called fluoxetine. I was told it helps with sleep too.

A lot of people have suffered depression and especially the last few years, with everything ten times worse, more people than ever have developed isolation and depression. I am glad to now be on this, to finally give it a go. I have tried some before, but it wasn’t great. I just hope this helps. I’m initially on a 2 week course.

It would be good to connect with others on this treatment or those struggling I already had people reach out to psychwizard@yahoo.com and enjoyed connecting so far.

I have a novella coming out in summer – you already saw that post here*. It keeps me going. It is also a bridge between my 2nd and 3rd book. I haven’t written the 3rd book yet, but the summer release will introduce back to Beach Town. You know, I love that town. At least I used to, before zombie apocalypse came and ruined it.

I Create my own Wellbeing

Posted on by T. Maxwell-Harrison

Tango Dark Berry, new fruit sugar free flavour. Priced at Sainsburys. Relatively sweet, lacking artificial flavour. Reminds me of Cider Dark Fruits.

Wellbeing – [noun] “the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.” Being uncomfortable, unhealthy or unhappy is to be in/or with a state of flux. Not in harmony [noun]” the combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce a pleasing effect.” The sound of harmonising the body and mind, at a frequency @ below > range for normal from 62-68hz.

  • Human body: 72-90 MHz
  • Brain: 72-90 MHz
  • Neck and above: 72-78 MHz
  • Neck and below: 60-68 MHz
  • Thyroid glands: 62-68 MHz
  • Thymus gland: 65-68 MHz
  • Heart: 67 – 70 MHz
  • Lungs: 58-65 MHz
  • Liver: 55-60 MHz

Remember frequency varies between objects, substance, oils at 320hz (rose) and 118hz (lavender) and 147hz (frankincense). Variations that fall below 62hz would result in illness. Disease starts at 58hz, not very low at all, slight variation from the base setting.

  • Disease: starts at 58 MHz
  • Colds/Flu: starts at 57-60 MHz
  • Epstein Barr: starts at 55 MHz
  • Cancer: starts at 42 MHz
  • Death: starts at 25 MHz
  • Fresh food and herbs: 20-27 Hz
  • Dried food and herbs: 15-22 Hz
  • Processed or canned food: 0 Hz

What does wellbeing mean to you? For me it means trying to be content. Peace gained from inner strength and content mind and body. Awareness. Angelic protection.

Healing of the Empath

Posted on by T. Maxwell-Harrison

Express your rage. Accept you can feel anger, and lash out. It does not make you narcissistic.

Let the waves of childhood abuse and trauma pass over you and you will feel better.

Become empathic. Ability to look beyond what a person says and does.

Acknowledge your imperfection to find your perfection.

Disown your spiritual arrogance.

Give responsibility for others feelings back to the person who owns them.

Stop identifying yourself as a fixer or pleaser.

No more double standards. Stop settling unrealistic expectations.

Do the hard work.

And that covers how an empath should start to heal. Many get frustrated and feel as if they are unable to do anything, for fear they are going to appear ‘bad’. No.