Breakthrough Counselling

Worried you’re suffering from burnout? These strategies will help you recover

We all have bad days when we don’t want to get out of bed and dread going to work. But if every day is a bad day and you feel exhausted all the time, it’s possible you might have burnout.

With the fast pace and pressures of modern life, burnout is now common. The World Health Organization estimates 1 in 4 adults will be affected by the condition at some point.

If you’re concerned you or someone you know may have burnout, the good news is you can recover. In this article I’ll explain what the causes and signs of burnout are, and I’ll also suggest some steps you can take to feel like yourself again.

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Overcoming addiction: 8 tips to get on the road to recovery

Are you worried you might have an addiction? You’re not alone. Addiction affects thousands of people every day. In fact, the charity Action on Addiction estimates a third of adults in the UK could be addicted to something.

The good news is addiction is treatable, and recognising you have this condition is the first step on the road to recovery.

In this guide I’ll explain what the symptoms of addictive behaviour are, and dispel some myths about addiction. I’ll give you a summary of the best steps you can take to overcome addiction, and at the end of the article I’ll list some organisations that will support you as you recover.

What is addiction?

Many of us associate addiction with substances like drugs, nicotine or alcohol. While these are some of the most common addictions, actually anything that has an effect on your mood can be addictive. Gambling, sex, self-harm, social media, shopping and work can also be addictions.

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How to support someone who suffers from anxiety

Living in the shadow of the pandemic is hard for all of us, but it’s especially challenging for people with anxiety. If you know someone who’s struggling with anxiety at the moment, you might be wondering how you can help. Perhaps the person you’re concerned about is acting differently, or has become withdrawn. You might be desperate to support them, but you’re unsure what to say or do.

As a counsellor I understand the impact anxiety can have on sufferers, and also their family and friends. I’d like you to know there are some steps you can take to give your loved one the very best support.

What’s the difference between anxiety and stress?

So you can best help someone with anxiety, it’s a good idea to know the difference between anxiety and stress. From the outside they might appear similar. But while stress is a reaction to challenging events, anxiety can persist whether or not things are difficult.

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How to look after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak

lady looking out of window

There’s no denying life is hard at the moment. Big changes have been imposed on us, and we’re living in an atmosphere of uncertainty. As the coronavirus spreads we’re worried for the safety of our loved ones, and we struggle with finances. All this anxiety teamed with the stress of being stuck indoors can impact our mental health – especially for those of us who already suffer from mental health issues.

But the good news is there are some practical things you can do to take care of your mental wellbeing during this challenging time. Doing these things will help you think more calmly, so you can look after yourself and the people you care about:

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Overcoming postnatal depression: what to do if you’re feeling low after having a baby

Are you worried that you or someone you know may have postnatal depression? You’re not alone. It’s a very common illness, affecting 1 in 10 women after giving birth. It can affect fathers and partners, too.

If you’re struggling with feelings of depression after having a baby, I want you to know it’s not your fault you feel this way, and it doesn’t make you a bad parent. Postnatal depression is a real illness, and you deserve to get the help you need. And the good news is it’s treatable; it can take time, but you can make a full recovery.

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Could I have OCD? A helpful guide to the signs, symptoms and treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Are you worried that you or someone you know might have OCD? We all have unwanted thoughts that pop into our head from time to time, but if you get plagued by them until they make you feel ill or anxious you could have OCD. It’s a real and sometimes serious condition, but it doesn’t have to rule your life.

In this post I’ll give you some of the symptoms to look out for. I’ll also give you the best treatment options for OCD and outline some effective self-help techniques, so you can take steps to overcome the condition and start to feel better.

What is OCD?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an illness that causes you to have recurring unwanted thoughts, images or urges that can make you feel anxious or guilty. To relieve your distress, you feel compelled to do things that will stop them – repeating certain actions or rituals. For example, someone who has OCD might repeatedly check their door is locked because they keep having the fear their house will be burgled.

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