Covid poses "greatest threat to mental health since the second world war." Learn more about how we're supporting people during this challenging time.
Covid poses "greatest threat to mental health since the second world war." Learn more about how we're supporting people during this challenging time.
Depression & anxiety group therapy beginning 9th May (morning and evening sessions available). Click here for more information.
With 2025 now behind us, we're reflecting on a year marked by growth, partnership, and meaningful impact across the local community. Over the course of the year, Restoration Therapy delivered 1,573 counselling sessions and supported 120 clients. 72% of sessions took place in person at the Clock Tower clinic, while 28% were delivered online, ensuring support was available to individuals with a range of needs and circumstances.
Community partnership remained a central part of the practice’s work throughout 2025. Restoration Therapy partnered with the NHS through its Talking Therapies Plus programme, providing counselling support to patients requiring mental health support. The practice also worked in partnership with Walsall Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority as part of the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Project, supporting individuals at risk of or recovering from homelessness and addressing the complex mental health challenges often associated with housing insecurity.
Alongside the number of people supported, 2025 also showed clear signs that counselling was making a real difference for clients. Using the CORE-10 wellbeing questionnaire, which measures levels of psychological distress, the practice observed an average of 35-40% reduction in client scores, meaning that our clients reported feeling less overwhelmed, experiencing fewer intense symptoms of anxiety or low mood, and having a greater ability to cope with daily life. They were also more likely to describe improved sleep, better concentration, and increased emotional stability compared to when they first began counselling.
Nordia Philpott, Practice Director, reflected on the year:
“It was wonderful to see the commitment and care shown by our experienced counsellors working alongside our student counsellors, all focused on delivering high-quality support. While it is heartbreaking to see how many people across Walsall and the wider West Midlands are struggling with their mental health, we are grateful to have been able to support so many individuals and make a real difference in their lives.”
As the organisation moves forward, Restoration Therapy remains committed to strengthening community partnerships and expanding access to high-quality mental health support across the area.
January often arrives with high expectations. A fresh start. New goals. A sense that you should feel motivated and hopeful. Yet for many people, the opposite happens. Energy drops, mood dips, and everyday life feels heavier than it did just weeks before. This experience is often described as the New Year blues and for some, it is linked to seasonal depression.
Seasonal depression can creep in quietly. It does not always look like constant sadness. Instead, it may show up as tiredness, irritability, low motivation, or a sense of emotional flatness that makes January feel particularly hard.
In this article, we explore why seasonal depression often peaks at the start of the year and how you can cope more gently and effectively.
Seasonal depression is closely linked to changes in light, routine, and emotional pressure. In the UK, January brings some of the shortest, darkest days of the year, and this can have a real impact on mood and energy.
Reduced daylight can affect your body clock and disrupt serotonin and melatonin levels, which play a role in mood and sleep. When this biological shift combines with social and emotional factors, seasonal depression can begin to take hold.
January also comes with a sudden loss of structure. The festive period ends, social calendars empty, and many people return to work feeling depleted rather than refreshed. Financial pressure after Christmas can add another layer of stress.
On top of this, there is often an unspoken expectation that the New Year should feel positive. When motivation does not appear, people may turn that frustration inward, believing something is wrong with them, rather than recognising the impact of seasonal depression.
You may have heard that the third Monday in January, often referred to as Blue Monday, is the most depressing day of the year. In 2026, this falls on Monday 19th January.
It is important to say clearly that Blue Monday is not based on scientific evidence. The concept originated from a marketing campaign rather than psychological research. There is no single day that can accurately be labelled the saddest for everyone.
However, the idea persists because it reflects something many people genuinely experience. January can feel emotionally heavy. The weather is bleak, routines are demanding, and the optimism of New Year resolutions can quickly fade.
Rather than focusing on one day, it is more helpful to view Blue Monday as a prompt to talk openly about seasonal depression and winter low mood. If January feels difficult for you, that experience is valid, regardless of what the calendar says.
For reliable information about seasonal affective disorder and low mood, the NHS provides a helpful overview here: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/
Seasonal depression does not affect everyone in the same way. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others find their daily functioning significantly impacted.
Common signs include persistent tiredness, even after adequate sleep. You may feel a strong urge to withdraw socially, cancel plans, or avoid contact with others. Motivation often drops, making work and routine tasks feel overwhelming.
Changes in appetite are also common, particularly cravings for carbohydrates or comfort foods. Sleep patterns may shift, with difficulty waking in the morning or feeling the need to sleep far more than usual.
Emotionally, seasonal depression may feel like numbness rather than sadness. You might struggle to feel joy, find it hard to concentrate, or notice increased irritability and self-criticism.
If these patterns appear mainly during winter and ease as spring approaches, seasonal depression could be a contributing factor.
While seasonal depression can feel discouraging, there are gentle steps that may help ease its impact. These are not quick fixes, but supportive adjustments that can make winter more manageable.
Light exposure is one of the most important factors. Spending time outdoors during daylight hours, even on cloudy days, can support mood regulation. Sitting near windows and keeping indoor spaces well lit may also help.
Routine matters more than motivation. When energy is low, small, consistent habits can be more helpful than ambitious goals. This might mean regular meal times, short walks, or setting a simple morning structure.
Connection is another protective factor. Seasonal depression often encourages isolation, yet social contact can help reduce emotional heaviness. This does not need to mean large gatherings, a brief conversation or shared activity can be enough.
It is also worth being compassionate with yourself about expectations. January does not have to be a month of transformation. Allowing yourself to move more slowly can reduce pressure and emotional fatigue.
For some people, lifestyle changes are not enough to manage seasonal depression, especially if low mood is persistent or returning each year. This is where counselling can offer valuable support.
Therapy provides a space to explore how winter affects you emotionally, not just practically. It can help identify underlying patterns, such as self-criticism, burnout, or unresolved experiences that become more pronounced during quieter months.
One-to-one counselling can help you develop coping strategies tailored specifically to your needs, rather than relying on general advice that may not fully fit your experience. Seeking support for seasonal depression does not mean you are failing to cope. It means you are responding to your mental health with care and intention.
AI therapy vs human therapy is becoming a common consideration, especially for those in the UK navigating long NHS waiting lists and emotional overwhelm. While these platforms offer fast, affordable interaction, they lack something essential; a genuine human connection that fosters healing.
In this expanded article, we’ll explore:
The Times reports that many young people feel compelled to use ChatGPT because NHS mental health waiting times are unmanageable. Reported in February 2025, over 16,500 people had been waiting more than 18 months for mental health treatment, far more than for elective physical care. These delays leave AI tools as appealing alternatives for reflection and emotional processing. Read more about this phenomenon in this article from The Guardian.
Social media trends back this up: in March 2025 alone there were 16.7 million TikTok posts about using ChatGPT as a therapeutic confidant. Reported users describe the AI as a non-judgmental diary, a place to express what feels difficult to share with friends or family.
AI tools like ChatGPT provide meaningful benefits in specific contexts:
Recent analysis of Reddit users echoed this: many appreciate ChatGPT as a safe space to organise thoughts, practise self-awareness, or prepare for therapy sessions. Other studies found young people often prefer AI-generated responses for everyday concerns (e.g. relationships, self-expression), although they'd choose human interaction for crises like suicidal thoughts.
AI can play a helpful role while waiting for formal support, offering immediate emotional relief when no one else is available.
Despite these benefits, AI tools lack critical therapeutic qualities:
We’d like to address key points from The Times article regarding ChatGPT usage:
That said, both the article and emerging research recognise that correctly designed AI systems supervised by mental health professionals can serve as low-cost supplemental tools, not replacements, for professional support.
If you’ve been using AI tools, and they’ve helped you stay afloat, you might ask: when should I move on? Here are common signs:
To transition gracefully:
ChatGPT and similar AI tools can be a useful stopgap for reflection, coping and emotional expression; especially amid long NHS wait times. But they are not replacements for real human connection, which remains at the heart of therapeutic healing.
When AI interactions start to feel repetitive, emotionally flat or isolating, it’s worth considering a deeper, relational path. Human-led therapy offers tailored insight, professional guidance, and a genuine partnership built on empathy and challenge.
If you’ve found support in tools like ChatGPT but know you need something more human, you're not alone. Real healing often begins in real connection. We’re here when you’re ready.
Mental health is often overlooked, yet it plays a critical role in how we function every day. While physical health gets regular attention, the importance of mental health still doesn't always receive the same care. The truth is, our emotional and psychological wellbeing affects every part of life, from how we cope with stress to how we maintain relationships and make decisions.
This article explores why mental health deserves equal priority, how it influences your daily life, and what you can do to support it.
The importance of mental health cannot be overstated when it comes to our daily experiences. It affects how we think, feel, and behave. Whether you're managing work stress, parenting challenges, or simply trying to find your footing in a busy world, your mental state plays a major role in your overall wellbeing.
Mental wellbeing isn’t only about avoiding illness. It’s about being able to cope with life’s ups and downs. When your mental health is strong, you're better equipped to deal with stress, make good decisions, and enjoy life more fully.
We often treat physical and mental health as two separate things, but they are profoundly connected. Chronic stress, anxiety, or depression can take a toll on the body affecting sleep, appetite, energy levels, and even your immune system.
For example, studies show that individuals with untreated depression are more likely to experience cardiovascular issues or struggle with diabetes management. Likewise, those dealing with physical conditions like chronic pain or serious illness often face higher risks of anxiety and depression.
Supporting your mental health can improve your physical wellbeing too, from lowering blood pressure to increasing energy levels and strengthening your immune system.
External Resource: Learn more from Mind UK’s guide to mental and physical health
Whether you're a student, a professional, or a parent managing a household, your mental state affects your ability to focus and get things done. When you're mentally well, you’re more likely to stay motivated, complete tasks efficiently, and make clearer decisions.
On the other hand, poor mental health can cloud your thinking, sap your energy, and make everyday challenges feel overwhelming. Even mild levels of anxiety or stress can reduce concentration and lead to burnout if left unchecked.
This is especially relevant in our fast-paced culture where constant productivity is often glorified. Recognising the importance of mental health means acknowledging that rest, reflection, and boundaries are just as vital for performance as deadlines and to-do lists.
Many people delay seeking help for mental health issues, either because they don’t recognise the symptoms or they feel ashamed. Unfortunately, without support, symptoms can grow more severe over time.
What begins as occasional stress or sadness can develop into chronic anxiety, depression, or burnout. When mental health problems are ignored, they can interfere with relationships, job performance, and even lead to self-destructive behaviours.
Prioritising your mental wellbeing early, and regularly, helps prevent these issues from becoming larger crises. Just as you wouldn't ignore recurring chest pain, it's essential not to dismiss emotional distress.
Therapy is often misunderstood as something you only need when you hit rock bottom. In reality, therapy is a proactive way to take care of your mental wellbeing, even if you're not in crisis.
Talking to a therapist provides a space to explore your thoughts, develop coping strategies, and gain clarity on personal challenges. It can help you manage stress more effectively, build emotional resilience, and grow in self-awareness.
At Restoration Therapy, we’ve supported many individuals who simply wanted to better understand themselves, improve relationships, or work through everyday stress. You don’t have to be “unwell” to benefit. In fact, starting therapy early can help you avoid bigger issues later on.
If you're curious whether it might be time to talk to someone, check out our article on 5 Signs You Might Need Counselling
The way we think and feel has a direct impact on how we interact with others. When your mental health is neglected, it often shows up in relationships in the form of irritability, emotional distance, over-dependence, or difficulty communicating.
Investing in your mental health can make you a better partner, friend, parent, or colleague. When you feel emotionally stable and secure, you're more likely to have patience, empathy, and the ability to set healthy boundaries.
Improving mental wellbeing helps us show up more fully, both for ourselves and for those around us.
Talking openly about mental health and taking steps to protect it can inspire others to do the same. Each time you acknowledge your emotional wellbeing as important, you challenge the stigma that often surrounds mental health conversations.
This is especially important in communities where therapy is still seen as a last resort or a sign of weakness. Prioritising your mental health doesn’t make you fragile, it makes you self-aware, responsible, and strong.
When more people treat their emotional health with the same care as their physical health, we create a culture where seeking support is normal, not shameful.
The importance of mental health is undeniable. It touches every area of our lives, from relationships and physical health to productivity and personal growth. While society often puts physical wellbeing first, your emotional and psychological needs are just as vital.
By taking your mental health seriously (even when things feel “fine”), you're making an investment in every part of your life. Whether that means setting boundaries, seeking therapy, or simply talking more openly about how you feel. Your mental health deserves to be a priority.
If you're ready to speak to someone, learn more about our counselling services in Walsall. We're here to help you build a healthier, more balanced life.
Not sure when to see a therapist? You’re not alone. Many people wait until they hit a breaking point before reaching out but therapy isn’t just for people in crisis. It's for anyone who wants to improve their mental wellbeing, understand themselves better, or navigate life’s challenges with support.
So how do you know when it’s time to talk to a therapist? Below are five signs that may help you decide.
If you’re constantly feeling on edge, emotionally drained, or mentally exhausted, it may be time to seek support. One of the most common signs of when to see a therapist is a sense that you're struggling to cope with everything life is throwing at you.
Whether it’s work stress, family responsibilities, unresolved trauma, or something else entirely, emotional overwhelm builds silently and can affect your physical and mental wellbeing.
A therapist provides a confidential, non-judgmental space to untangle the emotional knots and develop tools to manage stress more effectively.
Think a good friend is enough? Why therapy offers more than just a chat with a friend
One subtle but important indicator of when to see a therapist is a loss of interest in things you once loved. If hobbies, relationships, or everyday pleasures feel dull or meaningless, it may be a sign of emotional fatigue or low mood.
This feeling, often called anhedonia, doesn’t always come with dramatic sadness. Instead, it may show up as disconnection, flatness, or even guilt for not feeling “more grateful.”
Therapy helps you explore what might be causing these shifts and can guide you back toward a life that feels more fulfilling and connected.
Struggles in your relationships (whether with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague) can be a strong cue that now is the time to see a therapist.
You may be feeling easily irritated, overly sensitive, or simply disconnected. You may also find yourself withdrawing from people altogether, even though a part of you longs for connection.
Counselling can help you uncover the underlying causes of these patterns and build healthier ways of relating to others and to yourself.
Major life changes (such as a breakup, bereavement, move, job loss, or health diagnosis) can shake your sense of identity or stability. Even positive transitions, like a new baby or career opportunity, can be emotionally overwhelming.
If you haven’t had time or space to process what’s happened, therapy can help. A skilled therapist will guide you through the emotional layers of your experience so you can find clarity and peace.
You don’t need to go through these moments alone, and you don’t need to wait until you “should be over it.”
If you’ve tried self-help books, podcasts, journaling, or advice from friends, and still feel stuck, it might be time to seek professional support.
Recurring patterns like self-doubt, avoidance, people-pleasing, overthinking, or emotional numbing can be signs that your internal world needs deeper attention. Therapy helps you explore where these patterns began and how they can be shifted from the inside out.
Knowing when to see a therapist often starts with recognising that your current coping strategies aren’t working anymore and that’s a powerful first step.
Wondering if therapy is really effective? Why “just talking” can be more powerful than you think
One of the biggest myths around therapy is that it's only for people with severe mental illness or who are in total crisis. In truth, counselling is for anyone who wants to feel more grounded, more connected, and more like themselves again.
Knowing when to see a therapist doesn’t require ticking off every sign on a list. Even one of these signs could be reason enough to start a conversation.
We break down this myth here: Therapy is only for serious mental illnesses – myth debunked
If anything in this article resonated with you, this might be the time to talk to someone. At Restoration Therapy, we offer private, compassionate counselling in Walsall and the surrounding area.
Book your free initial consultation
Confidentiality is implemented by therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals to protect your privacy. We appreciate you'll feel more at ease knowing we won't be discussing your personal, private and intimate information at our next Christmas meal.
This article will detail Restoration Therapy's working confidentiality policy in easy-to-understand language.
Confidentiality includes both the contents of what's discussed in therapy and the fact that you're receiving therapy. For example, it is customary that therapists won't acknowledge you if they run into you outside of the therapy room to protect their privacy. They wouldn't approach you should your paths cross in a supermarket.
Other ways confidentiality is protected include:
Unfortunately, there are a limited number of situations in which a counsellor will not be able to keep details shared in therapy confidential.
For example, a patient may discuss feelings of depression or anger management problems with a counsellor and expect these expressions to be kept confidential. If, however, the depressed patient reveals plans to commit suicide or the patient dealing with rage control issues threatens to harm another person, the counsellor has a legal responsibility to break confidentiality and alert the appropriate medical or legal authorities to prevent patients from becoming dangers to themselves or others. The same is true for patients who witness child abuse. Counsellors may also be required to submit records to authorities if law enforcement agencies request.
With regards to confidentiality, counsellors have complex responsibilities toward their patients. On the one hand, they must respect patients and keep their communications confidential when possible. On the other hand, they must make the judgment to break confidentiality when presented when a situation in which legal authorities are involved, or if the patient seems to be a threat to self or others. Though complicated, these seemingly conflicting requirements are essential for the patient's wellbeing and those around them.
When employees voluntarily self refer themselves, it is assumed to be entirely confidential. The system counts on that because it is meant to give employees the confidence their personal information won't be broadcasted to their employer. Workplace counselling is designed to help employees manage stress factors before becoming a significant factor in workplace performance.
Without confidentiality, our workplace counsellor service would fall apart because too many would have reservations about utilising our service out of fear.
However, employees are subject to the same exceptions are stated above.
All of our counsellors are accredited by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), and work within the framework of the BACP code of ethics. Here's an extract from their Ethical Framework on this matter:
We will protect the confidentiality and privacy of clients by:
The Data Protection Act was replaced in May 2018 with the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It came into effect in the UK on the 25th May 2018, and the government has confirmed that the UK's decision to leave the EU will not affect the implementation of the GDPR.
Under the GDPR, the data protection principles set out the primary responsibilities for organisations. The guidelines are similar to those in the Data Protection Act (DPA), with added detail at specific points with new accountability requirements.
The most significant addition is the accountability policy. The GDPR requires us to show you how we comply with it. For example, by documenting the decisions we take about a processing activity.
Please see our Privacy Policy webpage, which explains how we look after your data.
Many people mistakenly believe that if you go to counselling, you're committing to endless sessions that will, over time, cost you an arm and a leg. However, modern counselling is outcome-focussed. At the same time, many counsellors keep their fees moderate to ensure maximum access to quality care and support for all.
This article will explore the costs behind seeking a therapist.
Although we are all works in progress, and we may go through periods when we need a therapist's guidance, therapy is usually not endless.
Indeed, some folks wind up staying in therapy for decades. Yes, sometimes this results from the therapist encouraging or fostering dependency. Occasionally, it's because the person in therapy has decades of work to do to undo the effects of the past.
However, a 2010 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry concluded that nearly half of people in therapy use 3 to 10 sessions. Not as many as you were expecting?
We provide affordable counselling and emotional support to teenagers and adults, and to keep things simple, there's one flat fee with a discount available for students.
Our aim is to deliver therapy for as many people as possible. For that reason, our prices are as follows:
We offer a 15% discount for secondary school, college and university students of any age on all sessions after the initial consultation.
Based on the typical number of sessions someone has, counselling could cost between £210 and £485, which would be paid over several weeks and months.
Compare this to a night out or a weekend away, and you can quickly see how investing in your mental health isn't as expensive as you first thought.
There's a reason why counsellors charge what they charge. Here are just two.
When people work a typical 40-hour week, their company pays them for every hour they work. Therapists, on the other hand, can only bill for the time they see clients.
Therapists cannot manage 40 clients a week. If they fill up all their time with sessions, they wouldn't be able to organise their client's information, market themselves and perform administrative duties.
Imagine if your company only paid you for 25 of the 40 hours you worked each week. You would need to increase your hourly rate to break even.
Then there are the many cancellations. When therapist Angela Essary worked as a community mental health counsellor, she booked 12 sessions a day but only saw five of those people.
"It's a big commitment for clients, and there can be lots of no shows," she said.
Therapists don't stop their education once they receive those fancy degrees you see framed on their office walls. Maintaining a license or accreditation (in our case, BACP Accreditation) means investing in annual training such as continuing education fees [CEUs]. Therapists need to keep up with the advances in their field the same way doctors need training on new medical technology and treatments.
Other training and certification maintenance expenses include:
Counsellors are highly trained professionals who have studied long and hard to pick up on subtle cues the rest of us miss. This gives them the unique insight and skill to identify what's holding someone back – and then also guide them towards being the best version of themself. Add onto that many more years of experience working with people just like you, and you get an idea of how unique the therapeutic relationship is.
There are very few relationships in life where we're able to get an objective viewpoint. Having close friends is great, but friendships are a two-way street. It's only natural that there's also going to be an element of emotional investment to the support we get from our friends.
In therapy, the focus is on you and you only. And because your therapist comes from an objective standpoint, they're able to see the broader picture in a way that the people close to you can't.
Therapy comes with a short-term investment, there's no doubt about that. But it's an investment in your own betterment; your mental and emotional well-being.
Remember, though, you're not alone. There are people willing and waiting to help. Get in touch with Restoration Therapy, and we'll put you in touch with a counsellor.
When we don’t properly understand counselling, it’s easy to assume it won’t be more beneficial than talking to a friend. Like a relationship with a friend, seeing a therapist involves conversing with someone, being vulnerable and maybe receiving advice. These aspects of therapy are, however, only a small part of the experience. This article will explore the benefits of talking with a professional therapist.
A counsellor (or therapist) can do many things that a friend can’t do. First and foremost, therapy is completely confidential. You can speak freely, without fear that your story will be gossiped about. Many people get a lot out of the privacy that a therapeutic relationship is bound by. Suppose you have powerful feelings about something, such as fear, anger or shame or embarrassment, you can talk about them freely and openly.
Secondly, a counsellor is trained to see your patterns, both good and bad, that may not be working well. These patterns can be shown to you, and then together, with the counsellor, bring out more of the good whilst learning to bypass the not-so-good. For example, many people keep choosing the same type of partner repeatedly. They need to learn to make better choices both in their own behaviours and in their friends.
Thirdly, friends may not be totally honest with you because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. A counsellor doesn’t want to hurt your feelings either, but knows how to be straightforward and direct, and knows how to say things in ways that won’t be so painful. If the feedback is painful, treatment can also be used to help you feel safe.
If therapy was only about paying someone to chat with, it would actually be a waste of money. But conversation is only the surface layer of therapy, and the conversations you have with your therapist will be a far cry from anything you’ll experience with a friend.
Here are some aspects of therapy that provide long-term value and go beyond the kind of chatting you could do with a friend:
Counsellors have bachelor’s degrees, a master’s degrees and sometimes doctoral degrees. These degrees involve opportunities to work with more experienced therapists. In order to graduate, they also have to complete a certain number of supervised hours in a clinical environment and pass several exams.
This isn’t to brag. This isn’t to say all counsellors know everything there’s to know about the human mind and therapy. However, these years of training and experience give counsellors the skills to better treat your mental health challenges than any unlicensed friend could.
A therapist can help you manage friends’ expectations, leading to friendships being more satisfying and comfortable to cope with during moments when they disappoint or falter. Yes, therapy will cost you some money, but it will save your friendships. And the benefits of therapy will improve all aspects of your life.
Remember, though, you’re not alone. There are people willing and waiting to help. Get in touch with Restoration Therapy, and we’ll put you in touch with a counsellor.
When your car breaks down, you either know how to fix it or how to find someone who can. Emotions, on the other hand, are a little harder to fix. There is no wrench you can grab, but there’s one tool you can always use: talking. But there’s more to the age-old advice to just “talk it out” than there seems. This article will explore the evidence that explains why it’s so helpful.
Talking has powerful psychological benefits that might not be obvious on the surface. “Talking about it” is a broad phrase, so let’s clarify this a bit. When we address talking about your problems, it can take a few forms.
What all of these have in common is that they are conversations specifically designed to examine and express the emotions you are having, rather than building to a specific solution. Figuring out things you can do to improve your situation is undoubtedly useful, but just verbalising how you’re feeling can be part of the solution.
When you’re experiencing intense feelings — especially fear, aggression or anxiety — your amygdala is running the show. This is the part of the brain that, among other things, handles your fight or flight response. It is the job of the amygdala, and your limbic system as a whole, to figure out if something is a threat, devise a response to that threat, and store the information in your memory to recognise the danger later. When you get stressed or overwhelmed, this part of your brain can take control and even override more logical thought processes.
Research from UCLA suggests that putting your feelings into words — a process called “affect labeling” — can diminish the response of the amygdala when you encounter things that are upsetting. This is how, over time, you can become less stressed over something that bothers you. For example, if you got in a car accident, even being in a car immediately afterwards could overwhelm you emotionally. But as you talk through your experience, put your feelings into words and process what happened, you can get back in the car without having the same emotional reaction.
Research from Southern Methodist University suggests that writing about traumatic experiences or undergoing counselling positively impacted a patient’s health and immune system. The study argues that holding back thoughts and emotions is stressful. You have negative feelings either way, but you have to work to repress them. That can tax the brain and body, making you more susceptible to getting sick or just feeling awful.
None of that is to say that talking about your problems, or even talk therapy with a professional counsellor, will automatically fix everything and immediately make you happy and healthy. But, like eating better and exercising, it can contribute to the overall improvement in your well-being. More importantly, it can help you understand how and why you feel the way you do so you can handle your emotions more effectively in the future.
Crucially, not every form of talking about problems aloud can help. Multiple studies examining college students, young women and working adults suggest that consistently focusing on and talking about negative experiences in your life can have the opposite effect, making you more stressed and drawing out how long a problem bothers you.
To talk about your problems more constructively, there are a few key things you can do:
Of course, the counselling process can still be messy. Some days, talking about your problems may just be complaining about something that happened at work. Still, others may involve crying for an hour. It can feel embarrassing or uncomfortable the first few times, but the more you open up, the easier it will get to share how you feel.
Remember, though, you’re not alone. There are people willing and waiting to help. Get in touch with Restoration Therapy, and we’ll put you in touch with a counsellor.
Sadly, mental health challenges are a prevalent issue in our society and, worse still, are widely misunderstood. Everyone has mental health, and just like physical health, problems with it can range from mild to debilitating. Regrettably, not everyone understands how mental health affects others, or even themselves.
This article will explore the myth that therapy is only for those with a severe mental illness.
Mental health includes emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Good mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood.
Throughout your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behaviour could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
According to Mind, approximately 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year and 1 in 6 people in England experience a common mental health problem in any given week – such as anxiety and depression. What's more, suicide continues to be a leading cause of death in the UK for men under 50. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, which is often attributable to the stigma surrounding mental health and "manning up".
Therapy helps people from all walks of life, whether you have severe mental health conditions or would just like to talk to someone to check in on your own mental health. The notion that counselling is only for those with serious mental illness causes people to wait several years before seeking help for their issues. This causes the problem to compound and makes it harder to remedy because it hasn't been addressed in so long. The earlier a mental health issue is identified and treated, the better the prognosis for that individual.
This couldn't be further from the truth and is one of the most dangerous myths. There is no doubt that therapy is beneficial for those struggling with severe mental health concerns but assuming it is only for this group of individuals is backwards.
Therapy can teach you what you need to do to take care of your mental health, which inevitably lowers the risk of severe mental health issues in the future. So, why wait until things are really bad to seek help? Waiting because you have to be going crazy before seeking therapy is the fuel that feeds the stigma around mental health. Counselling should be and needs to be as common as seeing your doctor or dentist for a check-up. Therapy is for all problems – big and small. It should be tailored for where you are in your mental health journey and progress as you do.
Managing mental health challenges is not equivalent to sleeping off a bad mood or a rough day. You wouldn't ask someone to "snap back" a broken bone into place, so why would you say the same thing about mental health conditions that also need proper time and care to heal?
The reality with many mental health conditions is that they are often profoundly rooted challenges in a person's mindset or a chemical imbalance. These are not things that you can simply snap out of. Just like you may be wired to write in a certain way after years of practice, a person's brain may become wired to think and feel a certain way – often after months or years of difficulties and challenging circumstances in life. Other times, conditions run in the family, meaning they are more vulnerable than others.
Keep in mind that some people can have a hard time recognising – let alone admitting – that they have a mental health challenge. It can make them feel "weak" or like they're a "failure" in a society that actively celebrates resilience. Using phrases like "snap out of it" or "that's just life" can seriously hinder a person's ability to recognise they may need help. It implies that there's nothing wrong and they need to just get on with it.
Whatever the case may be, our focus should be on encouraging people to look after themselves.
Mental health is not exclusive to certain types of people. Anyone can experience poor mental health, just like anyone can experience poor physical health.
The difference between the two is that more people can recognise a broken leg than they can a struggling mindset, whether that's in others or themselves. Many people may not realise that low moods, difficulties concentrating, or reluctance to engage in certain activities can sometimes be attributed to mental health and are not just as simple as someone "having a bad day".
Remember, though, you're not alone. There are people willing and waiting to help. Get in touch with Restoration Therapy, and we'll put you in touch with a counsellor.
