Do I need some help and support?

Do I need some help and support?

How are you feeling today? More importantly how have you been feeling consistently over the last couple of weeks? If the answer is up and down or not great at all there is a chance you could need to seek some help and support.

It is important that if you feel stressed, anxious or are struggling with low mood that you seek help as soon as you feel under the weather. Issues with mental health are very common and with talking therapy can be solved pretty quickly. However if left mental health issues can develop in to mental health illness such as clinical depression, bi polar, personality disorders, ocd etc.

There is often the view that having not felt great for a couple of weeks that ‘it will pass’, ‘it’s not that bad, it’s manageable’ and most commonly ‘i haven’t got it as bad as others’.

However it’s exactly at this time when you are having this very conversation with yourself that you need to ask for help. It may not pass. It shouldn’t have to be managed – you shouldn’t have to go through life just coping or surviving. You don’t need to compare yourself to others. Who invented a scale of who has it the worse and why?

If you cut your finger and it bled badly that would be the time to see medical care. You wouldn’t wait for gangrene to have set in and you at risk of losing your finger. It’s the same with our mental health. Get help when you feel under the weather and not wait for gangrene to set in and take over.

There is still a stigma around mental health although this is being broken down gradually. There is no shame in asking for help we all need it at some time in our lives. You would be surprised just how many people and who have turned to therapy for help. Mental health has no set target of type of person. It affects us all.

Signs to look out for and seek help within yourself or a friend/colleague

>Change in outlook – positive to negative or mood swings
>Sad to happy in short space of time
>Not looking after self – washing, dressing
>Lack of energy and motivation
>Feeling sad, down, hopeless
>Feeling nervous or on edge
>Struggling to concentrate
>Feeling confused
>Inability to make decisions
>Drop in confidence
>Social withdrawal wanting to isolate and be alone
>Changes in sleep, eating habits
>Feeling irritable with self and others
>Feeling bad about yourself
>Moving or speaking very slowly or being very fidgety
>Worrying about lots of different things and feeling afraid that something bad is going to happen
>Thoughts of harming self

The key here is a change in any of the above – it is the change in behaviour that indicates something is wrong.

Asking for help is hard. Seeking therapy is a brave and courageous step.

If you can reach out, then do – I guarantee it will change your life.


Write about something you know. If you don’t know much about a specific topic, invite an expert to write about it. Having a variety of authors in your blog is a great way to keep visitors engaged. You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page that gets lots of comments, you can look here to find topics to write about.

Coping with an Adult ADHD Diagnosis

13 October 2024
Understanding Your Diagnosis Receiving an ADHD diagnosis as an adult can be a mix of relief and uncertainty. It might finally explain the challenges you've faced, but it also raises new questions. Here’s how to cope with this significant life event: 1. Educate Yourself Research ADHD: Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. This knowledge can empower you to manage your condition effectively. Join Support Groups: Connect with others who understand what you're going through. Sharing experiences can be incredibly helpful. 2. Accept and Embrace Your Diagnosis Avoid Self-Blame: ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, not a personal failing. Celebrate Your Strengths: Focus on your unique talents and abilities, which can often be enhanced with the right strategies. 3. Develop Coping Mechanisms Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help manage stress and improve focus. Exercise: Regular physical activity can boost mood, energy, and cognitive function. Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritize a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and stress management techniques. 4. Build a Support Network Lean on Loved Ones: Share your feelings with trusted friends and family. Seek Professional Help: A therapist can provide guidance, coping strategies, and support. 5. Explore Treatment Options Medication: Discuss medication options with your doctor. It can be a valuable tool for managing symptoms. Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help develop effective coping skills and strategies. Lifestyle Adjustments: Explore accommodations and strategies to help you succeed at work, school, and home. 6. Give Yourself Time Be Patient: Adjusting to a new diagnosis takes time. Be kind to yourself as you learn to navigate your experiences. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small. Remember, you're not alone. Many adults with ADHD lead fulfilling lives. With the right support and strategies, you can thrive and overcome challenges. Why not schedule a consultation with JHD Counselling to see how we may be able to steer you in the right direction

Coming Out: Coping with Family and Friend Fallout

11 October 2024
National Coming Out Day is a time for LGBTQ+ individuals to celebrate their identities and live authentically. However, coming out can also be a challenging experience, especially when faced with negative reactions from family and friends. If you're experiencing fallout from coming out, know that you're not alone. Many LGBTQ+ individuals face similar challenges. Here are some tips to help you cope: 1. Prioritise Your Mental Health Seek support: Reach out to friends, family members, or a therapist who is supportive of your identity. Practice self-care: Engage in activities that help you relax and de-stress, such as meditation, exercise, or spending time in nature. Join a support group: Connecting with others who have gone through similar experiences can provide valuable support and understanding. 2. Set Boundaries Communicate your needs: Clearly express your boundaries to those who are struggling to accept your identity. Limit contact: If necessary, limit your contact with individuals who are causing you significant distress. 3. Build a Support Network Connect with the LGBTQ+ community: Join local LGBTQ+ organizations or online communities to find support and a sense of belonging. Reach out to friends and family who are supportive: Spend time with people who accept and love you for who you are. 4. Focus on Your Well-being Remember your worth: Your identity is valid and valuable, regardless of others' opinions. Celebrate your journey: Acknowledge the courage it takes to come out and celebrate your progress. At JHD/CHD, our founder, Carol, is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community. We understand firsthand the challenges that can arise when coming out. Our team of experienced counselors is dedicated to providing compassionate and supportive care to individuals who are navigating their identities. If you're struggling to cope with fallout from coming out, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help you through this potentially difficult time.

Celebrating Black History Month

10 October 2024
Celebrating Black History Month! We're honouring pioneering people of colour in the counselling & therapy sector. Join us as we spotlight their incredible contributions and legacies that continue to inspire!  There have been numerous pioneering people of colour in the counseling and therapy sector. Their contributions have been invaluable in shaping the field and ensuring that culturally competent care is accessible to all. Here are a few notable figures: Mamie Phipps Clark and Kenneth Bancroft Clark: This husband-and-wife duo conducted groundbreaking research on the psychological effects of segregation on Black children. Their famous "doll study" played a pivotal role in the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education. Joseph L. White: A prominent figure in Black psychology, White founded the Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi) in 1968. His work emphasised the importance of culturally relevant approaches to therapy. Linda James Myers: A pioneer in the field of multicultural counseling, Myers developed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) for people of colour. Her work helped to address the lack of culturally appropriate assessment tools. Carl Rogers: While not a person of colour himself, Rogers' client-centered therapy approach has been influential in the development of multicultural counselling. His emphasis on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness has been adopted by many therapists working with diverse populations. These are just a few examples of the many pioneering people of color who have made significant contributions to the counseling and therapy sector. Their work has helped to dismantle systemic barriers and ensure that mental health services are accessible and culturally relevant for all.
Share by: