“Many many thanks Hazel for your understanding, valued experience and support, and most of all your patience and listening skills. You are so appreciated. I feel I’ve come a long way. I know I have some work to do but with what we have done, I know I can do this in time.”
Monthly Archives: October 2013
The Internet and Mental Health
The Internet can often have a negative impact on emotional distress. For example, looking up physical health symptoms can make us think that we have something catastrophic, triggering heightened anxiety; asking for reassurance on forums can lead to us getting too many different perspectives leaving us feeling overwhelmed; comparing our lives to others on social media sites can often lead to feelings of inadequacy. The Internet can also be a potential source for bullying and harassment.
The Internet isn’t all bad though. There are lots of self-help sites, blogs and video clips that can be inspirational and that offer practical steps to help with managing distress. I have listed a few here but please feel free to comment and add any others that you have found helpful:
- Get.gg -CBT Self Help Resources including information, worksheets and solutions.
- CCI – Self Help Workbooks for depression, anxiety and lots more.
- Glasgow SPCMH – NHS based self-help website
- NHS Self Help leaflets
- Action for Happiness – a movement aiming to create a happier society.
- No more panic – support and advice for sufferers of anxiety.
- Living life to the full – a free on-line CBT therapy course involving practical life skills.
- Kelly McGonigal: How to make stress your friend – a video talk offering a more empowering way to view stress.
- Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability – an inspiring video talk.
“Everything is as it should be. I felt this phrase would sum up my progress during the past six months. Thank you for taking me on this journey, which I now realise I could not have done alone. Thank you for encouraging me to overcome my doubts, for listening and understanding, and for helping me to find something which I thought was lost. It seems like an ending but I know it’s just a new beginning.”
“Thank you for helping me to understand myself and learn how to think more clearly. Most importantly helping me see I am special and deserve to be loved and have my needs met. You have given me a great gift, that of self worth, which I can build on now and throughout my future.”