On World Mental Health Day on October 10, Head Talks’ founder Oliver Chittenden is putting on his rucksack and taking to the road. The mission is to go out and visit the people who make up our community at Head Talks. He wants to find out how you are coping/not coping, to share […]
As we start to reintegrate into society, we need to be mindful and compassionate that many people will be anxious, says Charlotte Armitage, Psychotherapist, Outsourced Psych. We need to manage our expectations: society will change, including our behaviour around other people, and there will need to be an adjustment. People might have changed […]
Former Minister and MP, Sir Norman Lamb, warns us that there is likely to be a psychological fallout from this crisis. The isolation, money worries, possibly losing a job or business, perhaps through to bereavement: all these factors will play a part in increasing distress for many people. He calls on the government […]
Yogi Sascha Hodges takes a moment to reflect on how the uncertainties of today might be affecting our mental health, in ways we may not have experienced before. A lack of personal space, a change in routine, renegotiating your time, and so on. With her son Sandro, she sets out some questions to […]
Former astronaut Patrick Baudry tells us that when things are difficult, it’s not easy but we need to focus on the results of what we’re being asked to do. We must try to keep our motivation through these struggles, because the goal is so important.
Simon and Ayshen Webbe tell Head Talks how they are coping in isolation. Simon, a singer-songwriter who found fame with the group Blue, has told us before of his struggles with depression. For the couple, a routine is absolutely essential, and they’re giving thanks for time spent at home.
The pandemic has hit mental health facilitator Hazel Sawyers and her family hard. She is keeping herself afloat by following the FOCUS principle: Fearless, Optimistic, Creative, Unique, and Storyteller. Hazel urges us to tell our stories and take notes of how this situation is making us feel. She explains: “Make sure you’re your […]
Psychotherapist and ITV “agony aunt” Lucy Beresford explains the benefits of random acts of kindness – and it works both ways. If you’re on the receiving end, it makes you feel supported and seen, and it can change your feeling of self-worth. And if you’re the person doing the kind thing, it will […]
Jada Sezer says the lockdown has meant a rollercoaster of emotions to her, a process of grieving for our past life and its routines. The model and campaigner said: “Every week is different. I might start the week happy and end the week collapsed on the sofa. There’s a heaviness in the world. Some days […]
The most important thing during the lockdown is community, says writer Ruby Wax. “Isolation is painful. We’re going through a phase where people really want to hug each other, but they’re terrified, so how do we deal with the terror?” Ruby practises mindfulness, and has turned her Frazzled Cafe online to bring people […]
The current situation is extremely troubling for people with mental illnesses, says author and professor Andrew Solomon. Some people can weather the storm, but those who already have a diagnosis of acute anxiety or depression are likely to be triggered. “Part of our daily project is to prevent the rational anxiety we feel […]
This situation is terrifying for everyone, and especially so for many vulnerable groups, such as those with mental health issues. The idea of self-isolation and getting the virus is paralysing many people. Having basic information about coping in this time of uncertainty and constantly updating news can be very stabilising. Justine Hardy has […]
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