Moving and eye-opening

Sophie is a midwife. And she is also infertile. This moving memoir follows Sophie’s quest to become a mother. She experiences some terrible lows. It’s hard to imagine how anyone can experience traumatic pregnancies whilst also helping mothers bring their new-borns into the world. I’ve read a couple of memoirs which explore similar themes. OneContinue reading “Moving and eye-opening”

A bad mental health day can sneak up on you

I have climbed the peaks and troughs of mental health over the years. I have had depression and beaten it. I pride myself on the proactive strategies I take to keep mentally well. Two weeks ago I felt happy, energised and well. So, imagine my surprise when on Sunday and Monday last week I feltContinue reading “A bad mental health day can sneak up on you”

How to deal with FND (or unexplained medical symptoms)

In 2009 I was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder (FND). The symptoms, including severe and uncontrolled twitching and spasms, came from the body not functioning because of faulty brain signals. There were no structural changes to be seen on a scan. I had a diagnosis, but whilst I now had a name for it, theContinue reading “How to deal with FND (or unexplained medical symptoms)”

Making memories and mood shifters

Some days I feel on top of the world and want to bottle the feeling, to enjoy at my leisure. Other days might be sad or irritable and I can’t wait to go to bed where I can not only slumber but also put an end to the bad mood. Here are my own topContinue reading “Making memories and mood shifters”

How’s your chatter?

Over the years I’ve learnt to quieten or ignore the negative chatter in my head. When it’s really bad I do activities that distract me from it, like gardening, a walk in the countryside or something creative like art or sewing. And, when life and my brain feels chaotic I get organised. I make aContinue reading “How’s your chatter?”

Are my teeth still there?

Lots of people are wary of going to see a counsellor, a therapist, a shrink. They have visions of the tough New York shrinks seen in movies. They think it’s not for them. They don’t need help. They don’t want to drag up their past. Counselling has definitely improved my life. I went for severalContinue reading “Are my teeth still there?”