Anticipatory Grief & Suicide – a type of grief no one talks about… (Anonymous Author)
Grief is a powerful human response, the pain equivalent to the love we feel for those we lose. It is deeply personal, without hierarchy, presents differently in everyone, and helps us to heal in its own unique way. Bereavement support identifies several types of grief: Normal or uncomplicated grief Complicated grief Disenfranchised grief Collective grief Anticipatory grief Ambiguous grief Absent grief Secondary grief Cumulative grief Traumatic grief The grief I wish to discuss is anticipatory...
Read MoreChallenging Mental Health & Addiction Myths This Mental Health Awareness Week
May is Mental Health Awareness Week is 12-18 May, and in a world grappling with conflict, climate anxiety, economic uncertainty, and widening social divides, mental health challenges are rising at an alarming rate. But for many, these challenges are compounded by systemic inequalities. People of colour, LGBTQI+ individuals, women, and immigrants are not only facing the stressors we all share — they are doing so while navigating discrimination, marginalisation, and often feeling unsafe in their...
Read MorePremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), by Jenny Potkins
After many years of going to many doctors, struggling with depression, and trying lots of different treatments including various antidepressants, the pill, CBT, doing exercise, my depression wasn’t getting any better and in fact it was getting worse to the point where I didn’t want to be here any more. I’d told my GP this for several years and she had tried her best to help me. I did mention on many occasions that my mood seemed to be related to my monthly cycle, but because my periods were...
Read MoreRecovering from disordered eating – Jake’s story of hope
A young adult from Northern Ireland has shared their story of recovery from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa through a powerful and emotional video in a bid to inspire others to seek help. In the UK, at least 1.25 million people are living with an eating disorder – at least 1 in 50 people. From 24 February to 2 March its Eating Disorders Awareness Week and the theme is ‘anyone can be affected by an eating disorder’. Jake Ferguson (pictured left), now 26 and living in County Tyrone in...
Read MoreAutistic and always feeling I am falling short, by Jane McNeice
We diagnose Autism via a pathologising medical model focussing on deficit and challenge. This need not be the case. I am yet to come across an Autistic person who does not amaze and exceed expectations. Autistics have amazing strengths, and many have something they are gifted in. In my own experience, this is inextricably linked to a common Autistic trait – special interest(s). The language around neurodivergence is continually up for debate. This is also true of the term ‘special interest’...
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