Today is World Mental Health Day. Mental health is such an important aspect of my life personally, as a carer and in a professional role as hypnotherapist and mindfulness teacher. I feel passionate about mental health and the need to reduce the stigma and prejudice associated with mental illness. Sadly, many people are fearful about discussing their mental health struggles yet 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem at some point in our lives. For the benefit of anyone experiencing difficulties at the moment, I have listed 5 ways in which you can take care of your emotional health and well-being:

1. Acknowledge your feelings. Take some time to sit quietly and notice and observe how you are feeling. Are you feeling stressed? Are you feeling anxious? Is your mood low or are you feeling depressed? What is troubling you? Acknowledging and connecting with our feelings is the first step to taking control of them rather than feeling overwhelmed by them.
2. Prioritise self-care. Do whatever makes you feel better within yourself. When I feel stressed I need to do something physical; it might be housework, gardening or exercise. Remind yourself about something you really enjoy then make the time to do it.
3. Go for a walk and connect with nature. Walking in green, open spaces is therapeutic for mind, body and spirit. Try to connect with nature by noticing the sights and sounds in the natural environment. Autumn is a wonderful time of the year. I like to walk through piles of dry leaves on the ground and notice the sound of them crunching beneath my feet. Deeply breathe in the fresh air and imagine any worries or concerns being lifted from your shoulders as you exhale.
4. Time is a very precious resource but the most important thing we can do is to make time for ourselves. Endeavour to make time to rest mentally and reduce stimulation overload. Give your brain and your mind a break. Switch off the smartphone, laptop, PC, tablet or TV for a while and do something else instead. You may choose to spend some time in meditation, listening to some calming music, chatting to friends or family, engaging in a relaxing hobby or pastime or reading a book.
5. Talk! Don’t keep your feelings bottled up inside. Please find a trusted friend, colleague or family member to talk to about how you are feeling. If you are feeling suicidal, are experiencing suicidal thoughts or hallucinations then arrange an appointment with your GP as soon as possible or contact your local NHS mental health crisis team.

Finally, if you find it difficult to relax, to switch off mentally and you would like to do learn how to do that, then please get in touch. 

This is Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week. More than 850,000 children and young people in the UK have been diagnosed with a mental health problem. For personal reasons, this is a matter very close to my heart – something that has had a huge impact upon my family life across two generations. The fact is for many people mental health problems begin in childhood and adolescence. Too often these problems go unnoticed or misunderstood until the child reaches crisis point.

Often what is mistaken as “bad” behaviour is actually a manifestation of a child’s state of internal distress. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes children are just plain naughty, but if there is a consistent pattern of unacceptable or unusual behaviour then something may be wrong in the child’s inner world. Younger children don’t have the vocabulary and the emotional maturity to realise that there is a problem, so often they just “act out” their feelings. Older children and adolescents may also find it difficult to vocalise their feelings and some tend to “bottle things up” or to become withdrawn.
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Many people don’t realise that children are just like adults in as much as they experience a vast range of emotions and may be prone to depression, anxiety or mood disorders as well as other problems. Unfortunately children are less well equipped than adults to process their emotions and they may end up feeling overwhelmed. Headaches and tummy aches are common ways in which physical symptoms are the expression of an emotional problem such as bullying or separation anxiety.

Children and young people nowadays have to deal with a great deal of pressure; to conform to parents’ and teachers’ expectations to achieve good grades, to look good, to deal with social media and present a certain image to their peers. For sensitive children it may be just all too much.

Sadly, bullying is another common problem which can cause long term health problems. Bullying can actually cause neurobiological changes in the expression of a gene linked to mood, predisposing victims to mental health problems as they get older. Worse still, it may lead to suicidal thoughts and suicidal attempts. Depression affects every aspect of a young person’s life including self-esteem and self-confidence, friendships and relationships, academic achievement and employment prospects.

All too often children’s mental health is overlooked. Yet mental health problems affect 1 in 4 people every year. Modern life is so busy and we’re all just getting on with things. We expect our children to do the same, but sometimes they just can’t manage it. There is a stigma associated with mental health problems making it difficult for parents and children to open up and ask for help. As a nation our level of “emotional literacy” could be better, but things are improving and the stigma associated with mental health problems is beginning to diminish.

If you are concerned about your child’s emotional state and behaviour, don’t struggle on alone; don’t be afraid to seek help. I work with parents to help them cope with parental stress and anxiety and I work with children and young people to help them to cope with whatever is bothering them. Do get in touch if you are worried about a child. I hold a valid DBS Certificate and I am a qualified teacher and SEN lecturer trained in counselling, as well as being a hypnotherapist. If for any reason I think that I would be unable to help your child, I would signpost you to the appropriate services.


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​© Tracy Daniels and rainbowhypnotherapy.co.uk, 2016 – 2017. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used provided that full and clear credit is given to Tracy Daniels and rainbowhypnotherapy.co.uk with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.