“Thousands of teenagers will get training to spot the signs of mental health issues among their friends, the government has announced. So-called “peer support networks” will be set up in schools across England to encourage more young people to seek help when they need it. These could be in the form of buddying schemes, group…
“In the midst of a sexually abusive experience, we disappear. We become invisible. We retreat so far into ourselves that sometimes, we even dissociate. It is our best coping strategy for avoiding the pain, horror and trauma of the abuse. However, even if it occurred decades ago, past abuse may still be haunting you in…
“Here’s a thought experiment: You’re walking down the street with a friend when your companion falls and gashes her leg on the concrete. It’s bleeding; she’s in pain. It’s clear she’s going to need stitches. What do you do? This one isn’t exactly a head-scratcher. You’d probably attempt to offer some sort of first-aid assistance…
“Mental illness and suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, of any age, of any background, at any time. Like with physical illnesses, people don’t choose to have a mental health problem. And they need the appropriate care to get better. Mental illness and suicidal thoughts are common issues for young people. In 2014-15, nearly a third…
“It has been well-documented (link is external) that autobiographical memories associated with smell are frequently more intense and emotionally tinged than memories associated with other sensory cues. This is due to the uniquely direct access smells have to the olfactory cortex, and the proximity of this area of the brain to the limbic system and the…
This is pretty good advice. Someone dealing with a mental health issue is unlikely to suddenly seek out someone to help them. They may, however, ask someone who is there, sticking by them the whole time. 5 Things to Do When You’re Worried About a Friend’s Mental Health
