Today I officially started my role as sub-editor with the Student Minds Blog. The blog is dedicated to giving students a voice to share their own mental health stories, giving people hope and support at one of the most challenging times in their life. It has really got me thinking about why I started blogging, … More Why Blogging Has Helped My Mental Health
Many of you will be starting your PhD in September, so I thought that I’d reflect on my first year and share with you my top tips for creating a network to support your mental health throughout your studies. 1. Make sure you register with a local GP If you’re moving to a different area, … More Preparing to start your PhD
I have seen a lot of questions on social media about go to tunes for bad mental health days. So I thought that I would compile a top 10 list of songs that I listen to when I’m struggling with my mental health. Enjoy! 10. Breakaway- Kelly Clarkson It’s a clichΓ©, but I am from … More Top 10 Tracks for Bad Mental Health Days
It goes without saying that a PhD is hard work. So, there are going to be times when you really feel the pressure, and that’s completely normal. But acknowledging this fact does not make it any easier to deal with when it does happen. Today, I have really felt the pressure. This summer has been … More What to do when the PhD pressure hits
As I write this post, my partner and I have just returned from the beautiful (not to mention boiling) city of Rome. It was my third time in the city, but my partner’s first. As a Roman historian, I may be a little bias but Rome is truly one of the most stunning places I’ve … More Presenting my paper in Rome!!!
Yesterday, my partner took me on a lovely trip to the seaside. The weather was beautiful, the chips and ice cream were fab and I got to chill on a beach with Peter! Without any data allowance left and the inability to find WiFi to connect to, I couldn’t access my University emails whilst I … More Taking a break from emails is good for your mental health
When I began taking Sertraline for my OCD, I was inundated with horror stories about individuals who came off of their meds too quickly and without the guidance of their GP. Such individuals suffered horrific side effects as the brain tried to cope with the chemical disruption that this sudden withdrawal caused. It’s probably incredibly … More Update: Sertraline Withdrawal
I have only ever contacted Mind a few times, and only when I’ve been really struggling with my mental health. The responses that I have had each time have always been so so thorough and helpful. Not to mention they’ve always replied quickly. The first time I got in touch was a good few years … More Mind: An Excellent Resource in the Fight Against Mental Illness
I began reading this book a few months back, but I just wasn’t in the right headspace for it at the time. I was on my own in Bristol, and feeling really isolated. I knew that the book was promising from the chapters I read at the time, I just identified with the exhaustion of … More ‘Because We Are Bad’: A Refreshingly Honest Account of OCD
Since coming back from Barcelona, it’s been a bit of a tough week for my mental health. On the last day of the trip, I managed to get food poisoning (I know, just my luck!). Nobody likes being ill of course, but ever since I had a nasty reaction to antibiotics last year (I couldn’t … More Post-holiday mental health challenges
OCD, the PhD and Me 