Notes from the Journey

Mental Health Month  Understanding Depression  Through Grief, Loss and Life Transitions Depression is often a response to what you’ve been holding for too long. Depression is one of the most common yet misunderstood mental health experiences. During Mental Health Month, there is an opportunity to look beyond surface-level ideas of “feeling low” and explore the deeper emotional landscape that depression can represent—particularly in the context of grief, loss, and life transitions. Depression does not always arrive suddenly or without reason. For many, it develops quietly in response to change, endings, or emotional overwhelm. Loss can take many forms: the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, changes in health, identity shifts, or major life transitions such as becoming a parent, relocating, or entering a new life stage. These experiences can leave us feeling untethered, uncertain, and emotionally exhausted. As a counsellor, I often see how depression can be misund...

Hoarding Awareness Week: Understanding Hoarding with Compassion, Not Judgement Looking Beyond the Clutter to the Emotional Story Beneath Hoarding isn’t about mess, it’s about meaning, safety, and being understood. Hoarding is one of the most misunderstood mental health difficulties. During Hoarding Awareness Week in May, there’s an opportunity to move beyond stereotypes and take a more compassionate, informed look at what hoarding really is, and why it matters. For many people, hoarding is not simply about holding onto “too much stuff.” It’s a deeply rooted emotional experience that can affect identity, safety, and a person’s sense of control in the world. As a counsellor, I often see how quickly shame and misunderstanding can surround hoarding behaviours. This can prevent people from seeking support, leaving them feeling isolated and overwhelmed. In this post, we’ll explore hoarding in a way that centres understanding rather than judgement, and look at how gentle, therapeutic support...

 Navigating Menopause and Emotional Well-Being Supporting your mental health during a time of change Menopause is a transition for both body and mind, your mental well-being matters May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a timely reminder that emotional well-being is central to navigating life’s changes. Menopause, with its physical and hormonal shifts, can challenge mental health in ways that aren’t often discussed. Anxiety, mood changes, and difficulty managing stress are all common experiences, but you don’t need to face them alone. At a Glance: Menopause can affect mood and emotional resilience Stress management is key to mental well-being Self-care and counselling support improve daily life Recognising the mental health impact reduces shame and isolation Understanding Menopause and Mental Health: Hormonal fluctuations influence neurotransmitters and the nervous system, which can: Heighten anxiety or low mood Make coping with everyday stressors more difficult In...

Anxiety and Menopause:  Why Worry Feels Louder Understanding why anxiety can spike during  life transitions and hormonal changes Menopause can amplify stress, and suddenly anxiety feels louder than ever As we move from Stress Awareness Month into Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s a good time to explore how anxiety can be heightened during menopause. Many people notice that worries, irritability, or a racing mind feel more intense than they used to. This isn’t a personal failing, it’s a combination of life transitions, hormonal changes, and the body’s natural stress response. Understanding why anxiety feels louder can help you respond with compassion, self-care, and support. At a Glance: Hormonal changes can intensify anxiety Anxiety during menopause is common and understandable Recognising physical and emotional signs is important Counselling and self-care strategies can help restore balance Understanding Anxiety During Menopause Menopause involves fluctuating est...

Stress and Menopause  Why Everything Feels More Intense   How hormonal changes amplify stress and what you can do to support yourself As Stress Awareness Month draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to look at how stress interacts with life transitions, especially menopause. Menopause is often painted as a “natural stage,” but the reality is that fluctuating hormones can make stress feel more intense, emotional responses more volatile, and fatigue more overwhelming. Understanding this connection allows you to respond with compassion and practical support, rather than frustration or self-blame. At a Glance: Hormonal changes affect the body’s stress response Emotional intensity and fatigue are common Recognising these effects helps you respond kindly to yourself Counselling and self-care can ease the strain Understanding Stress and Menopause: During menopause, declining estrogen and progesterone can impact your nervous system, affecting how your body reacts to stress. ...