Mentalhealthmatters

Are You Stuck in a Rumination Loop? Here’s How to Break Free By Susan George

Ever found a conversation replaying in the mind long after it has ended? Or spent hours trying to work out whether the "right" decision was made? That cycle is known as rumination. Unlike healthy reflection, rumination keeps the mind trapped in the same thoughts without leading to a solution. Over time, these repetitive thoughts can make it harder to concentrate, sleep...

When Worry Won’t Switch Off: Signs It Might Be Generalised Anxiety Disorder By Susan George

Feeling anxious from time to time is pretty normal. We all get worried or nervous from time to time… However, if your worrying feels constant, excessive, and difficult to handle, you might be dealing with Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). With this kind of anxiety, your mind can feel like your mind is constantly scanning for threats, making it hard to...

What Should Every Woman Know About Perimenopause and Mental Health? By Susan George, Psychologist

For many women, the word menopause brings to mind hot flushes, night sweats, or changes in periods. But what’s often left out of the conversation is just how much this stage of life can impact mental health. Mood swings, anxiety, forgetfulness, or simply not feeling like yourself—these aren’t signs that you’re “not coping.” They’re real and valid responses to the hormonal...

Why Does Feedback Trigger Anxiety? How To Manage Emotional Reactions By Susan George

Receiving feedback can trigger anxiety for a lot of people. That sinking feeling that you feel, the moment someone starts talking about you. Whether it’s family discussion, during performance review, during a team meeting, or in an everyday conversation, the prospect of being evaluated can trigger feelings of dread, self-doubt, and vulnerability. Knowing that someone else is about to offer...

How Can Neurodivergent Individuals Find Motivation in Their Own Way? By Susan George

Have you ever stared at your to-do list, feeling completely stuck, unable to begin even though you know exactly what needs doing? Do you find yourself sitting at your desk, thinking about starting a task, yet somehow hours pass by with nothing accomplished? Perhaps you've experienced the frustration of watching deadlines approach while feeling powerless to overcome the invisible barrier...

CBT For Negative Thoughts: Step-By-Step Strategies You Can Use Today By Susan George

It's natural to feel worried from time to time; however, our anxious thoughts can sometimes be unhelpful. Our emotions, thoughts, and actions are all linked, constantly affecting one another. Unfortunately, we may develop thoughts or behaviour patterns that affects our well-being. These negative thought patterns can affect how we feel, which can, in turn, affect how we think and behave,...

How Can You Help Your Child Cope with Disappointment in a Healthy Way? By Susan George

As a parent, you’ve probably experienced the heartbreak of watching your child deal with disappointment. Maybe it was the tears after losing a game match, the disappointment of not making it onto the school play, or the sadness that came with a cancelled birthday party. In those moments, it’s normal to want to protect your child from pain, to make...

Why Are Teens Feeling So Lonely And How Can We Support Them?? By Susan George

It’s a quiet evening. Your teenager sits in their room, phone in hand, scrolling endlessly. Her phone pings with notifications from group chats and social media. They seem “connected” to the world, yet they seem distant at home.You wonder: Why does my child feel so lonely despite being more connected than ever? As a parent, this question may tug at your...

When Parents Should Be Concerned About Their Child’s Development? By Susan George

Introduction As you're watching your child play in the park, and something doesn't quite feel right. You might notice that they're not as verbal as their other kids who are at this age, or maybe they seem unusually withdrawn during playgroup sessions. As parents, we often find ourselves wondering whether our children's behaviours are just part of normal development or if...

How Can You Make Festive Gatherings Inclusive and Enjoyable for Neurodivergent Loved Ones? By Susan George

Many neurodivergent people have heightened sensory experiences. Vibrant lights, busy crowds, intertwining conversations, and the aroma of festive cooking can overwhelm the senses. Although some people may find these joyful, they have the potential to cause distress for others.  Picture this:  You walk into a room filled with blinking lights, multiple conversations are happening at once, and someone hands you a...