Stress/Mental Health/Illness

Mental Health, Stress, Insomnia, Inflammation
and Illness

Most of us experience stress at some point in our lives, however, long term, or chronic, stress, is an increasing problem in the Western world. A recent UK survey found that 74% of adults (81% of women, and 67% of men) said that in the past year, they had been overwhelmed or unable to cope due to stress (1). In 2016/17 12.5 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety in the UK alone (2).

Stress and physical health

Stress is the common risk factor in 75-90% of diseases (3) and there is a well established link between stress and anxiety, insomnia and mental illness and also Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Long term or repeated bouts of stress have an impact on the immune system, raising the risk of infection. Stress can also lead an increased risk of diabetes due the change in insulin uptake, high blood pressure and heart disease due to plaque build-up in the arteries, the development of cancer, IBS and other digestive disorders due to alteration of acid levels in the stomach (4). Stress can also reduce the likelihood of conceiving when trying to get pregnant- possibly by as much as 30% (5). Research is beginning to show that inflammation may contribute to many diseases. Stress causes inflammation (6).

Counselling, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Mindfulness, and a combination of the three are considered effective in helping manage stress, anxiety, depression, panic and insomnia, addressing difficult thoughts and feelings, learning to relax and manage our responses in a more helpful way. Visit my mindfulness and counselling pages for more information and also to read some of the recent research.

Complementary / Holistic therapies such as Aromatherapy, Massage and Reflexology, can be useful in the management of stress, anxiety, depression, panic and insomnia. This has historically been seen as a rather minor achievement when comparing holistic therapies to Medical healthcare. However, in the light of recent findings regarding the link between stress, mental health, inflammation and disease, Complementary Therapies are finally being given greater respect, with more research being done in this area. Visit my reflexology and massage pages for more information and to read the latest research.

Crisis Sessions

I understand that circumstances- whether built-up or sudden - can provoke strong physical and psychological responses leading to sudden anxiety and overwhelm. This can be frightening and destabilizing. This is why I offer 1.5/2 hr ‘crisis’ sessions - starting with a longer consultation in which you can express your current experiences and in which together we can decide on the best approach for your session- which may include some guided mindfulness together with aromatherapy, reflexology, massage - according to your needs and preferences on the day. These sessions aim to understand and dull the fight or flight response, reactivate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to soothe, calm and ground. The aim is also to give you tools to use at home - including a recording of any guided mindfulness exercises used during the session, which can be listened to whenever you choose. This can help daily relaxation practice, and also potentially used at night if sleep is an issue. Because sometimes it can really help to simply remember how it feels to be relaxed.

These sessions can either be one-offs or a series – depending on your needs.

A kind note: Crisis sessions are intended for people experiencing an emotional shock/crisis/anxiety spike/overwhelm. these are not full, or in-depth counselling sessions and are not intended as an alternative where emergency medical or mental health intervention or support is needed.

My Research

Whilst studying for my degree in Complementary Healthcare, I conducted my graduate placement at a residential emergency mental health support facility, working with clients experiencing a range of severe mental health issues, using Massage, Reflexology and Aromatherapy to help reduce stress and anxiety. My research project was a pilot study using aromatherapy massage to treat long term primary insomnia.

Mental Health

1 in 4 people in the UK will experience some form of mental health issue this year. If you are one of those people, it is important to get help with your first step being your GP. Opening up to close family or friends is also recommended. The mental health charity - MIND are a good resource https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

Mental Health, Stress, Insomnia, Inflammation and Illness

Stress and physical health

Crisis Sessions

My Research

Mental Health

Mental Health, Stress, Insomnia, Inflammation
and Illness