There are many ways to explain what depression might feel like for someone. And there are many faces of it and symptoms that can be experienced. What I know is that even though we can try to use language to describe it, you can never really understand it unless you have lived it. Depression is such a complex condition which has multiple layers for those who live with it. Some words just say it all for some, however others can’t explain.

Depression needs to be handled gently and with care and kindness. I believe grief, loss, and heartbreak are the most painful experiences a human can have. Most people are uncomfortable being near you, they don’t make eye contact, and they tell you to “look on the bright side.”

The message is: don’t tell me about your pain.

But the only way to heal is through connection. If you’re lucky enough to have people in your life to listen to you when you want to talk and sit with you when you can’t feel anything at all, good! If you’re on the side the majority of us experience, I want you to know you’re not alone.

Sometimes the death of a loved one leaves us feeling alone and vulnerable, as well as this, people can feeling a range of emotions associated with grief and loss. Someone who is experiencing loss may feel overwhelmed and confused, alone and feel physical pain.

We know that there stages that accompany the loss of a loved one. Feeling these emotions are often confronting and difficult, however they are important and vital in our journey towards healing the pain and loss we feel.  In addition, the process of grief and loss can be different for each of us, this is because of our unique ways of feeling.

“I know for myself, my grief was soo overwhelming for me I just wanted life to fast forward, most of all I wanted the pain to go, I hated feeling pain in my heart and it affected every thing in my daily life”. Cath

Death & dying love ones

Anxiety

What is it ?

In addition to distorting our world view, Anxiety can rob us of a life lived without fear and isolation.

Guess what ?: EVERYONE has anxiety—humans are hardwired to have anxiety and our systems (education, work, capitalism, oppression, etc.) has tapped into our systems to motivate us to accomplish desired tasks. The challenge is how to recognize it in ourselves. Here’s the secrets no one tells you: perfectionism, highly prepared, over scheduling, procrastination, poor sleeping patterns, overuse of screens, restlessness, panic, and feelings of worry are all anxiety symptoms! 

I’ll help you discover how anxiety is functioning within you and assist you in breaking thinking and behavior patterns to manage your anxiety. 

Cut and paste the below to your browser and watch Aussie actor Ben Mendulsohn introduce you to anxiety. I remember seeing this clip five years ago and whilst a bit dark it really helps understand the way anxiety can distort our world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boewaMwPSaE

Bullying within the workplace has physical, financial, psychological consequences that can have negative life changing effects.

With soo much attention on social media about bullying, and the harmful effects of it, media attention seems to have had little positive impact within the working world and I dare say within the school yard.

Bullying is insidious, it is very often deeply ingrained within a workplace , in toxic workplaces it can be ignored, in these circumstances “you need someone who has your back”, so often those being bullied feel unable to confront or take action. Chat with me and we can work on a safety plan and action to safeguard you from continued attack and give you some important information about moving on.

Bullying in the work place, can make you very sick. You can be afraid of loosing your job, your credibility, your income, and it can cause injury to your soul and how you feel about yourself.

If you are experiencing bullying and or harassment, you need help, you need someone who is on your side, someone who can give you practical advise, while helping you manage the stress and anxiety it creates.

Contact me to have a chat about how we can work together to lesson the impact this has on you, your family, your friends, and work mates.

Relationship loss

It hurts when we loose a close relationship whether that be intimate partner or a friendship, or that you move away from a relationship because it has been unhelpful, and unhealthy, it may have the same physical pain, and grief and loss feelings.

However the pain of loss, is also unique to each of us. We are socialised from a young age about how to be in relationships, this is because our very first attachments were formed with our parents and perhaps extended family members.

So the way in which we manage the pain of loss, or separation is formed in our early years and this “attachment style” stays with us, and, it plays out in our adult day to day relationships. So here’s the GO our relationships ( the people in them) also have their own attachment styles. It is no wonder that at times conflict can arise.

An attachment style is a distinctive pattern of behavior in relationships. There are four adult attachment styles; Head over to my blog and read a bit more about attachment styles.

Depression

Bullying and work issues

Parenting

Parenting can be the most happiest times and moments in our lives. However its real tricky when there is conflict and situations that make things soo much harder.

You can feel your teenager hates you, you can feel like your totally in the dark when you have infants and with teenagers. Issues with behavior can also lead us into some very anxious and stressful times.

Did you know there are literally hundreds of parenting experts all with different styles and approaches. Are you worried your doing harm or something wrong? Confused about what to do? You are not alone. Parenting can be the most isolating experience, it can cause family conflict and relationship stress.