WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?

Mental health is a natural part of being human, and everyone experiences difficult emotions at times. Whether it’s feeling scared, sad, or completely disconnected from the world, these feelings are not a sign you are going crazy - these feelings are signals—ways our minds and bodies are communicating that we need support. Just as we pay attention to our physical health—like resting when we’re sick or exercising to stay physically strong—our mental health deserves the same care. Often, we overlook our emotions or believe we have to just push through. But just like a broken bone or a persistent cough, mental distress is a signal that something needs attention—and that support is both okay and available.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?

This is a question people often ask themselves but the truth is, we all suffer from time to time and having distressing emotions or unwanted physical symptoms does not mean there is something ‘wrong’ with you, it means you are human and need support.

You might experience vivid memories or flashbacks, or feel on edge, easily startled, or disconnected from the world around you. These reactions may be indicative of post-traumatic stress and are your mind’s way of trying to protect you, even if they feel overwhelming or confusing. You might also notice changes in how you sleep, eat, or how you trust others.

You might feel a persistent low mood, a sense of heaviness, or a lack of energy, or you might notice constant worry, restlessness, or a feeling of being on edge. These are natural responses to life’s pressures or past experiences, and they don’t mean you’re weak or broken but that you may be suffering from depression or excessive anxiety.

Low self-esteem is often a quiet, persistent feeling that you’re not good enough or that you don’t deserve success or happiness. You might notice yourself comparing yourself to others, holding back from opportunities, or feeling unsure of your worth even when others see your value.

Perhaps you experience horrible thoughts or images that make you feel anxious or ashamed. Perhaps you feel driven to perform certain repetitive behaviors or mental acts—like checking, cleaning, or counting—just to try to relieve that anxiety. These experiences don’t mean you are “just being stubborn” or “weird”—they’re real and may be a sign that you are struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

The important thing to remember is that all of these symptoms are normal and with the right support, things can begin to shift and you can find your balance again.

HOW CAN CBT OR EMDR HELP ME?

Good question. Both CBT anbd EMDR begin by creating your own personal map of your difficulties. Therapy is less about diagnosis but more about understanding what is going on for you and finding a way forward. In CBT the focus is around exploring links between you thoughts, feelings, beaviours and past experiences and making changes to any unhelpful patterns that might be keeping you stuck. In EMDR, the focus is more on past experiences and distressing memories and how these are stored.

Whatever the approach, therapy is a completely normal and human step toward feeling better. It’s not something to be feared or seen as a last resort. Mental health should be viewed and cared for in the same way as our physical health and if we need treatment and support, it should be prioritised and not put to the bottom of the pile, hidden away or something to feel ashamed of. I view seeking help as a sign of strength and a committment to your own well-being. I don’t have all the answers, and you’re not broken. Therapy is a collaboration: we work together, with curiosity and kindness, to help you understand yourself, build resilience, and move toward the life you want.