Category: Mental Health
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Body Image and our Children
In a world where our children are bombarded with messages about how they should look, we can help mitigate these messages so they grow up feeling comfortable in their own skin. Parents, teachers, coaches and family members all play a role in forming a young person’s body image and at times this can have a…
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Supporting Men living with Eating Disorders: Breaking the Silence and Extending Compassion
In my practice as an art psychotherapist and wellness counsellor, I have on the occasion worked with individuals navigating the complex and deeply personal experience of an eating disorder. I would say however I’ve learned so much from my colleagues, supervisors and specialists in the field of Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating. While eating disorders…
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The Psychology Behind Online Dating: Why More Choices Can Lead to Fewer Connections
Online dating has revolutionised how we meet romantic partners. With apps offering vast pools of potential matches, one might expect that more options would make it easier to find a partner. However, a recent article noted a decline in dating app users over the past few years (The Guardian, 2024). What’s behind this shift? The…
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Communication & Long Distance Relationships
I spent my first Valentine’s day with my then boyfriend, now husband, thousands of miles apart from him. He held up a sunflower to the screen on our long distant date via Skype (Yes, this was back on the day…). Long distance is not for the faint of heart. More than once I stood in…
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Online Friendships: Navigating Connection in the Digital Age
Humans are social creatures. We thrive on connection, and friendships form a cornerstone of our well-being. Friends offer support systems, a sense of belonging, and help reduce stress. Traditionally, friendships blossomed through face-to-face interactions, shared experiences, and physical proximity. However, the digital age has brought with it a new way of belonging and engaging: online…
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Conscious Coupling: Building Bridges which aren’t so easy to burn
Move over, conscious uncoupling! It’s time to shine the spotlight on its far less glamorous, yet infinitely more rewarding counterpart: conscious coupling. Yes, folks, before you get to splitting amicably, let’s talk about getting it right from the start. It’s all about laying the groundwork for a relationship that’s not just functional but thriving—a union…
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The Hidden Emotional Impact of Cancer: Navigating Grief, Mental Health Challenges, and Support
A cancer diagnosis is far more than a medical journey; it’s an emotional and psychological upheaval that profoundly impacts both patients and caregivers. Beyond the physical toll, cancer brings unique and often hidden emotional struggles, from complex forms of grief to the mental health challenges of navigating the healthcare system. In Singapore and other Asian…
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Racial Discrimination and Hate Speech in Children
Racial discrimination refers to the unequal treatment of individuals based on race, skin colour, or ethnicity, and can manifest in various forms such as exclusion, derogatory comments, or even physical aggression. This form of discrimination denies individuals equal opportunities and fair treatment in social, educational, and professional settings. It is pervasive and often reflects broader…
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Practical Tips for Parents to Increase Resilience in their Children
Resilience refers to the ability to bounce back from challenges, setbacks, or difficult situations. It is the capacity to adapt and cope in the face of adversity. Resilience matters because life is full of ups and downs, and resilience helps us navigate these challenges with confidence and strength. Resilience is not something that people are…
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Managing psychosomatic symptoms
Have you ever felt stressed and experienced physical symptoms at the same time such as a stomach ache or headache? It’s likely they are linked as emotional difficulties can affect us physically due to the mind-body connection (Rief & Barsky, 2005). Many psychological concerns also tend to exhibit physical symptoms, such as anxiety where it…