On Saturday I participated in my first convention panel on Mental Health in Speculative fiction at Continuum 14. Contintuum focuses on science fiction and fantasy and is a convention that unites artists, writers, readers and fans of the genre. … [Read more...]
Using Ambient Noise to Calm Anxiety and Depression
When I was deep in depression an overactive mind at night used to haunt me at night. I fretted constantly about the dread of tomorrow or all the failures I'd racked up in life. I was unsettled mentally which could often lead to endless cycle of have sleep disturbance and always feeling tired. These days it's so much better. Sleep hygiene is vital, to help me achieve this I … [Read more...]
How switching off can help your mental health
I am writing this out of a twisted form of serendipity. My smartphone has a defective screen, a pink vertical line going down its right side. I needed to put the phone in a parcel and ship to back to the company for repair; as none of my older back up phoned hosts a micro sim, I am phoneless. Suddenly, my all-important digital girl Friday abandoned me. The omnipresent … [Read more...]
Book Review: Back From The Brink
If you're depressed, sometimes it feels like you're the only one going through it. Reading books about other peoples' experiences with depression is a fantastic way to know you're not alone, and get some good tips on dealing with depression. Back From the Brink is a well written book devoted to real-life recovery stories, as well as rigorously analysing the bulk of treatment … [Read more...]
How Writing Beats Depression
A little musing today. I was reflecting that depression often causes problems of expression. Pent up feelings and thoughts just don't know how to get out into the world. I remember working with a homeless man with a drug dependence issue. In spite of bagging a recent job, he went on a drug binge. He fell into a deep depression and just couldn't seem to get out of it. He was … [Read more...]