When it comes to our body image and our differences, it may or may not come as a surprise to learn that similar concerns are present across all sexes and genders. It’s a misconception that eating disorders only occur in women. In fact, as many as one in three eating disorders develop in men – it is possible that this number is far higher due to many going undiagnosed...
Did you know May is National Walking Month? Walking is a simple yet effective way to boost both your mental and physical health. It's a low-impact exercise that can be done anywhere, at any time, without the need for special equipment or gym membership…
Earth Day gives us a chance to demonstrate support for environmental protection and to express our gratitude for nature. At Ldn Dares, we are grateful for the lessons we can take from nature to help us nurture a positive body image…
This April, the Stress Management Society has decided that the theme for Stress Awareness Month 2023 is Taking Action. We always advocate for an open dialogue about mental health; this month brings an opportunity to turn good intentions into…
The more insight we have about eating disorders, the more likely we are to be able to notice people at risk and know what steps to take should we be concerned.
There are lots of myths around eating disorders so to start out we’re going to dispel some of those misconceptions.
Picture this: it’s December 2021… nights are longer, darker and the temperature is dropping lower and lower. The Uk had been going through something… errr not-okay-dokey-cokey. The need to escape the doom and gloom had never been stronger. Just in time, I unexpectedly received a text from my friend Martin asking if I’d be up for a mini trip to Gran Canaria. My immediate, excited reaction was…
When you’re feeling particularly vulnerable it can be daunting to speak up about your body concerns, especially given our often overthought perception of what responses you will get. By speaking up you are able to connect with another person, someone who may share similar worries to you. What comes with that is the possibility of…
It’s that time again. Love it or hate it, the festive season is upon us. And this year, things are feeling (dare we say it) a little more normal. It’s the return of work parties, socialising and spreading cheer.
So why is it that the proclaimed ‘most wonderful time of the year’ makes us feel not so fabulous about ourselves?
When we are untrue to ourselves or ignore the desires and ideas inside of us. For creative people, it was be extremely difficult to go through life without creating. It always feels as though something is not quite right. Imagine an artist who wasn’t able to paint, or a performer with no access to the stage. The absence of creative outlets can cause pressure to amalgamate.
In England it is estimated that as many as 1 in 8 men have a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or ODC (obsessive compulsive disorder)[1]. However, it is extremely difficult to know just how accurate these statistics are as this only accounts for mental health conditions which have been reported – meaning that in reality, the number could be much higher.
Since the start of the pandemic it is reported that the number of people suffering with depression has doubled. In England alone it is predicted that up to 10 million people, the equivalent of almost 20% of the population, will require medical support for either new or existing mental health conditions; ranging from anxiety and depression through to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
When sitting in the Ldn Dares podcast recording, I thought the confidence Ldn Dares gives its clients to do and be what they want was unmistakable. A proof of that was her guest, Michelle Snow – who when she first went to Ldn Dares was experiencing complete body dysphoria and is now hosting her own podcast: What the Trans?! Where she challenges the stereotypes, assumptions and prejudice, that had contributed to her struggle.
With June being Pride Month, we wanted to do something a little different to celebrate. So, to mark the occasion we asked Ica Niemz, a previous service user and now Facilitator at Ldn Dares, to write a guest blog for us about how we can make drama spaces more accessible for the LGBTQIA+ community. Over to you Ica…
We‘ve previously spoken about how you can take time to put yourself first over the festive period. But sometimes you aren’t necessarily the one under fire. Sometimes you are witness to someone else’s discomfort; whether it be the questions, the large numbers of people or even having to eat with company. There could be numerous reasons as to why someone is struggling and you may be unsure on how best to help without worsening the situation.
Often our inhibitions hold us back – sometimes to the point in which we are prevented from going about our everyday life or achieving our goals. Well, we are believers in ‘practice what you preach’ and so we jumped (albeit slightly nervously) at the chance to speak with Community Bridges on their weekly podcast.
How can we be kinder to not just other people, but ourselves too? We often forget and let something so small yet so powerful pass us by, now more than ever with the newfound pressures of everyday life. Over recent months we’ve seen just how essential it is for communities to pull together to help one another – why not carry these acts of kindness through into other aspects of life?
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