Shall I Compare Me to a Shark?

As I mentioned in my last blog I have started an introductory course in counselling; during the introductions we were asked to say which animal we were most like, and then yesterday we had to talk about that while another person listened. I had really struggled to decide which animal I think am like, andContinue reading “Shall I Compare Me to a Shark?”

Back to School – Introduction to Counselling, Level 2

I left school when I was 17; I had finished my A-Levels and couldn’t get out of the place quick enough. It is safe to say that I hated school, or maybe I should say my school; it was fine if you were one of the smart ones or really good at sports, but ifContinue reading “Back to School – Introduction to Counselling, Level 2”

Anxiety and the Brain, Part 5: Neurons.

Previously we have explored the parts of the brain where anxious thoughts are created and processed into physical responses; we have also seen the different anxiety pathways, but to understand how all this works, we need to understand the chemical processes that occur. The brain is made up of billions of connected cells that formContinue reading “Anxiety and the Brain, Part 5: Neurons.”

The Isolation of Anxiety & Depression

One of my main anxious fears is being around people, and talking to people.  When I first had my breakdown I struggled to leave home and could not walk up the local high road without feeling anxious; my body would be tense, I would look down at the pavement, and move quickly, just to tryContinue reading “The Isolation of Anxiety & Depression”

Anxiety and the Brain, Part 4: The Amygdala Pathway

The Amygdala is a tiny piece of the brain, but don’t let it’s size fool you, it is actually one of the biggest, most important pieces of the anxiety puzzle. Located near the centre of the brain; it is the source of many of our emotional reactions, both positive and negative. It also forms andContinue reading “Anxiety and the Brain, Part 4: The Amygdala Pathway”