Climate Change Affects Our Mental Health, and What We Can Do About It: An Urgent Call to Action

Climate Change Affects Our Mental Health, and What We Can Do About It: An Urgent Call to Action

by AnxietyDepressionHealth and WellbeingLife coach in Sheffieldlife coach SheffieldLife Coachinglife coaching Sheffieldmental health at work SheffieldMental Health First Aid TrainingMHFAstop smoking in Sheffield

The Multi-Dimensional Crisis of Climate Change

Climate change is a crisis that goes beyond just melting glaciers and scorching summers; it’s a crisis that penetrates the human psyche. Recent UK surveys show that 65% of the population feels anxious about the effects of climate change. Moreover, women appear to be more affected than men, with 69% of women indicating anxiety as opposed to 61% of men. As for younger generations, a staggering 20% of those aged 16-24 are willing to sacrifice family plans, stating they’d opt for having fewer children to help alleviate the crisis.

If the pervasive anxiety and life-altering decisions weren’t enough, scientific studies show that rising ambient temperatures and increased air pollution have a pronounced effect on mental health. The range spans from general anxiety to a significant rise in emergency department visits for mental health issues.

Immediate Impacts: Mental Health in the Wake of Catastrophes

The climate crisis isn’t a far-off scenario—it’s happening now. This year alone, extreme weather events have made headlines globally, from cyclones in southeastern Africa to wildfires in Chile and Canada, not to mention unbearable heatwaves across Asia. More recently, the return of El Niño has thrown another wrench in the works, raising global temperatures and sparking even more natural disasters. One such catastrophic event occurred on September 11 when Storm Daniel caused unprecedented flooding in Libya, leaving thousands dead, missing, or displaced.

Such catastrophes have a profound psychological impact. Imagine losing your home, community, and sense of safety overnight. These events can lead to many mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal tendencies.

Empowering Through Education

Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools to combat the climate crisis’s mental strain. Understanding the science behind the events unfolding around us can transform paralyzing fear into proactive advocacy. Consider engaging with the wealth of scientific literature available, from reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to peer-reviewed journal articles.

Practising Self-Care Amid Chaos

Amid this crisis, it’s crucial to remember the importance of self-care. Whether it’s yoga, journaling, or even simply setting aside an hour each day for ‘digital detox,’ these activities can offer a valuable respite from the constant flood of distressing news.

The Therapeutic Spectrum: More Than Just CBT

While Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) remains popular for treating mental health issues, it’s not the only tool in the shed. Counselling provides a safe space to explore your fears, while life coaching offers a structured plan to tackle stress and lifestyle changes.

Building Resilience: The Community Aspect

But emotional resilience is not built in isolation. Across the UK, local cooperatives are emerging that focus on growing organic fruits and vegetables. These initiatives provide a more sustainable lifestyle and a sense of community, boosting emotional resilience.

Regarding mental health and climate change, we are far from powerless. Through education, self-care, therapeutic interventions, and community engagement, we can better prepare ourselves emotionally for the challenges that lie ahead.

Take the Next Step: Connect with an Expert

If this blog post resonated with you and you’re looking for more tailored advice on managing climate anxiety and mental health, the next step is just an email away. Don’t let the overwhelming feelings of climate change paralyze you. Reach out for expert guidance and strategies to build emotional resilience in these challenging times.

📧 Email Mike Lawrence at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk to take the first step towards a more resilient you.

Your voice matters; together, we can make a difference for the planet and our mental well-being.

 

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A Leap of Faith Skydiving for the Mental Health Foundation

by AnxietyConfidenceDepressionemployee mental health SheffieldHealth and WellbeingMental Health At Workmental health at work SheffieldMental Health First Aid TrainingMHFAStressstress help SheffieldStress Managementstress relief SheffieldSuicidewellbeing in the workplace Sheffieldworkplace mental health Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

Though not necessarily brave, I’ve always considered myself an adventurer at heart. Maybe a bit daft, even. In my work as a mental health first aid instructor and a private practice consultant, I see people who grapple with social anxiety, stress, and depression.

I often preach the gospel of stepping outside one’s comfort zone. But hey, it’s easier said than done, right?

Inspired by our ancestors who braved saber-tooth tigers and trekked miles for food, I took the plunge for the Mental Health Foundation. But this leap was more than just a tick off my bucket list; it was deeply personal. Last year, I had a pituitary tumour removed. That intense experience made me reevaluate my priorities; ever since then, self-care has been at the top of my list.

Now, back to the plane. My instructor, Josh, was a pro. His pre-jump brief was as exciting as listening to a speech by Rishi Sunak, which oddly calmed my nerves. “Place your hands across your chest, wrap your legs around the underside of the plane, and head back,” he advised as if telling me how to tie my shoes.

The plane taxied down a short runway under a cloudless sky. Perfect weather—unlike the cancelled jump a few weeks prior due to bad visibility. We reached an altitude of 14,000ft, and I found myself afloat among skydiving aficionados and charity-driven daredevils like myself.

Josh handed me goggles so tight they made me look like a cartoon character whose eyes might pop out at any moment. Then, the plane’s door opened, and for a fleeting moment, I imagined myself getting sucked out like in a bad action movie.

One by one, people took their leaps. I mimicked a mantra in my head, “Hands across the chest, feet under the plane, head up, wait for the tap, then Superman.” Finally, it was my turn.

As I inched closer to the edge, my brain screamed, “What the bleep are you doing, Mike?!” But before I could complete that thought, gravity took over. I was tumbling through the air, screaming, but also oddly liberated.

Josh gave me the much-anticipated tap. I thrust my arms forward, miming Superman, grinning like a madman. And just like that, the sheer terror transformed into an adrenaline-fueled euphoria.

As we descended, Josh handed me the parachute controls. “What happens if you let go?” a devilish voice in my head wondered. Ignoring it, I swivelled left and right, marvelling at the beauty below.
Eventually, Josh guided us toward the landing zone. “Legs to the chest, then out in front,” he instructed. And we landed like pros—or rather, he did; I was just along for the ride.

“What was it like?” the cameraman asked. “Absolutely insane!” I blurted out, my heart still racing.

This was not just a thrill-seeker’s dream but a defining moment that combined personal growth, healing, and advocacy for a cause I deeply believe in mental health. Skydiving was a literal and metaphorical fall into a new understanding of life and resilience, a perfect symbol of my journey from a patient to the pinnacle of self-care.

Thanks to this experience, I’m even more committed to championing mental health. I took a leap for myself and everyone who has been where I was. So, let’s soar to new heights together in our collective fight for better mental health.

Would you like to help, too? Please spread the word, donate, and let’s make a difference. Because sometimes, a leap of faith is what it takes to move mountains.

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Remembering the Windrush Generation Celebrating 75 Years of Resilience Triumph and Overcoming Injustice

by DepressionLife CoachingStresswellbeing in the workplace Sheffield

Seventy-five years ago, an epochal event unfolded as the HMT Empire Windrush docked at Tilbury in Essex, marking a monumental moment in British history. It was carrying within it a wave of change – hundreds of immigrants from the Caribbean, called the Windrush generation, who responded to the post-war call to help rebuild the nation.

The tale of resilience and contribution begins here and is intertwined with personal narratives of people like my grandfather and parents who made this brave journey towards hope and opportunity.

My parents were among the many who made the journey to the UK. My mother initially settled in London and moved to Sheffield to join my dad—countless stories of courage and determination define this remarkable generation. Like many of their peers, they grappled with the unknown, battled the odds, and committed to the promise of a brighter future in a new homeland.

However, this new chapter of multiculturalism in Britain was fraught with systemic challenges. This was starkly highlighted during the Windrush scandal.

Despite their legal status and contribution to British society, the Windrush generation faced unjust treatment. They were wrongly detained, threatened with deportation, and denied access to healthcare due to bureaucratic issues.

In the 1960s and 70s Britain, hundreds of black children were labelled as “educationally subnormal” and wrongly sent to special schools for pupils deemed to have low intelligence.

A significant stride towards justice was the Commission for Racial Equality investigation. The commission’s comprehensive report spotlighted the institutional failures that led to the mistreatment of the Windrush generation and recommended changes to prevent such future injustices. This report was an essential first step towards acknowledging the contributions and rights of the Windrush generation in the UK.

Throughout these hardships, the Windrush generation displayed a resilience that inspires us. Take, for instance, actor David Harewood OBE, whose personal journey of overcoming a psychotic breakdown to achieve success is a testament to the spirit of this generation. His candid story, which he shares in his powerful Richard Dimbelby lecture on struggle and triumph, serves as a beacon of hope for future generations, encapsulating the heart of the Windrush narrative – endurance in the face of adversity.

Wrongful deportations compounded the pain of the Windrush generation. This was particularly true for those who faced mental health challenges upon their arrival in the UK. The lack of adequate support systems and understanding of these issues added another difficulty for these immigrants.

In 2019, in response to the Windrush scandal, the government established the Windrush Compensation Scheme. But the scheme, despite its noble intentions, has faced criticism for its slow implementation and insufficient support, leaving many affected individuals still awaiting their due compensation.

The 75th anniversary of the Windrush generation’s arrival in the UK presents an opportune moment to celebrate their enduring legacy and highlight the systemic issues they faced.

Commemorative events such as the civic reception in Sheffield, which my mother attended, are a testament to their societal contributions. However, many of the generation’s community was unaware of such events, signalling the need for more comprehensive outreach and communication efforts, highlighted in the Sheffield Star by Carol Stewart, whose mother or close friends of my mother were not included until I made them aware.

Reflecting on the experiences of the Windrush generation, there are five critical actions the government needs to undertake in my opinion:

  1. Reform the Windrush Compensation Scheme: Fast-track the compensation process, ensuring those affected receive due compensation without delay.
  2. Improve Legal Assistance: Enhance the provision of free legal support to help Windrush generation members and others navigate the complexities of immigration law.
  3. Promote Equality in Immigration Policies: Review and reform immigration laws to safeguard equal treatment of all individuals, irrespective of their origin.
  4. Foster Education and Awareness: Incorporate the history and contributions of the Windrush generation into the national curriculum, fostering understanding, empathy, and appreciation amongst future generations.
  5. Address Visa Costs: The high cost of visa processing fees must be reassessed to encourage diversity and offer equal opportunities.

As we commemorate this landmark 75th anniversary, we honour the Windrush generation’s resilience and contributions to Britain and pledge to rectify the injustices they suffered.

This occasion is a testament to their enduring legacy and a clarion call for systemic reform to prevent future injustices. It’s an opportunity for us to ensure that their story continues to be told, their contributions recognised, and their experiences used to forge a path to a more inclusive and equitable society.

 

Uncertain Future

Are You Willing To Forgo Anything For Your Holiday?

by AnxietyConfidencecorporate wellness companies SheffieldDepressionemployee mental health SheffieldFinancial WellbeingHealth and WellbeingMental Health At Workmental health at work SheffieldMental Health First Aid TrainingStressstress help SheffieldStress Managementstress management Sheffieldstress relief Sheffieldtreat stress Sheffieldworkplace mental health Sheffieldworkplace wellbeing Sheffield

Uncertain FutureMany of us who’ve not been away due to the COVID pandemic are desperate to get away for some summer sun. Surveys and reports in the media suggest a surge in holiday bookings as demand returns to pre-pandemic levels despite household finances facing a squeeze from surging inflation. Tour operator TUI reports that summer bookings are up by 19%.

Holidays can help with anxiety and stress-related problems by giving us time to relax, have downtime and allow us to use the time to find solutions to problems.

Holidays enable us to catch up on much-needed sleep and rest. Whilst we are sleeping, our brains consolidate information and memories from the day, which improves our mental functioning, problem-solving, memory and creativity.

Holidays boost relationships with friends and family. You get to spend quality time with partners and children, strengthening social bonds. Time with your kids also increases their self-esteem and sense of security and enriches family values.

However, for some, the urge to escape and get away, hoping that the life you left behind will improve on their return, can come at a cost.

Brits Spent up to a Quarter of their Annual Disposable Income on Holidays each Year

Nationwide Building Society’s published spending report revealed that Brits spent up to a quarter of their annual disposable income on holidays each year. Many seem to have no desire to restrain this spending. On average we spend £855 per person each time we go away, then there’s 23% who spend £1,000 or more each holiday, and a family of four could end up paying £3,240 per trip and up to £6,840 in total.

Figures are taken from the online website Moneyfacts reports that the UK’s annual median disposable household income is £31,400. The cost of holiday spending can take up to three months’ worth of income, or a quarter of the expenditure. Disturbingly, not everybody has this money to hand.

As a result, 22% reported that they had to borrow the money to go on holiday, including using a credit card, taking out a loan or borrowing money from friends or family members. Contrastingly, 43% managed to pay for their holiday using savings, while 35% used cash from their bank account, and 11% were lucky enough to have family members to finance their holiday break.

88% of those who had to borrow money said that this was the only way that they could afford to go away. With the average Brit then taking three months to pay off this holiday – and 11% even taking more than six months.

Yet over half (51%) of respondents said they weren’t willing to forgo anything for their holiday.

That’s not all 61% overspend by £250 and 11% overspend by £500 or more.

Then there’s an additional 20% who don’t set a budget, who might still regret spending more than their bank accounts can bear. Undoubtedly, money is one of the most significant holiday regrets, with 25% feeling they had spent too much money. 21% said they didn’t have enough money to enjoy themselves, and 20% thought their holiday was too expensive.

Loss Aversion Theory

One of the drivers behind our behaviours and decision making could be linked to the loss aversion theory. Loss aversion is a concept that people hate losses more than they enjoy gains.

A cognitive bias that describes why, for people, the pain of losing is psychologically twice as powerful as the pleasure of gaining. The loss felt from money or any other valuable thing can feel worse than gaining that same thing. Studies demonstrate that it impacts our judgement, preference, and decision-making process.

Wellbeing activities don’t have to cost you the earth. Many of us know the benefit of regular exercise, walking, meditation or participation in numerous leisure pursuits, pastimes and hobbies.

Imagine the delight of planning a holiday not because you need to catch up on much-needed sleep. You’re suffering from anxiety or spending time with the family because you haven’t seen them due to work demands.

The outcome of your time away is much more rewarding when you regularly invest time and money and prioritise your mental health and wellbeing.

If you’re currently suffering from emotional overwhelm due to the rise in the cost of living or are worried about an uncertain future, or you need help to improve your confidence and are not sure where to go.

Send an email to enquiries@mikelawrence.co.uk, and I’ll send you a free guide on what to incorporate into your daily routine. Or contact me at 01142 670 081 for a complimentary 40-minute wellbeing review, and I’ll share with you tips that can transform your health and wellbeing when you implement them. Remember, ‘If you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness’.

Meditation as a Tool to Improve your Self-Confidence

by DepressionHealth and WellbeingLife coach in Sheffieldlife coach SheffieldLife Coachinglife coaching SheffieldSleep DeprivationStress

Meditation and mindfulness are all the rage these days. Though they have been around for several thousands of years, they have enjoyed a new level of popularity. Even the scientific world is getting involved. A quick search on YouTube will demonstrate just how interested the world is in these topics.

While meditation accomplishes many things, we’re interested in self-confidence. 

Meditation focuses the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness and achieve a mentally clear, emotionally calm, and stable state.

“When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, ‘Oh yes – I already have everything that I really need.” – Dalai Lama

Follow these tips to incorporate a daily meditation practice into your life:

  1. Create a daily schedule you can keep. It’s much better to meditate each day for a few minutes than to meditate for more extended periods of time a couple of times a week. Be realistic. Ideally, you can set aside at least 20 minutes a day.
  • Avoid the mistake of failing to schedule your meditation time. If you wait until you have time, you’ll never do it.
  1. Find a comfortable spot. You don’t need much. Any quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed will work just fine. A firm chair or a seated position on the floor will work. Lying down can even work, provided you can stay awake!
  2. Start small. It’s more challenging to sit with yourself for 20 minutes than you think, and five to ten minutes is a good start.
  3. Meditation is a relationship with yourself. So, be nice to yourself, and it’s about self-acceptance and compassion for yourself.
  4. Focus on your breathing. Feel the air moving in and out of your body. Feel the sensation of the air moving past the edges of your nostrils.
  5. Continue until your mind wanders. You probably won’t even catch yourself the first several times your mind drifts away. All of a sudden, you’ll realise that you’ve been thinking about people at work, meetings, deadlines, or your plans for the weekend.
  6. When your mind wanders, let those thoughts go. Think of thoughts as clouds blowing by. You don’t have to pay attention to them or be affected by them. Just allow them to pass through your attention and return your attention to your breath.
  7. Your mind will wander a lot at first, and you might not even be able to last 30 seconds before your mind is off to another place. That’s ok, and keep going. You’ll get much better with practice.

Meditation will show you that your mind creates thoughts. These thoughts lead to feelings and beliefs.

You’ll also learn that you don’t have to be affected by them. Being upset by your thoughts is a little like punching yourself in the face and unclenching that fist by allowing your thoughts to pass on through.

Most people spend so much time “thinking” and being influenced by their thoughts; they have a weak grasp of reality. The world is going on around you, not inside your head. You’ll have a more honest perspective of yourself, the world, and those around you if you can quiet your mind.

You’ll quickly learn to avoid being bothered by your thoughts. They’ll move along on their own, provided you don’t engage with them.

This is crucial to contentment. When your peripheral thoughts are not energising you, you’ll experience real peace. When something negative happens, the event isn’t the real issue. It’s all the thoughts that run through your head.

Learn to deal effectively with your thoughts, and you can quickly push past any self-doubts that keep you from accepting yourself and finding contentment.

“Health is the greatest possession. Contentment is the greatest treasure. Confidence is the greatest friend. Non-being is the greatest joy.” – Lao Tzu

Next Steps

I’ve created an easy, effective, powerful system that anyone suffering from a lack of confidence, motivation or resilience could immediately apply and benefit from when they work with me. I help people rediscover their identity to feel physically robust and better equipped mentally; ultimately, they feel in better control of their lives.

Don’t hesitate to contact me directly for more information about how this can work for you. Email enquiries@mikelawrence.co.uk  or call 07967 052585.

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How to Become a Mental Health First Aider

by AnxietyDepressionMental Health At Workmental health at work SheffieldStressstress help Sheffieldstress management Sheffieldstress relief Sheffieldtreat stress Sheffield

Mental Health First Aider

According to the Centre for Mental Health, two-thirds of surveyed people will require help for existing mental health challenges that have been made worse by the pandemic.

Approximately 8.5 million adults will require support for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders and additional mental health problems in the future. Equivalent to 20% of the adult population 

Since the introduction of the 1981 Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations, physical First Aid assistance in the workplace was a requirement. 

Recent research suggests that approximately half of the population will experience a mental health issue in our current job. Therefore, it’s easy to see why the employers, the public, and mental health campaigners are now lobbying for mental health first aid to be given equal legislative status in the work environment.

MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) is the mental health equivalent of physical first aid for those who may not be so familiar. The concept originated in Australia, and in this country, MHFA England is the leading licensed provider of MHFA training. Mental Health First Aiders can spot the signs of mental ill-health and help provide early assistance for someone developing a mental health issue.

It’s important to state that those trained in MHFA aren’t necessarily counsellors or therapists; instead, they act as the first point of contact and offer initial support through non-judgemental listening and guidance.

MHFA England has been working to establish MHFA skills in communities, including schools, universities, the armed forces, and businesses.

More companies are slowly waking up to increasing mental health support in the workplace, with many already using MHFA England training as part of their strategies.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Employers have a ‘duty of care, which means they must do all they reasonably can to support their employees’ health, safety and wellbeing.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a developing and underlying mental health crisis in the country—every year, one in four adults experiencing mental illness.

Though talking about mental health has become much more common, and there’s more discussed in the media, including Simone Biles, the American gymnast, and Naomi Osaka, there can still be a real stigma in the workplace.

As a result, many employees don’t come forward until they’re unable to cope. Do you have any processes in place to recognise the early warning signs and react if a problem arises?

Employer Benefits

Training employees in Mental Health First Aid within your organisation inspires people to talk more openly about mental health problems, encouraging early detection, enabling recovery, decreasing stigma and creating a positive working culture and environment.

Therefore, the benefit of having an MHFA England qualified Mental Health First Aider in the workplace provides a vital contact for any employee experiencing a mental health issue.

This communication could vary from initial conversation to signposting somebody to get appropriate help in a crisis.

Takeaways

Everyone who completes the course gets:

  • A certificate of attendance to say you are a Mental Health First Aider
  • A manual to refer to whenever you need it
  • A quick reference card for the Mental Health First Aid action plan
  • A workbook including a helpful toolkit to support your mental health

Reservations

If you would like further information or would like to have a chat about booking onto a course, please don’t hesitate to call me on 0114 2670 081 or email enquries@mikelawrence.co.uk.