+ Being safe – the reptilian brain

Buy some time:
When you are emotional, whether that be angry, stressed, anxious, you are less likely to think clearly as you function in your reptilian brain (fight, flight or freeze response). It is crucial to buy yourself some time before reacting instinctively, saying or doing something that is not thought through. Take some time out to buy yourself a fraction of a second longer to make a conscious choice to respond. It might be that you take a walk outside – walking will allow more parts of the brain to come online, even just going to the toilet can be enough to give you a little bit of space. You will make better choices by responding not just reacting to situations.

Body Scan:
Just like your luggage that is put through an x ray scanning machine at the airport, imagine scanning your body from your feet upwards, noticing each body part, how it feels. Is there a tension, ache, pain, heaviness, hotness or coldness?

Observe your thoughts:
We get so carried away on a train of thought. Imagine sitting at a train station on a bench facing the tracks, a train approaches the station it does not stop but will pass through, this train is a thought of yours – you choose to either jump on this train of thoughts and get carried away or stay sitting on the bench and watch the train of thoughts pass through the station.

Use a positive anchor:
Find an object that has a positive connection, it could be a stone, shell or photograph. When you start to feel stressed or anxious spend one minute focusing on your object ….. allow the positive feelings that are connected with your object to surface.

Deep breathing:
When we get worked up our breathing becomes shallow and short, we can begin to pant. Do 2 minutes of deep belly breathing – count how many second you can inhale and exhale for.

Connect to your heart:
Just by putting your hand on the centre of your chest will connect you with your heart. This is really good to do if someone has been mean or critical to you.

+ Being Satisfied – the subcortex

Daily gratitude:
Each day list 3 things that made your day that little bit better. Even if you have had a terrible day, acknowledging the small things that were good will help redress the balance between positive/negative.

Focus on the positive and do what you enjoy:
Take a moment to think back over your day; which experiences stand out for you? For most of us, it’s the negative ones We can develop blinkers and focus on all the things that are keeping us stuck in a rut. This is your brain’s negativity bias in action. The law of attraction state that what we focus on we will attract into our lives. Focusing more on the simple pleasures creates lasting value.

Enrich and absorbed the positive:
When you have a positive experience do not let it pass through like a water through sieve, take a moment to relish the feelings and commit it to mind. This will make a stronger neural pathway in your brain.

Physical health impacts emotional health:
You can have the best personal trainer or dietician but if your mind is not in the right place you will get limited results. The reverse is true you can do lots of work on your mind but if you are not looking after your physical body the results will be limited. How good is our sleep? Diet? Exercise? Can you minimize toxins?

Silence your inner critic:
What we tell ourselves becomes our inner narrative – if you say harsh, mean, cruel things to yourself you are limiting your ability to lead a happy, fulfilling rewarding life.

+ Being Social – the neocortex

Do a Random Act of Kindness each week:
The law of karma states that every action must have a reaction. If you do something nice for somebody else, this will make them feel good which will have a ripple effect. It might be that you give somebody a compliment, pay for the person behind you in the queue’s coffee, pick up some litter when out walking. Doing nice things will also make you feel good.

Smile … it is contagious:
When you beam a smile at someone they will respond by smiling. Sensorimotors in our brains mimic facial expressions in order to better understand a person and respond appropriately. When you see a facial expression you want to know what it means so you recreate that expression in your brain.

Nudge your comfort zone:
It is easy to get stuck in a comfort zone and become bogged down in routines that are safe and predictable. It is impossible to learn and grow if you stay within your comfort zone. So, each day so something different – even if it is switching up your morning routine so you eat breakfast before you get dressed instead of the other way round. Live each moment with the intensity it deserves.

What imprint do you leave on other people?:
Every day we have multiple interactions – whether that be with family, people at the train station, in a shop, at work, at the school gate – ask yourself how do you make these people feel? What imprint do you leave? By making the extra effort to smile, say something positive or thank a person can make a difference. Add this up over a lifetime of interactions can make a world of difference!

+ Abuse (domestic, violence, child, sexual)

Women’s Aid are a gressroots federation working together to provide life saving services and build a future where domestic violence is not tolerated 24 hour helpline 0808 2000 247

NSPCC is the children’s charity dedicated to ending child abuse and child cruelty. Runs Childline (08008 800 500) and a helpline for adults concerned that a child might be at risk

NAPAC is the National Association for People Abused in Childhood, they provide a dedicated support line (0808 801 0331) and free online resources

Survivors UK provides help and support for men who have experienced sexual violence or abuse. This includes counselling and online and SS chat support all run by professionals who specialize in the field of male sexual violence

Domestic Violence Resource UK & International links, also US domestic violence handbook

+ Advice & information

Citizens Advice Bureau helps people resolve legal, money & other problems by providing free information & advice

Community Legal Service Free, confidential and independent legal advice

Direct.gov Provides information & access to forms on topics such as money, tax, benefits, motoring, education, employment, health and wellbeing, crime and transport.

National Debt Helpline Provides free, confidential & independent advice on how to deal with debt problems

[MyGrants.co.uk][10] provides a guide to the benefits and grants that older people may be entitled to.
[10]: https://mygrants.co.uk/oap-benefits/

+ Addiction & Substance misuse (alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, gaming)

Al-Anon Family Groups provide understanding, strength & hope to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men & women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.

Drink Aware a charity working to reduce alcohol misuse & harm in the UK, Website has free drink trackers nd tools to assess your own drinking levels

Cocaine Anonymous running self help groups based on the 12 step programme

Talk to Frank is the national drug education services. It provides information on legal and illegal drugs for teenagers and adolescents, including a confidential information line and live chat (0300 123 6600 text 81222)

SMART Recovery provides training to help people manage their recover from any type of addictive behaviour including drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, eating and shopping

Online gamers anonymous is a fellowship of people sharing their experiences

Paula Hall & Associates runs groups, Skype sessions & training for people with sex & porn addiction & their partners.

Life Works helps people overcome addictions, compulsive behaviour and mental health issues

+ Anxiety

Anxiety UK is a charity run by people with lived experience of anxiety, aiming to support everyone effected through information and self help groups. Call 08444 775 774

No More Panic This site provides information for sufferers & carers of people with Panic, Anxiety, Phobias & OCD

Fear Fighter is a NICE approved evidence based online program for gernalised anxiety and panic

Flying without Fear A site dedicated to helping you find the quickest and lasting way to overcome your fear of flying

OCD Action focuses on obsessive compulsive disorder. Providing information and support running self help groups, online support and advocacy services Call 0845 390 6232

+ Autism

Autscape A charity run by adults with autism. They organise an annual 3 day conference and have a chatlist so people can get talking to each other before they attend

National Autistic Society provides lots of information, resources and support for individuals, family members and professionals

ADDISS UK Attention Deficit Disorder Information & Support Service Helpline 020 8952 2800

+ Bereavement

Bereavement Advice Centre supports and advises people after a death in England & Wales. Website provides help with a range of practical issues. Call 0800 634 9494

Cruse Bereavement Care offers support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies. Their helpline is on 0808 808 1677

Lullaby Trust provides specialist support for bereaved families and anyone affected by a sudden infant death

+ Depression

Charlie Waller Memorial Trust was set up in 1998 in memory of Charlie Waller, a young man who took his own life due to depression. His family founded the Trust to educated people on the importance of staying well mentally. Delivers training in a wide range of setting to raise awareness of depression & reduce the stigma

Living Life to the Full An on line life skills course with modules that include; understanding why we feel the way we do, helpful and unhelpful thoughts and anxiety control.

CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide. Every week 125 people in the UK take their own lives. And 75% of all UK suicides are male. CALM exists to change this. Join the campaign to take a stand against suicide. Helpline 365 days a year from 5pm to midnight - 0800 58 58 58

Depression Alliance This web site contains information about the symptoms and treatment of depression

+ Divorce and Seperation

Citizens Advice Bureau information on how to seperate, using mediation, how to divorce or end your civil partnership

Gingerbread Every child reacts in their own way when their parents separate. You may worry about the negative impacts of a separation on your child and think it would be better to hide it from them. However, in some cases, talking to your child can help them to adjust.

Moneyhelper The guidance you need when it comes to managing your finances during a relationship break-up. It doesn’t matter what your situation is. You may be divorcing or separating; have children or not; own your home or rent; or live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. We have guides that will cover your specific situation.

+ Eating Disorders

ABC (Anorexia & Bulimia Care) is an eating disorders organisation providing ongoing care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders. Including nutritional guidance and a befriending service. Helpine 0300 111 1213

Beat Information on all aspects of eating disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, binge eating & related eating disorders. Also has a free helpline number.

National Centre for Eating Disorders An organisation set up to provide solutions for all eating problems, compulsive or “binge” eating, failed or “yo-yo” dieting, bulimia and anorexia.
36: http://www.eating-disorders.org.uk/info.htm

Overeaters Anonymous A fellowship of indviduals that offer hope through lived experience. Following the 12 step program, Provides insight into the problem of eating compulsively, strength to deal with it, and a very real hope that there is a solution
36: https://www.oagb.org.uk/

+ Health Related Issues

NHS.uk the online front door to the NHS, health information with articles, videos & tools, helping you to make the best choices about your health & lifestyle. Click HERE

Healthcare in Berkshire provides details of all hospitals, walk in centres, out of hours clinics in Berkshire

Patient.UK Comprehensive, free, up-to-date health information

Health Talk provides free reliable information about health issues by sharing peoples real life experiences

Age Concern The UK’s largest organisation working with older people

Men’s Health Forum provides information on men’s health issues

Terence Higgins Trust The largest HIV and AIDS charity in the UK

[Food for the Brain][46] raising awareness of the importance of optimum nutrition on mental health. Small changes in diet and lifestyle can have big impact on mental health.
[46]: http://www.foodforthebrain.org/

+ LGBTQ+

Stonewall works to achieve equality and justice for lesbians, gay men and bisexual people.

Mermaids Mermaids has evolved into one of the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ charities, empowering thousands of people with its secure online communities, local community groups, helpline services, web resources, events and residential weekends. Also seeks to educate and inform wider society on gender identity by helping professionals accommodate and reassure gender-diverse young people.

MidLine Trans+ MindLine Trans+ is a confidential emotional, mental health support helpline for people who identify as Transgender, Agender, Gender Fluid, Non-binary… Call 0300 330 5468 Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings 8pm – midnight

PACE Promoting lesbian and gay health and well being and offering low cost counselling

Pink Therapy A London based counselling practise working with sexual minority clients

+ Local Counselling Centres

Youthline offering Bracknell young people the opportunity to talk through life's challenges. Also works with adults.

Kooth Free online platform to all Bracknell Forest secondary school pupils providing counselling, forums, discussion boards

Talking Therapies East Berkshire NHS funded counselling.

+ Medication

Coming off contains useful information for people interested in learning more about coming off psychiatric medication in a careful, planned way.

+ Mental Health

Stepping Stones Recovery College For anyone, aged over 18 & living or working within Bracknell Forest, experiencing difficulties with their emotional, mental or physical health.The college will help you better understand what you’re experiencing and develop the skills, strengths and confidence to build a happier, more fulfilling life for yourself and anyone you support.

Mind The leading mental health charity in England and Wales. Working to create a better life for everyone with experience of mental distress.

Rethink Improving the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through a network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning. The goal is to make sure everyone severely affected by mental illness has a good quality of life.

NHS Inform (Moodjuice) useful directory of conditions and self help guides

Mental Health Foundation A leading UK charity that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems.

SANE Provides information and emotional support to those experiencing mental health problems, their families and carers.

CBT Online is an interactive site that teaches people about cognitive behavioural therapy skills to prevent and cope with depression

Elefriends run by Mind aims to provide a safe, supportive online community where everyone can share experiences relating to mental ill health and get support from people with similar experiences

Happyhealthy is an app linking brief daily reflection exercises to allow people to make more mindful decisions abut lifestyle exercise, nutrition and sleep to manage mental wellbeing

Headspace an app based around teaching mindfulness meditation principles to improve wellbeing

+ Mobile Phone Dependency

Article exploring the compulsion to check mobile phone

Moment App tracks how much you use iPhone each day, you can set limits to reduce usage.

+ Neurodiversity (e.g. ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia)

East Berkshire Neurodiversity Network The Network brings together people from across East Berkshire to change how we think about and understand neurodiversity and to explore how we can best support neurodivergent children and young people in a positive way. The network is open to anyone with an interest in neurodiversity.

Parenting Special Children Providing specialist support for Berkshire Families who have Children + Young People with Special Needs. Offering diagnosis support and helpline, networks, training, clubs.

+ Nutrition & gut health

Metawell Minna Wood, nutritionalist will review your health, diet and food in order to boost energy, happiness and life force!

Gut Health Doctor Dr Megan Rossi's websites has lots of questionnaires, free guides and quizes to understand your own gut health

+ Personality disorder

Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust provide you with a specialist assessment to understand whether you have a type of personality disorder, and then provide the right treatment for your needs. Based on your assessment, they may provide: Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT) or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Both treatments focus on understanding and learning how to manage your emotions and relationships. 65: https://www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/mental-health-and-wellbeing/managing-personality-disorders/

National Educational Alliance BPD The mission of National Education Alliance for Borderline Personality Disorder is to provide education, raise public awareness and understanding, decrease stigma, promote research, and enhance the quality of life of those affected by Borderline Personality Disorder and/or related problems, including emotion dysregulation.

+ Professional Therapy Organisations

British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)

British Psychological Society (BPS)

United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)

UK Therapy provides information about various types of therapy, training events and therapy related articles

+ Self Harm

Alumina Free online self harm support for 10-17 year olds. in the way of a 7 week online course 75: https://https://www.selfharm.co.uk/]

LifeSIGNS LifeSIGNS is the user-led small charity creating understanding about self-injury. Providing information about self-injury. Never telling anyone to ‘stop’, they support people as and when they choose to make changes in their lives.

Harmless is a user led organisation providing a range of services about self harm including support, information & training to people who self harm, their friends and families. Includes resources on alternative coping strategies

National Self Harm Network offers an online moderated forum for people affected by self harm

selfharmUK is a project dedicated to support young people, providing a safe space to talk, ask questions & be honest about whats going on in their lives. Run by Youthscape

Big White Wall is an online community of people who are anxious. down or not coping & support each other by sharing whats troubling them. Also availble as an app

+ Self Help

Living Life to the Full course is a life skills course that provides access to practical & user-friendly training. The course content teaches key knowledge in how to tackle and respond to issues/demands which we all meet in our everyday lives.

Self help guides produced by Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust titles cover a range of mental health issues.

+ Sex & Sexuality

Esther Perel has some fantastic blogs about being in love & having a fulfilling sex life

Erica Lust's app XConfessions This female porn maker focuses on women's desires. Her App, XConfessions, encourages couples to talk about their kinks and sex acts - allowing them to swipe right or left for their preferences.

Kama App A sexual wellness app that demonstrates the best foreplay technqiues and suggests how to maximise your pleasure.

OMGYes.com is a hands-on, modern exploration website for women, based on research and using new touchscreen simulations so you can try it all yourself.

Relate offers advice, relationship counselling, sex therapy, workshops, mediation, consultations and support.

+ Sleep & Insomnia

Trouble Sleeping company Trouble Sleeping, based in Wokingham, offers a range of services for adults and children or as part of a corporate wellbeing programme.

Sleepio is an App for sleep management combining cognitive behavioural principles and the latest in sleep research

Things to Do When You can’t sleep

+ Stress

Stressbusting Provides lots of tips, techniques and suggestions for managing stress

[WorkGuru][81] is a web based stress management programme providing tools to build resilience and manage stress in the workplace
[81]: http://www.workguru.org/

+ Trauma, Crisis & suicide

Assist is a charity dedicated to offering emotional & practical support to individuals & families affected by trauma.

Stay Alive App is a suicide prevention app, allowing users to create a list of resources & strategies to stay safe from suicide and links into crisis support availble

Samaritans are always ready to listen to anyone who needs to talk in a crisis. Call 116 123

Young Minds Parents Helpline 0808 802 5544 for concerned parents about their child’s emotional problems or behaviour

Maytree An adult respite sanctuary for the suicidal 0207 263 7070

+ young people

Kooth provides online support for young people delivered by qualified counsellors via chat based service

Childline Free helpline for young people. Call 0800 1111 free 24 hours a day

Daisy’s Dream offers advice & support for young people up to the age of 18 who have been bereaved.

Youth Line Free, confidential counselling for young people in Bracknell, aged 8 to 25 years.

Young Minds is committed to improving the mental health & emotional wellbeing of all children and young people.

RD4U a website designed for by young people. It supports people after the death of someone close.

Your Life, Your Future Booklet for young people on being in care and leaving care, what you should expect.

Students Against Depression for information and self help material

Relax Kids use mindfulness principles to support young people. Fab CDs and books