Mental Health Awareness: Suicidal thoughts and feelings

Mental Health Awareness: Suicidal thoughts and feelings

Returning to our series on mental health awareness we look at suicidal thoughts or feelings, sometimes called suicidal ideation.

Suicidal thoughts and feelingsFeelings and thoughts regarding suicide can be on a wide spectrum. So just because someone is feeling or thinking about this does not necessarily mean it’s something they will go on to do. Some people have these thoughts as a response to an overwhelming situation. You aren’t alone as many people have thoughts about suicide at some point in their life. Others will have less abstract thoughts about ending their life and more serious thoughts about suicide including thinking and planning the specifics of how they might carry out the act of committing suicide.

It can be very distressing to have thoughts of suicide. You may feel alone and as though nobody can really understand what you are going through. You may feel hopeless, trapped or that there is no way out of the situation you are in. You may feel shame for even having the thoughts around ending your life. But it’s important to remember that most people who find support and a way to open up about suicidal thoughts and feelings can overcome them and go on to live fulfilling lives.

This is a very brief snapshot regarding suicidal thoughts and feelings: please check out Mind’s website which includes much more information and ways to access support.

Alongside this, please contact us if you wish to speak to one of our counsellors about suicidal feelings, it’s something we are all trained to work with and an issue we explore a lot in our work with clients.

Read more on this related topic from Patient Info:
What to do if you feel suicidal during the coronavirus lockdown >

The Samaritans – support available 24/7. Visit their website: www.samaritans.org or call 116 123 FREE.

It’s ‘Time to Talk’ about Mental Health

It’s ‘Time to Talk’ about Mental Health

In a series of short videos BACP members have given a powerful account of the importance of counselling and how it helps to change lives to mark ‘Time to Talk Day’ earlier in the month.

This day is an annual campaign run by Time to Change which helps young people be more open about their mental health.

As BACP trustee Sekinat Adima says: “Friends and family are good with listening and helping, but there comes a time when they’re not always available or they’re not always able to help. That’s where counselling comes in. The ability to be able to talk to someone who’s professionally trained, who can listen, who’s impartial and who does that in a non-judgemental way.”

Check out more of the videos here and be encouraged about the value of counselling for yourself, your loved ones or your clients. And of course remember that Rainbow counsellors are still right here to help during these challenging times. Contact us >

Children’s mental health week and some helpful resources

Children’s mental health week and some helpful resources

Children’s mental health week and some helpful resourcesChildren’s mental health week has been running from 1-7 February 2021

As the consequences of the pandemic and lockdown continue there has never been a more important time to focus on the mental health and wellbeing of our children.

Many children are facing the consequences of school closure, being educated from home, isolation or tragically perhaps bereavement. Not to mention the knock on effect of anxiety and stress they will no doubt be picking up from the media and perhaps those adults who are looking after them.

BACP has drawn together a fantastic collection of resources for anyone with an interest in children’s mental health and we have included a link so you can check it out here. There’s helpful tips for lockdown family life, blogs from school counsellors and young people talking about their mental health.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Rainbow for more information, or support for you or your child, as recovery is most definitely possible!

Related topic: Children’s Mental Health Week Feb 2021 website >

Support for mental health is needed more than ever as we enter the third lockdown of the pandemic

Support for mental health is needed more than ever as we enter the third lockdown of the pandemic

No one could have anticipated the impact of Covid-19 and reports are increasingly focussing on the devastating impact on mental health.

The cumulative effect of long term stress is serious says psychotherapist Noel McDermott:

“Effectively what is happening is those that were far away from mental health issues are now much closer, those that were close to being ill will be pushed into illness proper and those that were already ill and have a history of illness will be in relapse or a much more serious condition.”

Support for mental health is needed more than everWhat we are dealing with is the knock on effect of not just one but now three lockdowns, coinciding with January, a time already known to be challenging for many due to post-Christmas blues, cold weather, increased darkness and financial worries. And on top of that many parents are facing the stress of home schooling once more, perhaps alongside having to work from home.

An important thing is to focus on self-care. Now is not the time for high expectations and over-ambitious New Years resolutions but as Rosie Weatherley of Mind says: “Cut yourself a lot of slack… You’re surviving during a global pandemic – this is the only achievement that matters.”

Check out this Sky News article for some more tips on how to cope and find ways to improve your mental health and well-being during these challenging times.

Remember support is out there! You are not alone. For more info please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our counsellors today.

Low-Cost Counselling offered by Rainbow Counselling Sheffield

Low-Cost Counselling offered by Rainbow Counselling Sheffield

Find out more about Rainbow Coaching Services SheffieldRainbow offers low-cost counselling through our bursary scheme to individuals and couples on low income.

Clients are offered up to six sessions at the reduced rate of £25 for individuals and £30 for couples. It is our desire to support those who for financial reasons are unable to access this service.

We are aware that times are hard for many right now whether in terms of mental health, finances or both. Where we can we wish to offer our services to those who may need it most, but may be struggling to afford it.

We are a team of male and female counsellors offering a depth of experience across differing specialties including depression, anxiety, identity, relationship issues, addictions, trauma, self-harm, eating disorders and fertility difficulties. 

To apply for this service please get in touch >