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Being Strong Might Be Keeping You Stuck

Why “Being Strong” Might Be Keeping You Stuck

We’ve been taught that “being strong” means holding it all together, but what if real strength comes from allowing yourself to feel? Our emotions aren’t weaknesses; they’re messages, guiding us toward what we need. This post explores why listening to your feelings isn’t indulgent or soft, it’s wise, healing, and essential for true emotional resilience.

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baby loss support miscarriage counselling stillbirth grief pregnancy loss Wales neonatal loss support perinatal trauma therapist bereavement care for parents miscarriage mental health grief after baby loss pregnancy after loss support Sands Wales baby loss campaign reducing stillbirths in Wales perinatal bereavement care early miscarriage grief baby loss awareness 2025

Early Support Matters After Pregnancy Loss

When Jessica Sims shared her story of losing six babies before finally getting answers, it struck a painful chord for many parents — and for those of us who support them. Too often, society measures the significance of baby loss by gestation, as if an earlier loss should hurt less. But to the parent, it’s always a baby. The love, the plans, and the future imagined don’t depend on weeks or scans. Every loss deserves to be seen, spoken about, and met with compassion — not silence.

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neonatal journey

Neonatal Journey: Through the Eyes of a Parent

My work as a Women’s Health Counsellor means that I witness first hand the struggles faced by parents of babies on the Neonatal Unit (NNU), both emotional and practical. I am writing this fictional blog through their eyes to shed light on how difficult this period can feel, hoping it brings a bit of comfort to anyone going through a similar journey. The Neonatal Unit can be a daunting place, filled with uncertainties, but it’s also a place of incredible strength, resilience, and hope.

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5 Symptoms of Stress

Stress Awareness Month – 5 Common Symptoms of Stress

April is Stress Awareness month, so let’s talk about stress. Not the obvious, head-in-hands, “I’m going to scream into a pillow” kind (although, of course, that’s stress too). I’m talking about the quieter, sneakier kind that creeps into your day, messes with your focus, and makes everything feel just that little bit harder than it needs to be.

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Is Social Media Messing with Our Minds?

Is Social Media Messing with Our Minds?

There’s no denying the positives. Social media keeps us in touch with friends and family, no matter where they are. It gives us access to supportive communities, whether that’s a mental health group, a hobby-based forum, or just a space where people share cute pet videos (arguably the best part of the internet). For many, social media is a lifeline—especially for those who feel isolated or struggle with in-person social interactions.

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Self-harm

Self-Harm Awareness Day

Self-harm remains a significant concern in the UK. According to Mind, approximately 1 in 14 people engage in self-harm during their lifetime. The prevalence is notably higher among young people; nearly half of 17 to 19-year-olds with a diagnosable mental health disorder have self-harmed or attempted suicide at some point, with the rate rising to 52.7% for young women.

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Time To Talk

Time to Talk Day: Why Starting the Conversation About Mental Health Matters

Mark your calendars! February 6th, 2025, is Time to Talk Day, an annual opportunity to spark meaningful conversations about mental health. This event, run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with Co-op, is all about coming together to have the UK’s biggest mental health conversation. Why is Talking About Mental Health So Important? 

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Health Anxiety

Understanding Health Anxiety: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Manage It

Health Anxiety – Have you ever found yourself googling every ache and pain, convinced it must be something serious? Or maybe you’ve been to the doctor multiple times for reassurance, only to find your fears creep back in? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. As a counsellor, I’ve noticed more and more people seeking

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