First Psychology blog

You may be acutely aware that you’re currently wandering around in a cloud of negativity. Alternatively, you could just have a niggling feeling that you’ve been looking on the downside recently but not sure why. A negative mindset rarely comes from nowhere and it’s more than likely that it's been gathering for some time, but how – and why? And how can you develop a more positive mindset? Numerous studies have shown that positive thinking can help with stress management. If the power of positive thinking has such an impact on your mental health, it’s worth discovering how to harness this. So, what can you do to ensure you’re thinking more positively? Speak kindly to, and about, yourself. That voice in your head has more power than you may think. If you are constantly thinking of the negatives, then you will soon believe those thoughts to be the reality. For example, if trying something new, and the voice in your head says, “I can’t do this”, turn this around and think “I may not hav...

Both depression and anxiety are common mental health issues, but they often get confused when the person isn’t aware of the specific symptoms that relate to each. Put simply, depression is a low mood that can make you feel sad and hopeless, and it can last for weeks, months or even years if left untreated. Anxiety, however, can cause you to feel nervous and on edge and make you worry excessively. It is not uncommon to suffer from both conditions at the same time. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of anxiety Feeling nervous Feeling agitated Worrying A sense of fear Shakiness Feeling out of control Change in sleep patterns Symptoms of depression Lack of self-confidence Feeling sad Feeling hopeless Tiredness and lethargy Lack of interest in your usual activities Wanting to harm yourself Change in appetite  Change in sleep patterns Difficulty concentrating How to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression Whether you suffer from anxiety, depression or both, it’s important to seek medical...

Anyone who owns a pet will tell you how important they are in their lives. Whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit or horse, pets can provide a great amount of comfort and love to their owners. It’s this kind of unconditional love that has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing as they help us to live happier and more fulfilled lives.  Studies have shown that interacting with animals increases our levels of oxytocin (OT), which can reduce stress, anxiety and loneliness. In a study published by HABRI , it states that “research has demonstrated participants’ OT levels increased after interacting with or petting a dog, suggesting OT is at least partially responsible for the calm, relaxing feeling that participants experienced during this intervention.” So, it should come as no surprise that losing a pet can be extremely difficult to deal with and in some instances equally as distressing as losing a close friend or family member. Ways to cope with losing a pet Unlike losing a person in your...