Dawlish Counselling

24/10/2025

If someone you know has shared that they are struggling with depression, there are some things you can do to help support them.
Don’t ask why they are depressed or try to “fix” them. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply be there and listen.
Offer help with simple everyday tasks or suggest an easy activity like going for a walk. Feeling connected is vital for good mental health. Keep on reaching out, even if they don’t always respond, let them know that you care.
Depression is a medical condition, it’s NOT a sign of weakness. Support and kindness (& often patience) is what is needed.
Encourage professional help, seeing a doctor or a counsellor can be life changing but don’t put any pressure on them, let them know you will help find the right help when they are ready.
Encourage self care but again, be careful not to push. It’s important that they feel “ allowed” to be sad, angry or upset. Those feelings are valid.
Also, look after yourself as it’s not easy to see someone that you care about struggling… and, if you are the one that is struggling, be kind to yourself- You matter! ❤️

23/10/2025

Therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences that may feel overwhelming or confusing. It helps people better understand themselves, identify unhelpful patterns, and develop healthier ways of coping with life’s challenges. Through guided conversations with a trained professional, therapy can improve communication skills, strengthen relationships, and boost emotional resilience. It’s not just for moments of crisis—many find that regular therapy enhances overall well-being, fosters personal growth, and encourages a deeper sense of self-acceptance and clarity. Ultimately, therapy empowers individuals to live more balanced, authentic, and fulfilling lives.

22/10/2025

As we are a few days away from the clocks changing and it becoming darker earlier, those of us who suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder will be anticipating the low moods, lack of motivation and may be feeling a sense of dread right now.
There are things we can do though, to ease the symptoms of this very real disorder.
Reduced sunlight can decrease serotonin (mood-regulating hormone) and increase melatonin (sleep-inducing hormone), and may be linked to low vitamin D levels, all of which can contribute to feelings of sadness and depression.
To ease SAD symptoms, try getting more natural sunlight by spending time outdoors, keeping your home bright, and using a light therapy lamp. Other strategies include regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, staying socially connected, and considering talking therapies or visiting your GP.
If you are struggling with SAD, you won’t feel like doing any of the above. You will probably feel like curling up under a blanket and eating more carbs!!
Do try some of these if you can though. We can get through these ( literally) darker days and be okay. You’ve got this!

22/10/2025

I think that a significant part of not being okay can be the feeling/ belief that you are alone, that nobody understands and that everyone else is doing okay. So, we suffer in silence! We put on a “ brave face” and we pressed (as much as is possible) to be alright and we outwardly function.
Or, we withdraw, go quiet, get snappy because everything feels just that bit more difficult to cope with. Trust me when I say that if you talk about it, to someone who will really listen, if you feel safe to be vulnerable, cry if you need to, then that is the first steps towards feeling better. Don’t bottle it up anymore. Be brave & talk…. You are worth it!❤️

21/10/2025

As the days get shorter and the weather turns colder, many people find that their mental health takes a dip. The reduced sunlight, fewer outdoor activities, and the general feeling of "hibernation" can often intensify feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness. For some, this is specifically Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and for others, it's a general worsening of existing mental health conditions.

This autumn and winter, let's make an extra effort to check in on the people we care about.

It doesn't have to be a big gesture. A simple:
• "How are you really doing?"
• "Thinking of you."
• "Want to grab a warm drink sometime?" (Even virtually!)
..can make a huge difference.

Remember, the person who seems the strongest might be struggling the most in silence.

Take care of yourselves, too! Prioritize good sleep, try to get some daylight, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if the winter blues feel overwhelming.

❤️ Let's support each other through the colder months. You are not alone.

20/10/2025

18/10/2025

We can’t “see” mental health in others. We don’t necessarily know that the person we think is rude, may be hugely anxious and struggling in social situations. That “angry” person may in fact feel sad or scared and doesn’t know how to cope with those feelings. Be kind where you can, it could have the biggest and best impact that you could imagine on somebody’s life! ❤️

17/10/2025

You matter! Take care of yourself. If you are not okay right now, reach out, talk to somebody. You don’t need to struggle alone.

16/10/2025

We don’t know what anyone else is going through. Emotional pain is invisible and can be hidden. Also, when you are suffering yourself, your instinct might be to hide it, cover it up… but if/ when you take the” brave face” off, your instinct might have taken the first steps to healing. Be kind yes, to others but also to yourself❤️

13/10/2025

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12/10/2025

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10/10/2025

World mental health day was established in 1992 to raise awareness around mental health and to stop the stigma! We can all do our bit because you may never know who is silently struggling. Two things we can all try to do, not just today but always…..Check in on your friends, family, colleagues and ask if they are okay and if they are not okay, listen. The second thing is admit when you are not okay yourself, don’t bottle it up and pretend… that never ends well! Talk to somebody. Struggling with your emotions doesn’t mean you are weak..it means you are human!❤️