News & Events

This Monday, ‘M’ is for Mental Clarity!

Mental clarity is essential for navigating life with focus, confidence and calm. It helps us make better decisions, manage stress and maintain emotional balance.

Mental clarity can feel like a challenge during menopause, with hormonal shifts often leading to brain fog, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. By prioritising self-care, managing stress, staying active and seeking support, including medical advice where appropriate, you can navigate this challenge with strength.

A clear mind is the foundation of a fulfilled and balanced life.

#theedinburghpractice #mentalhealth #mentalclarity

December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month ❄️
 
As the season shifts, it’s not uncommon for the darker days to affect our mood and energy. If you’re feeling off or struggling this winter, remember it’s okay to take things slow and prioritise your mental health. 
 
Seasonal depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects one in twenty people in the UK, with men being more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women. The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but it’s often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days. 
 
🧠The main theory is that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly, which may affect the:
 
😴The production of the sleepy hormone, Melatonin. 
😊The production of the happy hormone, Serotonin
🕑Our body’s internal clock called our circadian rhythm. 
 
Seasonal changes can be tough, but you don’t have to face them alone. Reach out, take care of yourself and know that it’s okay to not feel okay sometimes. 
 
#seasonaldepression #MentalHealthAwareness #theedinburghpractice

Happy Monday! This Monday, ‘M’ is for Mental Flourishing ✨
 
Mental flourishing isn’t the absence of mental illness—it’s a state of thriving, feeling fulfilled, and growing despite life’s challenges. While mental illness may involve difficulties that affect daily functioning, it doesn’t mean that flourishing is out of reach. It’s possible to live with a mental health condition while still experiencing moments of growth and well-being. It’s about balance and working toward a better, more resilient mindset every day. 
 
To find out more, check out Keyes and Westerhof’s (2009) academic paper called ‘Mental Illness and Mental Health: The Two Continua Model across the Lifespan”. 
 
#MentalFlourishing #mentalhealth #theedinburghpractice

This Monday, ‘M’ is for Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs!
 
Abraham Maslow was an American Psychologist who suggested that our human needs can be organised into a clear hierarchy. His theory provides valuable insight into human motivation. 
 
The key idea is that lower-level needs such as physiological needs and safety must be satisfied before higher-level needs can become motivators. For example, if someone is not able to buy food, they are unlikely to be able to be focused on doing well at work.
 
From bottom to top, the levels are:
😴Physiological needs
🔒Safety and Security needs
❤️Love and Belonging
🥰Self-esteem
⭐️Self-actualisation
 
It is important to remember:
1. The hierarchy isn’t rigid. People can be motivated by higher-level needs even when lower-level needs aren’t fully met.
2. The theory doesn’t account for individual differences. Some people may prioritise needs differently based on their own values and experiences.
3. The hierarchy reflects an individualistic view and may not capture motivation in collectivistic cultures.
Taking care of your mental health means addressing your needs at every level! 
 
#mentalhealth #maslowshierachyofneeds #theedinburghpractice

Happy Wednesday! Today we are exploring the Autistic S.P.A.C.E Framework, this novel framework outlines how we can meet the needs of autistic people across different settings.
 
⭐️Each letter reminds us of how we can better support and celebrate neurodiversity: 
 
👂Respect sensory needs
🗓️ Provide predictability
💛 Embrace acceptance
🗣️ Adapt communication
🤝 Lead with empathy
 
Together, we can create spaces where everyone feels valued, safe and understood. 
 
Swipe through to learn more! 
 
#neurodiversity #autismacceptance #mentalhealth #SPACEframework #TheEdinburghPractice

⭐️Christmas Closing Dates⭐️
 
As we draw closer to the Christmas holiday season, we thought it would be helpful to remind you of the last date for prescription requests and our opening hours!
 
💊The last date for prescription requests is Wednesday 11th December - please submit any prescription requests by this date to ensure you have the medication you require whilst we are closed!
 
⏰ We close on Monday 23rd December at 6pm and re-open on Friday 3rd January at 9am.
 
💻Visit our client portal on our website to submit a prescription request.

👋 Welcome back to our Monday ‘M’ series! This week, ‘M’ is for Memories. Our memories shape more than just our past - they are a powerful tool for wellbeing in the present. Reflecting on positive memories can:

✨ Boost gratitude
✨ Inspire hope
✨ Strengthen resilience

Revisiting happy moments doesn’t just remind us of what we’re lived through, it helps us reconnect with the people, places, and feelings that make life meaningful.

Take time to relive a memory that connects you with positive emotions, it could be:

🌸 A favourite holiday
🌸 A meaningful conversation with a friend
🌸 A moment of laughter with a loved one
🌸 A compliment someone gave you
🌸 A beautiful place you have visited

💛 What’s a memory that fills your heart? Share it in the comments or hold it close today!

#HappyMemories #MomentsThatMatter #MentalWellbeing #TheEdinburghPractice