Psychiatry

This Monday, ‘M’ is for Meditation! Meditation is a great way for us to clear our minds and be in the present moment. In a busy world, it gives us permission to pause, breathe and reset.

Meditation doesn’t always come easily for everyone, but there are many mental and physical benefits to incorporating this into our daily routines. Try to go through these 7 steps to learn how to start meditating!

You can also find helpful guided meditations on the @headspace app - these can be a great way to start meditating!

#Meditation #Mindfulness #TheEdinburghPractice

💛 Struggling with fertility can be emotionally overwhelming and can raise a number of distressing thoughts and emotions. You don’t have to face it alone, at The Edinburgh Practice, we’re now offering fertility counselling to support anyone navigating the challenges of infertility. Whether you’re an individual, part of a couple, or a family member providing support, we’re here to help.

🌸 Fertility counselling covers a wide range of issues including; managing the emotional toll, the impact on relationships, and making informed choices about your next steps. From coping with unexplained infertility to exploring options like IVF, donors, or egg freezing, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
 
💻 To learn more about TEP’s Fertility Counselling Service or to submit a referral, visit our website (link in bio)
 
#FertilityCounselling #Infertility #FertilitySupport #TheEdinburghPractice

Happy Monday! We’re back with another ‘M’ word - Memory. Our memory thrives when our brain is healthy! Regardless of age, we must keep our brains active through healthy habits and mental stimulation - this is the key to maintaining a sharp memory as we age! 
 
🧠 We now know much more about what affects our brain health compared to a decade ago. For example, it is now widely known that dementia-related diseases often begin in midlife. The development of these conditions is influenced by many factors, some beyond our control, like genetics and family history, but many others, such as lifestyle, are within our power to change. Changes include:
 
🏃‍♂️🚴‍♀️ Taking regular exercise that gets our heart pumping - aim for at least 2-3 hours of moderate intensity exercise every week (this can be brisk walking, gardening, riding a bike, or dancing)
 
🥗🍎 Eat a balanced, Mediterranean-style diet - rich in olive oil and including lots of vegetables, fruit, beans, fish and whole grains. Not too much meat or sugary foods.
 
👫🎸 Enjoy time with other people and learn new skills throughout life - be creative, learn a language or musical instrument. Try out a new activity in a group or with a friend - this can keep us motivated while also getting a social benefit.
 
🚬🍷 Don’t smoke and don’t drink too much alcohol - stopping smoking even in later life can reduce the risk of developing dementia.
 
😴💤Manage stress, look after mental health and get plenty of sleep - aim for 7-9 hours of good quality sleep every night. Not getting enough sleep can affect our memory and ability to think in the short and long term.
 
@brainhealthscot have amazing resources on their website (https://www.brainhealth.scot) including ‘My Brain Health Quiz’ to build a personal brain health plan!
 
#BrainHealth #Memory #KeepingSharp #Dementia #TheEdinburghPractice

Happy New Year and welcome back to our Monday ‘M’ series! This week, ‘M’ is for Mind-Body connection. Our mind and body are inextricably connected and have a direct impact on each other. When we care for one, we nourish the other!

Stress can manifest physically, while movement and physical care can ease mental tension. Practices like mindfulness, exercise, proper nutrition, and quality sleep nurture this connection, creating a foundation for resilience and balance.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to prioritize the powerful connection between our mind and body ✨

#NewYearWellbeing #MindBodyConnection #SelfCare #TheEdinburghPractice

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