pigletish 
I’ve had some bad days recently. Days filled with fatigue and riddled with anxiety. Days where even the most basic of tasks has felt like an Everest to me. It happens, right? It’s OK that it happens. I keep hearing people say “It’s OK not to be OK” and sometimes I say it too and … Read more
A surprisingly regular topic of conversation among my social circle is how, as aspiring adults, we wish we had been taught about certain things at school (like mental wellbeing, mortgages and how to ask for a pay rise) and how different our lives could be if we had been better prepared to navigate some of … Read more
This was originally published on Pigletish.com on August 8th, 2019 The cervix is the opening to between the womb and vagina. A cervical smear exam (PAP test) is a health check that looks for HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and it’s one of the best ways for women to protect themselves from cervical cancer. In 2015, shortly … Read more
First of all, I’d like to say just how sorry I am that you have been through what you have. It should not have happened to you. I am sorry that you were hurt by somebody who should have loved you. I know how hopeless it can be. I don’t know where you are in … Read more
Speaking publicly about my mental health online has been, for the most part, rewarding. I’ve made lifelong friendships with people who truly understand what I’m going through and have had opportunities to make a difference to the conversation around something that has impacted my life so deeply. But can we take a moment to talk … Read more
A list of thoughts that have helped me in dark times. They won’t all apply to you, but I hope that some of them might remind you of the good things to come. If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts and need someone to talk to, please reach out to your mental health team or call … Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying lockdown measures and restrictions have wreaked havoc on my self confidence and body image. I’ve found myself gaining weight, feeling sluggish and tired, having much more limited opportunities for self care and exercise and spending wayyy more time criticising myself than I ever had before. I can’t be the … Read more
On September 3rd 2020, crisis support charity, Hestia, launched their new confidential advice line for employers looking to support employees affected by domestic violence. The new helpline is part of Hestia’s Everyone’s Businessproject that also includes a “Business Toolkit” available for download. 1/4 women and 1/6 men will experience domestic violence at some point in … Read more
Like many people, I spent a long time waiting for and wanting counselling. But, when the time came for my first session, I still felt incredibly nervous and unsure. This week, I had my 9th session of a total of 12 and, despite not wanting it to ever end, I thought I’d look back over … Read more
Disclaimer: this information about private counselling prices is correct as of publication date. Counselling should be free. Let’s get that out of the way. Healthcare should be free for everyone, whatever part of your body it’s directed at. The idea that your mind is somehow “other”, even in a country with an NHS, is wild … Read more