Do I need some help and support?

Do I need some help and support?

How are you feeling today? More importantly how have you been feeling consistently over the last couple of weeks? If the answer is up and down or not great at all there is a chance you could need to seek some help and support.

It is important that if you feel stressed, anxious or are struggling with low mood that you seek help as soon as you feel under the weather. Issues with mental health are very common and with talking therapy can be solved pretty quickly. However if left mental health issues can develop in to mental health illness such as clinical depression, bi polar, personality disorders, ocd etc.

There is often the view that having not felt great for a couple of weeks that ‘it will pass’, ‘it’s not that bad, it’s manageable’ and most commonly ‘i haven’t got it as bad as others’.

However it’s exactly at this time when you are having this very conversation with yourself that you need to ask for help. It may not pass. It shouldn’t have to be managed – you shouldn’t have to go through life just coping or surviving. You don’t need to compare yourself to others. Who invented a scale of who has it the worse and why?

If you cut your finger and it bled badly that would be the time to see medical care. You wouldn’t wait for gangrene to have set in and you at risk of losing your finger. It’s the same with our mental health. Get help when you feel under the weather and not wait for gangrene to set in and take over.

There is still a stigma around mental health although this is being broken down gradually. There is no shame in asking for help we all need it at some time in our lives. You would be surprised just how many people and who have turned to therapy for help. Mental health has no set target of type of person. It affects us all.

Signs to look out for and seek help within yourself or a friend/colleague

>Change in outlook – positive to negative or mood swings
>Sad to happy in short space of time
>Not looking after self – washing, dressing
>Lack of energy and motivation
>Feeling sad, down, hopeless
>Feeling nervous or on edge
>Struggling to concentrate
>Feeling confused
>Inability to make decisions
>Drop in confidence
>Social withdrawal wanting to isolate and be alone
>Changes in sleep, eating habits
>Feeling irritable with self and others
>Feeling bad about yourself
>Moving or speaking very slowly or being very fidgety
>Worrying about lots of different things and feeling afraid that something bad is going to happen
>Thoughts of harming self

The key here is a change in any of the above – it is the change in behaviour that indicates something is wrong.

Asking for help is hard. Seeking therapy is a brave and courageous step.

If you can reach out, then do – I guarantee it will change your life.


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The Invisible Weight – Why We Don't Have to Walk Alone

7 May 2026
In our previous post, we spoke about finding your rhythm through movement. This week, as we continue to mark Mental Health Awareness Week , JHD Training wants to address the invisible weight that so many of us carry: the pressure to be "fine." Whether you are a professional in a high-stress role, a parent supporting a family, or a student navigating your own path, societal expectations often tell us to be the "strong and silent" type. At JHD, we know that true strength isn't found in silence; it’s found in the courage to speak up. Recognising the Signs Stress and trauma don't always look like a crisis. Sometimes they manifest in subtle ways that we might dismiss: Physical Pain: Unexplained tension, headaches, or exhaustion can often be your body’s way of saying it has reached its limit. The Cycle of Silence: Withdrawing from friends or family because you feel like a "burden" is a common but dangerous path toward isolation. Time Blindness: Especially for those of us navigating neurodiversity, like ADHD, the feeling of being "stuck" or overwhelmed by manual admin can cause significant mental strain. Building a Safe Space For nearly a decade, JHD has been consistently rated "Outstanding" by external verifiers because we don't just teach counselling skills—we foster a culture of safety. We believe that "Order leads to growth" . By creating order in our minds and our environments, we create the space needed for healing. Take the Next Step If you have been waiting for a sign to prioritise your mental well-being, this is it. Listen to your body: If you are tired, take a break. Challenge the stigma: Whether it’s OCD, self-harm, or emotional abuse, no topic is too "heavy" for a professional to help you navigate. Invest in your future: Join a community that cares about your legacy.

Mental Health Awareness Week: Small Steps to Finding Your Rhythm

7 May 2026
As Mental Health Awareness Week approaches, the spotlight is on a theme that connects every one of us: Finding Your Rhythm .  At JHD Training, we have spent nearly a decade supporting the counselling journey of our trainees. Our constant "Outstanding" feedback from external verifiers isn't just about the professional success of our graduates; it's about the genuine care and support we prioritize for the people behind the practitioner. When life feels intense or overwhelming, it is easy to fall into a pattern of judgment—either for feeling too much or, conversely, for feeling "numb." This week, we want to lend our support to you, the public, by exploring simple, practical advice centered on Movement and Connection that helps you reclaim your pace without the weight of guilt. 1. Move for Your Mind (It's Not a Marathon) The term "movement" doesn't have to mean intense gym sessions. When you are struggling, even thinking about exercise can feel like a barrier. Overcome Motivation Slumps: If motivation is a hurdle, start with just one minute. A simple stretch, a quick walk in the garden, or even moving from your desk to a different chair counts. Grounding Through Action: Physical movement, however small, is a powerful form of grounding. It can shift you out of rumination and help reconnect your mind with the physical present. 2. The Courage to Connect Connection is another powerful pillar of well-being, yet it can be the first thing to suffer when we feel mentally exhausted. Reaching Out is Strength: The idea that you "should have it all together" is a stereotype we strive to break. If you are experiencing stress or anxiety, please reach out. Talking can prevent a feeling from escalating into silence and isolation. Listen Beyond the Words: If a loved one shares their struggle with you, your greatest gift is simply hearing their words without interruption or judgment. Being heard and validated is often the beginning of a healing path. Be Gentle with Yourself Remember, we are all human, and we all reach our limits. Healing is rarely a linear path. If your only movement today was taking a slow breath, that is a start. If you are struggling with deeper issues like the effects of trauma, please know that specialised support exists. We believe that order and compassion lead to profound growth. Find your rhythm this week, one small, gentle step at a time.

The Power of Connection: Why We Don't Have to Walk Alone

by Lauren Speller • 2 May 2026
Following the theme of Movement for Mental Health Awareness Week, we want to talk about another vital ingredient for our well-being: Connection. When we move, we often feel better, but when we move together—or simply share our journey with another human—that's where the real magic happens. At JHD Training, we often see that the biggest hurdle for those struggling with mental health isn't a lack of strength; it’s the heavy blanket of silence and isolation. Whether it's the stigma surrounding self-harm, the cycle of OCD, or the unspoken pain of emotional abuse, the "human" part of us thrives when it is seen and heard. Breaking the Silence We are all human, and we all reach our limits. Sometimes, stress doesn't just feel like a busy mind; it manifests as physical pain or a feeling of being completely stuck. You are not a burden: Reaching out for help is a sign of immense courage, not a weakness. Listen without judgment: If someone opens up to you, your greatest gift is simply hearing their words without trying to "fix" or judge them. Hope exists: Even when your brain tells you otherwise, there is always a path forward. A Legacy of Support For the last 9 years , JHD Training has received "Outstanding" feedback from external verifiers. Why? Because we care deeply about our trainees and their individual counselling journeys. We believe that "order leads to growth," and that order starts with a safe, supportive community. Whether you are a professional looking to better support your staff, or an individual ready to start a new career, your journey is important to us. Upcoming Training Opportunities Ready to join a community that puts people first? Our September 2026 intake is now open for registration:  Level 2/3 Counselling Skills: Build the foundation to support others confidently. Level 4 Fast Track: A one-year intensive path including 450 hours of supported learning , supervision, and placements. Level 4/5 Mental Health and Trauma: Specialized training to understand the deep impact of trauma. 📧 Email secretary@jhdcounselling.co.uk to join an "Outstanding" legacy of care.