AJH Therapy

06/07/2026

Our mental health isn’t only affected by the cold, dark months. Summer can also impact our mental health for a number of reasons.

For example, we may struggle with the heat and humidity, and the changeability of the weather.

You may feel pressure to dress in a way that makes us feel uncomfortable or act “happy” because it is summer.

You may struggle to sleep in the hot nights and be exhausted in the day.

If you experience symptoms of depression at certain times each year, this is sometimes called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Common symptoms include:

Persistent low mood

Anxiety

Sleep problems

Difficulties concentrating

Increased irritability

Loss of interest or enjoyment in things.

Here are some simple tips to help you cope in the summer:

Drink lots of water so you stay hydrated.

Keep cool by finding shade or wearing loose clothing.

Visit cool indoor places like your local library or cinema.

Keep a diary of your symptoms to help spot the patterns of SAD.

If you’re struggling with your symptoms please reach out to your GP. You can also call our infoline or look at our website for more information on SAD.

30/06/2026

19/06/2026

Loneliness Awareness Week is a reminder that feeling disconnected from others often starts with how we feel about ourselves.

Low self-esteem can make it harder to reach out, build relationships, and feel worthy of connection.

Hypnotherapy for low self-esteem can help you challenge negative self-beliefs, build confidence, and develop a stronger sense of self-worth – making it easier to create meaningful connections and feel less alone.

This , take a step towards a more positive relationship with yourself 💜

https://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk/topics/self-esteem.html

Biodun Ogunyemi

17/06/2026

I’ve been asked recently about being authentic, and what does that really mean? A quick online search later, and the definition according to Co-pilot:

“Being authentic means living and acting in alignment with your true self, values, and beliefs, rather than conforming to external expectations or societal pressures”.

And if you can find a bigger irony that an AI tool telling a human what it means to be authentic, then be my guest.
Anyway, being a human trait, authenticity is more nuanced and a bit more complicated than just being true to yourself. It is often linked to well-being and good self -esteem because it’s about behaving on the outside how you feel on the inside. If you pretend to feel or think differently than you do, that just creates an internal conflict because we are keeping up a pretence. Even if that pretence is a defence mechanism, it won’t make you feel happy.
Someone said to me once that they found my confidence intimidating. When I got over my initial surprise, my reaction was that I am not intimidating, you are intimidated. And that’s about your self-confidence, not mine. Ultimately, I will be kind, but I will not make myself smaller so that you are more comfortable with yourself. That would not benefit either of us.
Authenticity does not mean brutal honesty. Of course, there are times when diplomacy is the best course. But pretending to be someone we are not, is not sustainable or healthy in the long term.

19/05/2026

Shoulds, Musts and Ought to’s. Unhelpful thoughts.

16/05/2026

We are loving these tips from the Mental Health Foundation for taking action on your mental health this 👏

Which ones do you already do, or would you like to do more of? Share in the comments 👇

30/04/2026

Talking to both a loved one and a counsellor can be highly effective together, but understanding the differences in what each type of support offers can help provide clarity 💙

Share to raise awareness 💙

20/04/2026

It is quite normal for us all to experience poor sleep. Our bodies have a natural rhythm and that pattern can get disrupted. If you’re struggling to get enough sleep, there are things to ask yourself:

Do I have any worries about failing at something important to me? Sleep problems often stem from a fear or worry, especially failure (maybe your job or a relationship) as your mind becomes hyper alert to keep you awake and on top of everything you need to deal with.

Do I feel guilty about anything? Feeling of guilt (past or present) can interrupt sleep, whether they are real or just worries.

Am I worrying about things that are out of my control? Sometimes we spend a lot of energy wanting or wishing for things we can’t have, or for other people to change, which we can never control.

Is it the environment? Is your bedroom comfortable - check the room temperature, are you warm enough? Is it dark enough? Is it clean enough, not dusty? Is it cluttered or full of stuff that doesn’t really belong in a bedroom? Is your bed right for the job? Make sure the mattress or pillows don’t need replacing.

Are there other factors – is it an underlying health problem? some medications can affect sleep, is it hormonal or physical?

Are you trying too hard to go to sleep? Trying too hard is the best possible way to ensure you don’t get to sleep. Telling yourself I MUST get to sleep now just makes the brain more active and alert, as it stays awake to perform the task you are currently doing – worrying.

Sleep is very important for our physical and mental health. Please don’t struggle. Have a look on a trusted website like the nhs and take a positive step to get on top of yours.

20/04/2026

A blustery day, but Vitamin D is on the to do list