It’s up to us to develop a kind mind – the equivalent of a good friend. Donna Gardiner.
KIND TO YOUR MIND BE
It’s good to have a friend who can help us cope, get things off our chest and say positive things. But if there’s no-one there when unpleasant thoughts, memories or feelings can sometimes come up out of the blue can you do it on your own?
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DONNA’S TIPS:
elf soothing sessions, developed by Mersey Care psychologist Dr May Sarsam are being used within mental health/wards to challenge feelings of worthlessness, self-blame, and low self esteem left by negative life experiences.
• develop an image – something that reminds you of happy times • notice when your inner critic appears and question it there and then • go to your image think of your good qualities
But we can all benefit from the technique. Psychologist Donna Gardiner explains.
• do something relaxing and soothing, light a scented candle, get into comfy clothes, listen to relaxing music, walk near nature.
“We all have an inner critic, a voice in our heads that leaps on any chance to give us a hard time. It’s up to us to develop a kind mind – the equivalent of a good friend whose words or actions stop the negativity, accept us for who we are and make us feel worthwhile again.
• Read more about Kind Minds on our website – merseycare.nhs.uk search for Centre for Perfect Care case studies Psychologist Donna Gardiner
COULD YOU BE A SAMARITAN?
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amaritans are seeking people with the ability to listen with empathy whilst not judging or offering advice. In Liverpool alone more than 50,000 calls for help were responded to by Listening Volunteers during 2017 – a rise of 17,000 in two years. Callers to the charity get in touch by telephone, email and text.
Branch director David Ashton said: “Volunteers undergo more than ten weeks of training before taking their first calls. There’s a lot of support available, you’re never alone.” Visit samaritans.org/Liverpool or call 0151 709 1100.
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