Health

  To say the past two years (and counting) has been tough on collective mental health is to grossly undersell the experience. Like everyone, we tried to find the beauty in a bad situation where we could (time with immediate family, time to reflect, time… when all we had was time). This is a good coping mechanism, but there’s no getting around the fact that it was extremely taxing on our physical and mental health. Health concerns aside (though part of it), a big contributor to this was, and is, lockdowns. While we might not be currently experiencing official lockdown, there is a residual mental toll, and isolation is still a requirement. Regardless of where any of us sit on their efficacy and necessity, we can all agree that it hit us hard.  - child psychologist newcastle What happens to our brains in lockdown? In our lifetime, lockdowns are unchartered territory, so there’s little research on its effects, specifically, as yet. However, there are some preliminary studies that are

  What is Endometriosis? Endometriosis is a condition whereby tissue that resembles that usually found inside the lining of the uterus – the endometrium – is found growing outside of the uterus. These tissues, also referred to as lesions, can be found on the reproductive organs (ovaries, fallopian tubes, outer surface of uterus, the cervix) and other organs of the abdominal cavity (bladder, large bowel, intestines, rectum). - book psychologist today Endometriosis can be given a grade to determine the extent of the disease. Grade 1 is classified as mild with minimal superficial lesions and no scarring present. Grade 2 has more lesions, some of which might be deeper and some scarring. Grade 3 has many deep lesions, thick scarring and there might be cysts found on the ovaries. Grade 4 is the most severe and is characterised by widespread deep lesions and scarring, and large cysts on the ovaries. Grading Endometriosis from 1-4 can put into perspective the extent of the pathology inside

  There has long been a strong correlation between physical movement and improved mental health. We wrote earlier about how exercise improves anxiety and stress, and there’s strong evidence to show that it’s not just correlation, but also causation. While being physically fit and active does not preclude you from experiencing mental health issues, keeping the body moving is an integral part of treating and sustaining better mental health, improved mood and increased energy levels. - mental health services newcastle How movement supports the treatment of mental health issues When we exercise, whether it be a HIIT class or a stroll up the street – whatever increases the heart rate even moderately – blood circulation increases to the brain and takes effect on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, which communicates to the limbic system (control centre for moods). Affected too is the amygdala (fear station, responds to stress) and hippocampus (memory, mood and motivation). This