As our sympathetic nervous system experiences arousal, we feel a variety of unpleasant sensations - clenching of the jaw, tightness in the chest, the turn of the stomach or coldness in fingers and toes, to name but a few. 

Stress, at its worst, pillages our sleep, ravages our diet and obliterates our joy.

Infertility can be an incredibly isolating and emotionally exhausting experience. When I personally faced fertility struggles in my early 30s, I quickly realised just how limited the support options were in the Newcastle area.

Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) is an international observance aimed at raising awareness, compassion, and understanding for self-harm, which often remains private and silent. Self-harm can take many forms and serves different purposes for individuals, such as expressing internal pain, coping with distress, or seeking relief. While it may seem counterintuitive, these behaviors often have underlying reasons that need to be understood rather than judged. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space where individuals can explore these patterns, manage risks, and find alternative ways to cope with their emotions.