Trapped Minds

Trapped Minds - A Safe Space for Healing

Substance Misuse and Mental Health: The Overlooked Connection

Substance Misuse and Mental Health: The Overlooked Connection

Substance Misuse and Mental Health: The Overlooked Connection Trigger Warning This article discusses addiction, substance misuse, trauma, and mental health issues. If you are currently struggling, please consider speaking to someone you trust or accessing the support services listed at the end of this article. The Vicious Cycle Substance misuse and mental health problems often go hand in hand. For many, alcohol or drugs are used as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, trauma, or untreated mental illness. But over time, this can spiral into addiction, which in turn worsens the mental health issues they were trying to escape. According to the NHS, people with mental health conditions are more likely to misuse substances — and those...
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5 Things Not to Say to Someone With Depression

5 Things Not to Say to Someone With Depression

When someone talks about their depression, they’re not looking for a quick fix — they’re reaching out. And that’s not easy. The truth is, most people mean well. But sometimes the things we say — without realising — can make someone feel even more alone. Here are five common things people say, and why they can hurt more than help. 1. “Just try to be happy” Depression isn’t a choice. It’s not about being in a bad mood or needing to think positive. When you say this, it can make the person feel like they’re failing at something they can’t control. Try instead: “I know it’s not that simple, but I’m here for you.” 2. “Other people have it worse” Maybe true — but not helpful. Comparing pain doesn’t make someone’s experience any easier...
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My Experience with Anxiety in A&E During a Panic Attack

My Experience with Anxiety in A&E During a Panic Attack

My Experience with Anxiety in A&E During a Panic Attack What it really feels like when your mind spirals and your body screams for help I never imagined I’d end up in A&E because of anxiety. Not for a broken bone. Not for a cut. But because I genuinely thought I was dying. This is what a panic attack can do to you. And if you’ve ever been through it — or are going through it now — I hope this helps you feel a little less alone. The Moment It Hit Me It started with a weird feeling in my chest. Tight. Heavy. Then came the racing heart, the dizziness, the tunnel vision. Suddenly I couldn’t catch my breath, and everything felt… wrong. My mind told me, “This is it. You’re having a heart attack. Something’s seriously wrong.” So I...
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Mental Health and the NHS: What’s Working, What’s Missing

Mental Health and the NHS: What’s Working, What’s Missing

When you’re struggling with your mental health, finding help should be simple — but for many people in the UK, the reality is far more complicated. The NHS (National Health Service) plays a vital role in mental health care, offering free access to everything from talking therapies to crisis intervention. But as demand grows, cracks are beginning to show. In this article, we’ll take a friendly, honest look at: What the NHS does well for mental health Where it’s struggling What you can do if you need help now Despite challenges, there’s a lot the NHS gets right — and it’s important to acknowledge that: 1. Free Access to Mental Health Services The NHS provides access to therapy, psychiatric support, and medication at no cost, which is...
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You Don’t Have to Pretend You’re Okay

You Don’t Have to Pretend You’re Okay

Let’s be real for a second. How many times have you said “I’m fine” when you weren’t? How often have you smiled through the day but crumbled the moment you were alone? Yeah. Me too. We live in a world that praises strength, but the kind of strength that looks like silence. Holding it all in. Pretending. Keeping busy so no one sees the cracks. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be “fine.” You don’t have to pretend you’re okay when you're not. Mental Illness Isn’t Always Obvious Sometimes it's loud — panic attacks, breakdowns, crying until your body hurts. Other times, it's quiet — zoning out in conversations, staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m., losing interest in things you used to love. And because it's not always visible, people...
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7 Quick Ways to Support Your Mental Health Today

7 Quick Ways to Support Your Mental Health Today

7 Quick Ways to Support Your Mental Health Today Taking care of your mind doesn’t always require big changes — sometimes the small things add up. Here are 7 simple ways you can support your mental health right now: Take a 10-Minute Break Step away from screens, go outside, or simply close your eyes. A short break can reset your brain and reduce stress. Stay Hydrated Your brain needs water to function well. Dehydration can affect your mood and energy — so grab a glass! Say “No” Without Guilt Protect your peace. Saying no doesn’t make you selfish — it makes you strong. Write Down 3 Things You're Grateful For Gratitude helps shift your mindset away from anxiety and toward appreciation. Move Your Body Stretch, walk, dance — even a few...
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7 Self‑Care Tips That Helped Me During Anxiety Attacks

7 Self‑Care Tips That Helped Me During Anxiety Attacks

Anxiety attacks can feel terrifying — your heart races, your thoughts spiral, and everything becomes too much. Over time, I’ve found a few small but powerful ways to ground myself and get through those intense moments. Here are 7 self-care tips that helped me during anxiety attacks. These aren’t magic fixes — just real things that made a difference when I needed them most. Cold Water Splashing cold water on my face or holding an ice cube in my hand helps interrupt the panic response. It gives my body a physical signal to shift focus and activates the mammalian dive reflex, which can slow your heart rate. Box Breathing When my breath gets shallow, I use box breathing: Inhale 4 counts → Hold 4 → Exhale 4 → Hold 4. It’s structured and...
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From Nothing to Something: The Power of Small Beginnings in Mental Health

Sometimes, the very best things can come from nothing. It’s a phrase that holds more truth than we often realize — especially when it comes to mental health. When we’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in a cycle of anxiety, depression, or loneliness, it’s easy to believe that change is impossible. That nothing can come of the emptiness inside. But the reality is far more hopeful. Mental health isn’t about instant fixes or dramatic breakthroughs. It’s about those tiny, almost invisible moments that build on each other — a deep breath, a small step outside, a single honest conversation. These “nothing” moments are actually the seeds from which everything grows. Why Small Beginnings Matter When trapped in mental struggles, the journey can...
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What is Andy's Man Club?

What is Andy's Man Club?

I never thought I’d be in a group of men discussing my emotions. Honestly, the concept would have bothered me about three months ago. Like countless others, I was brought up with the belief that to be male was to be quiet, get on with things and handle the hardships of life on your own. But that silence was consuming me from the inside out. Two months back, I followed my heart and stepped into Andy's Man Club with no idea what lay ahead of me and not even knowing if I'd be able to say anything. I drove past the gates for three weeks, until I found the courage to park up. I still didn't leave my vehicle, until I was approached by an Andy's Man Club facilitator. I immediately felt at ease as he brought me inside and showed me around. I...
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What Is Depression? Understanding the Mental Health Struggle Millions Face

What Is Depression? Understanding the Mental Health Struggle Millions Face Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day — it's a serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and function daily. In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, more people than ever are searching terms like "signs of depression," "how to deal with depression," and "mental health help" — and for good reason. What Exactly Is Depression? Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a common but serious mood disorder. It can cause: Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy Changes in appetite and sleep Difficulty concentrating Low energy or fatigue Thoughts of...
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Anxiety at Work: Struggles, Strengths & How It's Shaping the Modern Workplace

Anxiety at Work: Struggles, Strengths & How It's Shaping the Modern Workplace

Anxiety in the Workplace: Challenges, Resilience, & How It's Changing the Workplace In the fast-paced, highly demanding world of work today, anxiety in the workplace is more prevalent than people may be aware of. It could be the stress of performing, meeting deadlines, or dealing with office politics, but the daily world of work can be a significant cause of anxiety-related problems. Anxiety, though, tends to be described as something negative; yet, increasingly, people are becoming aware of the complex, and at times positive, role anxiety can have in the workplace. The Unspoken Challenges of Workplace Anxiety Anxiety at work doesn't always mean simply "nervousness" in anticipation of the next big presentation. It can be chronic and...
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