Making People Better

Charlie Palmer, Clinical MSK Lead and Dr Jagdeep Ghundoo, Clinical Lead for Kent & Derby psychological therapies discuss how to spot the signs and how to recognise the difference between good and bad stress

 Embark on a journey of understanding as physiotherapist Charlie Palmer dissects the dual nature of stress as both a protective mechanism and a motivational force in our daily lives. Jagdeep, a beacon in the field of psychology, navigates us through the murky waters of common stressors, including life changes.

The episode examines the importance of sleep and how it impacts on wellbeing. With contributions from sleep experts, Tom Bivins and Dr Omar Kowlessar, the podcast explores all aspects of sleep, how technology distracts us, its impact on our mental health and provides tips on how to prepare for a restful nights sleep.

As we wander through the landscape of slumber, we uncover the mysterious ways our modern habits, like that sneaky cup of coffee after dinner or the glow of our smartphones, play havoc with our nightly rest. Get ready to revolutionize your understanding of nocturnal habits and embrace strategies for restful nights and energized days.

Have you ever considered the silent battles our children fight in their minds every day? Aligned with the recent Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, this podcast delves into children's mental health and provides help and guidance including recognising the signs, how to support and advice for parents and family members. Featuring Sally Tribe and Dr Omar Kowlessar, Vita's mental health experts. 

During this eye-opening episode, we unravel practical approaches to help parents and caregivers nurture resilience in our young ones. The art of maintaining open communication channels, the value of shared activities, and the necessity of staying deeply involved in your child's life, regardless of their age, are explored. We recognize the adversity faced by today's youth—loneliness, a dip in motivation, and the pandemic's exacerbation of these issues—while also celebrating their incredible adaptability and strength. Join us as we not only discuss the challenges but also highlight the importance of early recognition of mental health struggles, emphasizing the theme of growth for Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. Don't miss this heartfelt journey into understanding and supporting the mental health of the children in our lives.

Embark on a journey through the complex landscape of mental health as we unravel the mysteries surrounding the blues with the help of Philip Adkins, an IAPT clinical lead, and Lucy Ironman, a psychological wellbeing facilitator. Their expertise sheds light on the controversial day, often dubbed the most depressing of the year, and how the changing seasons influence our moods. We go beyond the surface-level discussions, delving into Vita Health Group's unwavering commitment to quality care and the pivotal role of mental health awareness. Through our conversation, we transform Blue Monday from a dreaded date on the calendar to a springboard for nurturing mental resilience any day of the year.

 We break down the importance of balancing various activities—those that are routine, those that bring pleasure, and those that are necessary—and how this balance contributes to a sense of control and forward planning, key to a healthy mind. By sharing actionable advice for tackling low moods, the power of sleep and exercise, and the vital practice of self-compassion, this episode arms you with the tools to face Blue Monday and any challenging days that life may throw your way. Remember, reaching out for help is a courageous step—one that Philip, Lucy, and I encourage as we guide you through the intricacies of mental health.