In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I talk about my experience of panic attacks and feelings of doom and dread.

I'll chat about what's happening when we get a panic attack and the long list of horrible (but harmless) things they can make us feel. I'll also go into why it's so important to have an inner voice that reminds us that we are safe and helps us to tolerate the discomfort of this moment so that we can teach are brain that all is good and that we don't need the unnecessary surge of adrenaline that's causing all the problems in the first place.

I'll also go into navigating constant feelings of dread and terror which can actually feel worse than the panic itself.

Please remember that I am not an expert and I am chatting about my own experience and sharing what i have learnt. If you need help then don't be ashamed to ask for it. See your GP or contact a mental health charity like Mind

I have created a Private Facebook Page to go with this series. Please feel free to join this supportive community and remember I'm always here for a chat.

Nicola x

We're at the end of the week and these are some of the (eclectic) things that have been on my mind over the past 7 days.

I'll be talking about Lily Allen checking into rehab, my thoughts about the film Baby Girl, why at 44 I'm finally ready to embrace the gym and why sometimes nothing beats going real life shopping!

DM me any time@outspokenbeautynicola if you have any comments on today's episode.

If you're after honest, no holds barred reviews then you've come to the right place.

This week I'm sharing my thoughts on:

Gatineau Age Benefit Cleansing Elixir

Indu (with special mention of their SPF)

K18 AirWash

The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum

Meder by Dr Tiina Meder

A bright red scarf from Oliver Bonas!

Let me know what's been impressing you recently xx

Trigger Warning: I talk about sexual abuse during this episode

During my final session with my brilliant psychologist, she told me that I should share my anxiety and mental health story with as many people as possible. Hearing this from a woman who is truly at the top of her game and who has helped me immeasurably took away all the doubts that I've been having (who am I to talk about anxiety when I'm not a trained professional?) and confirmed to me that I have a responsibility to share my story and everythings I've learnt from it (my lifelong anxiety condition, breakdown and road to recovery) with as many people as possible because when I was at my worst I needed to hear the things that I'll be talking about. They would have helped me so much.

So this is Outspoken Anxiety. Each Monday I'll talk about my anxiety journey and what I've learnt along the way. I'll chat about the professionals who have helped me, the lifestyle changes I've had to make, medication, how to live with an anxiety condition and I'll also try and help you navigate the at times complicated world of seeking help for mental health.

I realise this won't be for everyone but if I can help just one person that's enough!

In episode 1 I give a bit of background about my mental health and then chat about the warning signs that you shouldn't ignore and how to calm your nervous system when things start to bubble up.

Please DM me @outspokenbeautynicola if you have any questions. Also here is the link to the private Facebook Group that goes with the podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1626153351319481

Please only join if you suffer with anxiety or know someone who does and want to help them. 

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• The growing non-aesthetic industry and how to navigate it
• The dangers of seeing the wrong practitioner
• The skincare ingredients we should all be using

I wanted to start the week by sharing how I feel about New Year pressures and why you need to close your ears and eyes to them. Begone pressure to lose all the weight and ads with magical solutions to all our supposed New Year problems.

I also talk about why I like to get excited about work at this time of year but how you can't change everything overnight.

I'll also talk a bit about why I'll be doing a little bit more content about my anxiety experience and more importantly how I've got better.

Loads of New Year's love.

Nicola x

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