Outspoken Beauty

• Why Tesco Whoosh saved the day
• My totally trashy Netflix addiction
• Honest thoughts about Dermalogica's new Multi-Vitamin Power Recovery Cream
• The E.L.F brow pencil that I can't get enough of
• The pros and cons of the NARS Powermatte Lip Pencil
• The new Nails INC product that sounds too good to be true 
• The fragrance that enhances all others in the most irresistible way.

In this week's episode of Outspoken Mental Health I'm talking about my journey with medication and some of the things I've learnt along the way. Please bear in mind that medication is not right for everyone but can also be a very helpful aspect of feeling better. We are all different and need to consult a professional for the right advice.

During the episode I'll tell you about:

• The medication that helped me for years but that I eventually needed to change
• Why we need to stop fearing and stigmatising mental health medication 
• How to navigate perimenopause and anxiety and why mental health medication may not be the answer
• Why I was advised to go on a Benzodiazapene and how I am tapering off it slowly and safely
• How Google is a really bad idea if you have anxiety about medication and why you need to put trust in your psychiatrist
• Why it's not always easy going on these types of pills but how with the right support you can get through it

I am NOT a professional and am speaking from my own experience and research. If you are wondering whether medication might help you then start with your GP. If you feel that they can't give you the information you need then ask to be referred to a psychiatrist or seek one directly.

Please do join the private Facebook Group Outspoken Mental Health where we're building a supportive community.

• Why Bryony's holiday adventures made Nicola feel very nervous 
• A weird night involving breast milk
• What the neighbours saw that they definitely shouldn't have
• Our new "spicy" book addiction
• Beauty recommendations
• And much more....

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.