Male Disordered Eating

Male Disordered Eating

When it comes to our body image and our differences, it may or may not come as a surprise to learn that similar concerns are present across all sexes and genders. It’s a misconception that eating disorders only occur in women. In fact, as many as one in three eating disorders develop in men – it is possible that this number is far higher due to many going undiagnosed...

Creative Writing and the Body

Creative Writing and the Body

Creative writing has long been a valued form of self-expression. Whether it be poetry, prose, or journaling, this ever-evolving art form can provide a safe space for us to release our deepest desires and our biggest fears. Not only this, creative writing can also be used as a way to enhance the relationship we have with ourselves and our bodies. Read on for some creative writing exercises designed to do just that…

I Am Disabled.

I Am Disabled.

I am disabled. I have issues concerning my mobility, chronic pain, a chronically immunosuppressed system, a history of seizures, fatigue, and a brain injury.

You may note that what I have listed is not a history of diagnoses, but rather descriptions of how my various conditions affect me. That is because “disabled” is both a noun and a verb, and it is as a verb that I and many others find ourselves restricted, discriminated against, made invisible and almost caricatures to those without first-hand knowledge of our infinite variety and capability.

Hello Body. 

Hello Body. 

World Hello Day (WHD) was created so that everyone can contribute to the process of peace. It is a reminder that we all have influence over the peace in our lives, and that peace can be shared and spread through communities and across borders. Today, and every day, we would like to invite you to begin that journey…

Ageing as a Woman in Your Forties

Ageing as a Woman in Your Forties

To begin research for this blog we started with a general google to see what comes up. We typed in ‘ageing in your 40s’ and a flurry of headlines appeared: ‘how to prevent ageing in your 40s’, ’23 best anti-aging products’, and ‘the age when ageing begins’. It is clear from the off that society expects people (particularly women) to wallow, worry, and waste away their pay packet on miracle anti-ageing creams. This blog ignores all of that, and instead focuses on…

Summer’s here! Gaz Tells us How to Get Beach Body Ready…

Summer’s here! Gaz Tells us How to Get Beach Body Ready…

Picture this: it’s December 2021… nights are longer, darker and the temperature is dropping lower and lower. The Uk had been going through something… errr not-okay-dokey-cokey. The need to escape the doom and gloom had never been stronger. Just in time, I unexpectedly received a text from my friend Martin asking if I’d be up for a mini trip to Gran Canaria. My immediate, excited reaction was…

Help! I don’t have the confidence to talk about my body confidence!

Help! I don’t have the confidence to talk about my body confidence!

When you’re feeling particularly vulnerable it can be daunting to speak up about your body concerns, especially given our often overthought perception of what responses you will get. By speaking up you are able to connect with another person, someone who may share similar worries to you. What comes with that is the possibility of…

We dare you to feel good over the festive period

We dare you to feel good over the festive period

It’s that time again. Love it or hate it, the festive season is upon us. And this year, things are feeling (dare we say it) a little more normal. It’s the return of work parties, socialising and spreading cheer.

So why is it that the proclaimed ‘most wonderful time of the year’ makes us feel not so fabulous about ourselves?

Release your inner firework

Release your inner firework

When we are untrue to ourselves or ignore the desires and ideas inside of us. For creative people, it was be extremely difficult to go through life without creating. It always feels as though something is not quite right. Imagine an artist who wasn’t able to paint, or a performer with no access to the stage. The absence of creative outlets can cause pressure to amalgamate.

Opening up about men's mental health

Opening up about men's mental health

In England it is estimated that as many as 1 in 8 men have a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or ODC (obsessive compulsive disorder)[1]. However, it is extremely difficult to know just how accurate these statistics are as this only accounts for mental health conditions which have been reported – meaning that in reality, the number could be much higher.

The impact of the arts on mental health

The impact of the arts on mental health

Since the start of the pandemic it is reported that the number of people suffering with depression has doubled. In England alone it is predicted that up to 10 million people, the equivalent of almost 20% of the population, will require medical support for either new or existing mental health conditions; ranging from anxiety and depression through to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Cabarets, body confidence and mental health

Cabarets, body confidence and mental health

When sitting in the Ldn Dares podcast recording, I thought the confidence Ldn Dares gives its clients to do and be what they want was unmistakable. A proof of that was her guest, Michelle Snow – who when she first went to Ldn Dares was experiencing complete body dysphoria and is now hosting her own podcast: What the Trans?! Where she challenges the stereotypes, assumptions and prejudice, that had contributed to her struggle.