Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being, encompassing the ability to handle stress, relate to others, make decisions, and navigate the challenges of life. It influences how individuals think, feel, and act, contributing to the overall balance and quality of their lives. Mental health is essential at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Two years ago, in the middle of the night, I walked three kilometres into the darkness to escape 32 years of abuse. I was leaving behind a marriage, a life, and a version of myself that had spent far too long surviving what no one should ever have to endure. That night, I wasn’t walking… Read More Two Years On. The Night I Walked Away, I Took My Life Back.
I didn’t fear the darkness that night. I feared going back to my own home. Two years ago, in the middle of the night, I walked three kilometres to a friend’s house because I needed to be safe. I had no idea how difficult the road ahead would be. I knew only one thing: I… Read More Two Years Ago Tonight, I Walked Away From 32 Years of Abuse — And I Never Looked Back – 16th October 2024
Psychologists Vrij, Hartwig, and Granhag’s 2019 review highlights that non-verbal cues associated with lying are often unreliable, with people’s ability to accurately detect lies merely at 54%. Court assessments should prioritize reliable evidence over body language, as emotional display does not reliably indicate dishonesty or truthfulness.… Read More The key research finding
What happens in the brain when someone deliberately lies — and why do some people appear to believe their own story? Lying under oath is not simply a matter of telling an untruth. When someone deliberately gives false evidence in a courtroom, they may be attempting to influence a judge’s understanding of events, protect their… Read More THE PSYCHOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE OF LYING UNDER OATH
The article clarifies that not every disagreement or conflict constitutes coercive control or abuse. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the specific behaviors that define coercive control, which can seriously undermine a person’s autonomy. Accurate assessments of allegations are crucial to differentiate genuine abuse from ordinary relationship issues, ensuring proper understanding and support.… Read More WHAT COERCIVE CONTROL IS — AND WHAT IT ISN’T
The conversation around domestic abuse must shift from questioning survivors’ choices to understanding their ongoing struggles. Survivors need support in rebuilding their lives, with access to legal, financial, and emotional assistance long after leaving abuse. It’s crucial to listen, respect boundaries, and recognize that healing takes time.… Read More Stop Asking Why They Stayed. Start Asking How We Can Help.
Of course, there is an important distinction to make. When we talk about divorce, lifestyle changes and the financial consequences of ending a long-term relationship, we must recognise that not everyone leaves because they have simply fallen out of love or decided they want something different. When abuse is involved, leaving is not always a… Read More When Abuse Is Involved, the Rules Change
Divorce often brings significant changes that many overlook, including financial, lifestyle, and emotional adjustments. While individuals may gain independence and peace, they must also accept the loss of certain comforts and navigate new responsibilities. Realistic expectations are essential for successfully building an emotionally healthy and sustainable life post-divorce.… Read More YOU CAN’T HAVE IT ALL! The Reality of Divorce and the Lifestyle You Leave Behind
There comes a moment when you realise that what you are experiencing is not simply a new relationship. It is a completely different way of feeling, connecting and being loved. And perhaps the most extraordinary part is discovering that you could have lived for so long without knowing just how different it could be. Sometimes,… Read More When It Finally Feels Different: When You Feel Equal, Desired and Truly Loved
The piece explores the distinction between being valued for one’s essence versus being wanted for what one can provide. It emphasizes that genuine relationships thrive on mutual appreciation and respect, rather than transactional interactions. Feeling truly wanted means being accepted without the pressure of constant performance, leading to deeper emotional connections.… Read More When You Finally Realise Someone Genuinely Wants You — Not What You Can Give Them
