Browse Blogs

30 July 2021

Don’t forget the boys

Dr Kate Middleton urges us to consider the rise in eating disorders there have been among our young people

Wellbeing

30 July 2021

An important decision…for all of us

As another athlete withdrew from the competition she had worked so hard to reach, we tackle the question some have been asking: did Simone Biles ‘play the mental health card’ in Tokyo?

Wellbeing

26 July 2021

‘I don’t know how to be your mum!’

Given the response we had to the piece on young people’s mental health in May’s issue*, we know that many of you have experienced huge highs and lows over the last 18 months in your families. Here, author Lucy Rycroft gives a snapshot of the impact of COVID-19 on children’s and parents’ mental health, and claims it was no mistake that God picked you to parent your kids

Wellbeing

15 July 2021

Opening up spaces to talk

The topic of gendered violence and gendered inequality is complex and emotive but one young woman, Natasha Eeles, has made it her mission to challenge and change it.

Wellbeing

5 July 2021

Are we ready to come out of lockdown?

Dr Kate Middleton from the Mind & Soul Foundation recognises that we are experiencing a mixed response to the lifting of restrictions – and offers some helpful advice to us all

Wellbeing

24 June 2021

What has lockdown done to our children? 

Claire Musters, mum to two teenagers, considers how we can all – whether parents/carers or not - support young people this summer and beyond 

Wellbeing

10 June 2021

Carers need space for their own wellbeing

During Carers Week, 7-13 June, carer and mental health awareness trainer, Anita Kelly shares candidly about the pressure of being a carer, the effect of the pandemic, and how important it is that carers feel valued and cared for themselves.

Wellbeing

14 May 2021

Lessons on wellbeing from lockdown

Care for the Family’s Katharine Hill gives us some simple, practical ways that we can boost our emotional wellbeing.

Wellbeing

13 May 2021

A message of hope

Since the pandemic, the number of eating disorders has risen dramatically. Abbie Young works for tastelife, a charity that offers help to those suffering from food-related issues and their carers. Here she shares about her own struggle with anorexia and why the charity is looking for volunteers right now.

Wellbeing

13 May 2021

‘I thought my wife would be better off without me’

Premier’s Maria Rodrigues spoke to Patrick and Diane Regan about the physical and mental health challenges he faced, and how they affected Diane too.

Wellbeing

12 May 2021

Holding grief and joy together

The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (10–16 May) is nature. Here, Rachael Newham bravely shares her story, as well as the part nature has played in her recovery – and how she thinks we all need to give ourselves time and space in this season.

Wellbeing

7 May 2021

The deep darkness of post-natal depression

As we continue to think about maternal mental health, Lindsay Rumbold bravely shares her own experiences after giving birth to her son.

Wellbeing

7 May 2021

‘I knew Caleb was safe in heaven’

During Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (3–9 May) we hear from Chloe Smith, who was heavily pregnant when her four-year-old son died.

Wellbeing

19 April 2021

Running for the recovery of human slavery survivors

Single mum from Barnsley, Linda Walmsley, is running the Sofa to Summit Kilimanjaro Challenge to raise funds for suicidal human trafficking survivors and for her own lockdown mental health

Wellbeing

13 April 2021

Trapped in an invisible prison

For Clare Blake’s sister, who has panic attacks, going to church is a challenge. But she’s getting there…

Wellbeing

31 March 2021

New mental health website for mums 

​Motherdom, the UK’s first media platform dedicated to maternal mental health and wellbeing, was launched at the start of March by mum-of-two and journalist Anna Ceesay 

Wellbeing

24 March 2021

To illness and disability – No one is immune

Lily, daughter of leading health expert Liz Earle, talks to Tola-Doll Fisher about how she has grappled with chronic illness and healing 

Wellbeing

24 March 2021

Living fearlessly through this pandemic – and beyond

Catherine Adenrele Runsewe celebrates the resilience of women, and encourages us to build on the foundations we have laid during this time of great difficulty

Wellbeing

12 March 2021

What has a year of lockdown taught us about home schooling?

As many children have gone back to school this week, Claire Musters takes a look at how parents have found the experience of home schooling

Wellbeing

8 January 2021

‘It’s ok to admit you’re struggling’

The past year has taken its toll on us all – this online retreat aims to help us deal with the loss and disappointment from COVID-19

Wellbeing

15 December 2020

Feeling stuck? The Daniel Fast might be just what you need 

Susan Gregory invites you to join the millions of women and men around the world reaping the benefits of biblical fasting 

Wellbeing

20 November 2020

‘I didn't tell my family about psychotic episodes’

Rachel Mason is an award-winning singer who has produced a book of short stories and poems about dealing with post-natal depression. She shared her story with Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues

Wellbeing

19 November 2020

Shedding a light on eating disorders

When Di Archer found our her daughter was throwing up 25 times a day, she was thrust into the dark world of bulimia. Di is now founder and CEO
of Tastelife UK which aims to help both sufferers and their families with recovery

Wellbeing

17 November 2020

I got a lockdown puppy to help my mum with loneliness

The cost of puppies has soared during the COVID-19 pandemic as people race to get a four-legged companion for lockdown but Jemimah Wright says hers is a long-term investment

Wellbeing

12 November 2020

Is your church a safe space for those with mental illnesses?

Rachael Newham was on an adult psychiatric ward aged 16. Today, she is the founding director of ThinkTwice, an organisation dedicated to changing the way the Church responds to those suffering

Wellbeing

2 November 2020

‘Your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest hurts’

Talking about bereavement as we kick off the blog series alongside the theme for the November edition of Woman Alive - ‘Life and Loss’.

Wellbeing

27 October 2020

An honest conversation about suffering

Authors Claire Musters and Amy Orr-Ewing talk candidly about the personal losses that led them to write two new books 

Wellbeing

5 October 2020

‘Dyslexia is my secret weapon’

A practicing psychotherapist talks about being diagnosed with dyslexia in her 40s and the surprising success she has experienced as a result

Wellbeing

16 September 2020

3 steps to a satisfied soul

Some midweek motivation for #WellbeingWednesday

Wellbeing

9 September 2020

Can you use rose hip to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?

This week is dedicated to increasing the profile of a disease that affects almost half a million people in the UK. One company is dedicated to providing a natural healer using rose hip

Wellbeing

4 September 2020

#Blessed

Lindsay Macdonald reminds us to stop comparing and start celebrating

Wellbeing

3 September 2020

'I can still be loved even with wounds'

Hope Virgo suffered abuse at 13 and battled anorexia for years. Here she shares how she learned to push aside the need to be "perfect" before God

Wellbeing

2 September 2020

Who Am I?

The pandemic has caused many of us to question our identity. Sheila Jacobs finds confidence in an inheritance that will never ‘perish, spoil or fade’

Wellbeing

25 August 2020

‘We don’t need to hustle for God’s attention’ 

While society teaches us we need to look and be a certain way, Florence Gildea asserts that God loves us as we are so we can stop seeking outside validation 

Wellbeing

1 July 2020

The power of stories 

We need stories for our times of uncertainty and pain, says Tanya Marlow 

Wellbeing

18 June 2020

Could this be the single person's antidote to loneliness?

In support of Loneliness Awareness Week, Kimberley Pena explains that dance therapy can reduce the feeling of disconnect

Wellbeing

4 June 2020

5 ways to stay resilient during lockdown

We were not designed for a socially distanced existence. Writer Cathy Madavan explains how we can adapt to our new normal

Wellbeing

22 May 2020

Sheila Walsh: Church leaders hit rock bottom too!

Has your church leader or a preacher you know hit rock bottom without you realising?

Wellbeing

20 May 2020

'Early trauma affected my mental health'

Writer Fran Hill lost her mother when she was just 14. Here she considers the lasting impact long into adulthood

Wellbeing

27 April 2020

Less is sometimes more 

Veronica Zundel challenges us to make space for silence each day 

Wellbeing

3 April 2020

Coping with a loss of connection

Trained cuddle therapist Rebekka Mikkola explains the theory behind cuddle therapy and how we can weather the absence of touch during COVID-19

Wellbeing

23 March 2020

Joining together to stop leprosy

Linda Todd, chief executive of The Leprosy Mission Scotland, explains that leprosy is not an ancient disease; it still ravages people today

Wellbeing

23 March 2020

To your very good health...

Veronica Zundel challenges to think about how we treat those will chronic illnesses

Wellbeing

19 March 2020

Isolation can’t stop us connecting

Coronavirus, the biggest party-pooper of them all, has swept across the world and changed society as we know it, separating us from one another. Here are some ways to counter that…

Wellbeing

24 September 2019

Hold tight – or let go

In a letter sent from Portugal to Sir Francis Walsingham, in 1587, Sir Francis Drake memorably wrote, “There must be a beginning of any great matter, but the continuing unto the end, until it be thoroughly finished yields the true glory.”

Wellbeing

30 July 2019

My husband's depression affected us both

We’ve often heard from people living with depression, but what is it like for those who love and care for them? Catriona Futter shares her experience of trying to support her husband

Wellbeing

19 March 2019

Make a spring resolution

This is a good time to ask some serious questions, says Penelope Wilcock

Wellbeing

16 December 2018

When Christmas hurts

For many people Christmas can be a difficult time of year. Gillian Phillips reflects on her own experience and how the true message of Christmas offers hope and healing

Wellbeing

18 October 2018

How to be content in all situations

St Paul learned the secret of contentment and we can too, says Liz Carter

Wellbeing

19 June 2018

Can you be just too lovely?

Being kind and serving others are foundational to Christian living, but we can take it too far, warns Sarah Phillips

Wellbeing

13 March 2018

Living with a life-limiting illness

Ruth van den Broek was diagnosed with the degenerative disease cystic fibrosis (CF) as a baby and grew up knowing she would not live to a ripe old age. Now in the ‘twilight years’ of her late twenties, she tells Sharon Barnard why she is able to look to the future with hope

Wellbeing

30 January 2018

Welcome the season of stirrings

Kate Waterman looks at how to make the most of spring.

Wellbeing

3 January 2018

Be a force for good

Penelope Wilcock suggests we take inspiration from monastic traditions and learn to speak and listen wisely

Wellbeing

24 October 2017

Connect with the seasons

Build rest into your life by following the ancient seasonal rhythms of the year, says Kate Waterman ...

Wellbeing

4 July 2017

How to deal with disappointment

Claire Musters explains why we need to work through our disappointments and shares what has helped her through some testing times

Wellbeing

28 February 2017

What's robbing you of your peace?

Jennifer Rees Larcombe identifies what robs us of peace as "morbids". She explains how to recognise them and send them packing!

Wellbeing

7 February 2017

I discovered I was a food addict

Read Hilary Browne's story of compulsive overeating and how she broke free ...

Wellbeing

10 November 2016

A horse changed my life

Hazel Southam explains how a horse called Duke was able to bring her comfort and hope during the most stressful year of her life ...

Wellbeing

12 October 2016

Coping with no work

Miriam Dann explains the sobering experience that being unemployed had on her and how she changed how she saw herself and others as a result ...

Wellbeing

12 October 2016

The Banana Trap

Susan Williams considers the challenge of change and why we are so often resistant even when things are going wrong ...

Wellbeing

15 August 2016

What is perfectionism?

Rev Will van der Hart discusses the basis of perfectionism showing it is a male as well as a female issue and how grace is the only antidote ....

Wellbeing

12 July 2016

Taking on too much?

Sue Williams discusses the difficulties of saying "No" as Christians but the importance of setting boundaries for everyone's best interests ...

Wellbeing

5 May 2016

Filled with shame

Carol Bostock reports on her shame of weighing 26 stone, taking drastic surgical measures to lose weight and how she found real healing beyond this

Wellbeing

10 February 2016

Rejection hurts

Suzanne Green shares what she has learned about keeping your self-esteem intact

Wellbeing

13 January 2016

His identity was lost

Sheridan tells Amy Boucher-Pye how he dealt with the disappointments and doubts in his life

Wellbeing

13 January 2016

Where are you hiding?

Nicki Copeland reveals the many things we may hide behind to protect ourselves

Wellbeing

10 December 2015

Renew your mind

Michele Morrison explores how we can change our thinking habits and achieve a 'holier' mind ...

Wellbeing

8 October 2015

Manage stress better

Learn from Kate Middleton (the other one!) why stress can be a particular problem for busy Christians and how we can learn to manage it well

Wellbeing

10 September 2015

Mindful of God

Veronica Zundel explains how she finds 'mindfulness' helpful both mentally and spiritually

Wellbeing

10 August 2015

Be kind to ourselves

Learn from Tania Bright how to embrace and move on from our failures

Wellbeing

10 August 2015

Jesus was my lifeline

Discover Joyce Passmore's story of how she clung to Jesus during her 15 years confined in a psychiatric hospital

Wellbeing

8 June 2015

Therapeutic Journalling

Lyn Alderson explains how keeping a journal can help combat the stress and worries of our lives

Wellbeing

8 April 2015

Mental health stigma

Katharine Welby-Roberts, daughter of the Archbishop of Canterbury, talks to Ali Herbert about coping with mental health issues

Wellbeing

8 April 2015

Strain of caring

Paul Tonks was overjoyed when his wife was healed, but then started to have difficulties of his own

Wellbeing

12 January 2015

It's not about you

Amanda Pilz discusses ways we are taught to build our confidence and self-esteem and shows us how it should be done

Wellbeing

11 September 2014

Internet grooming

A reader's experience of being groomed on the net shows it is not just the young who are being targeted ...

Wellbeing

14 August 2014

Be kind to yourself

Fun and frivolity are essential to our well-being – Penelope Wilcock explains why

Wellbeing

17 April 2014

Taking God at his Word

Ruth Flynn explains how the Bible helped her face and overcome her fear of water

Wellbeing

13 March 2014

Lose weight, feel great

Liz Babbs looks to faith and lifestyle rather than faddy diets to achieve a fit and healthy body

Wellbeing

13 January 2014

Have a clear out!

Lucy Mills challenges us to deal with the clutter that clogs up our hearts and minds, and suggests helpful ways we can do this ...

Wellbeing

16 December 2013

A spiritual journal

Amy Boucher-Pye discusses the practicalities and benefits of keeping a spiritual journal

Wellbeing

13 November 2013

Christmas redeemed

Simplicity is the way to go if we want to rescue the festival, says Penelope Wilcock

Wellbeing

28 May 2013

How to eat for energy

What we eat can transform our energy levels, says Emma Cockrell

Wellbeing

7 March 2013

April 2013 Abundant Life

Many of us seek relief from illness or disability, but suffering can yield precious things, says Joni Eareckson Tada

Wellbeing

7 December 2012

January 2013 Living Well

Many people fear dementia, but a retired GP diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2009, chooses to see it as an opportunity to serve God

Wellbeing

3 October 2012

November 2012 The Tragedy of Suicide

We talk to two women whose loved ones have taken their own lives

Wellbeing

4 September 2012

October 2012 Lifelines

How 'tearing my hair out' became a literal truth for one primary school teacher

Wellbeing

8 August 2012

September 2012 Inside Story

Why anorexia, sometimes described as 'the good girl's drug', affects so many women and girls in our churches

Wellbeing

9 July 2012

August 2012 Wellbeing

Should Christians seek counselling? Lucinda van der Hart talks to those involved

Wellbeing

8 May 2012

June 2012 Abundant Life

Joni Eareckson Tada says the secret of contentment is to be flexible

Wellbeing

2 April 2012

May 2012 Wellbeing

It's time to be your own best friend!

Wellbeing

4 March 2012

April 2012 Feel Good

The healing power of food

Wellbeing