Pregnancy and mental health

When I first fell pregnant with my son in 2009 I was scared. Yes pregnancy is scary for every woman but I had the added fear of my anxiety rearing its ugly head again!  When I first met with my midwife I told her that I had suffered with anxiety in 2006 and she was so lovely at explaining that if it was to come back again I would get help from her. This put my mind at rest.

Here are some tips for dealing with mental health conditions when pregnant.

• Tell the midwife - they are there to help and support you no matter what.
• Speak to your doctor - if you are on medication they will tell you the best way forward
• Be honest. - You will be asked regularly about how you feel. Always be honest.
• Don't be scared - no-one will judge you
• Try stick to appointments - you may be having a bad day but the appointments are important and seeing the midwife will give you someone to speak to when feeling down.
• Ask for help - if you feel you need counselling ask, they will refer you.

When you have had your baby you will be emotional, it is normal. I cried both times, the baby blues, blame the hormones. If you have the following symptoms you may have depression

• feeling very sad and hopeless
• not sleeping well
• a lack of interest or pleasure in doing things 
• loss of appetite

If you have the above symptoms it is worth mentioning to your doctor, midwife or health visitor.

Another fear I had when pregnant was having postnatal depression.  I done my homework and knew the signs and symptoms.  If you have the following feelings and symptoms please tell your health visitor and/or doctor.

• feeling irritable and angry
• crying or often being on the verge of crying
• feeling unable to cope
• worrying unnecessarily about things that wouldn't normally bother you
• being afraid of being left alone with your baby
• uncontrollable feelings of panic
• overwhelming fears, for example fear of dying
• dreams about harming your baby
• sleeping problems
• feeling exhausted and lethargic
• lack of interest in your surroundings and appearance, or becoming obsessively tidy
• trouble concentrating and feeling distracted
• gaining or losing large amounts of weight
• loss of pleasure in activities you usually enjoy, including loss of libido (sex drive) 
• feelings of guilt that you're a bad mother

I advise you to see a health care professional as soon as possible if you have the above symptoms so you can get all the help and support you need. DO NOT feel ashamed or scared you are not alone!!

Having a baby is the most exciting, scary, emotional and amazing experience. Enjoy it.

For more information go to http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/Pages/mental-health-problems-pregnant.aspx#close

My Debenhams Christmas Wishlist

I absolutely love Christmas! Seeing the lights, the atmosphere when shopping and the happiness on my loved ones faces when they open that special gift.

As a mother of two young children, Liam 4 and Sophie 2, Christmas is even more exciting now.  I remember when I was young and on Christmas morning my dad would carry me downstairs with my back to the living room window and my mum would turn on the light and when I seen all the presents Santa had left for me it was simply magical.

Santa would bring me a good mixture of toys and games, my favourite was always Lego, who doesn't love Lego!!

Liam has asked Santa for Disney Cars and Disney Planes toys and Sophie wants Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins toys.

I can't help but wonder what I would want if I was a child so I had a look on the Debenhams website for toys I know I would love.  Maybe I should ask Santa for these for my children too!!

Teksta £60
Kitty - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171030399699_-1

Lego £80
Lego Friends - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171030314999_-1

Sofia the First £27
Royal Family pack - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171030334099_-1

My Little Pony £44
Rainbox Kingdom Playset http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171030346099_-1

Melissa & Doug £6
Decorate your own piggy bank - http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_171010794899_-1


So many fun and educational toys are available these days! Sophie enjoys playing with her brothers cars, planes and trains and Liam will play with anything! I love seeing them have a great time interacting with each other and using their imaginations.

What would you have on your wish list?

Hug Box

When I was a kid I used to love sweets like jawbreakers, fruit salads, refreshers, well I could go on. As I got older it was more about chocolate, Mars bars, Snickers, Dairy Milk and the likes. My husband love all those little sweet delights too!

Finding "old school" sweets from your childhood is not easy and when you do find them they are expensive!!  Until now.  Last year as I was looking for something different for my husband I came across Hug Box and when I saw what was on offer I actually squealed with excitement.

Hug Box offers different boxes full of sweets, chocolates and biscuits. The boxes have 3 layers, how cool is that, each wrapped up in colourful paper to keep you in suspense that little bit longer!
They even sell boxes for pets!!

Hugbox I bought today for husbands birthday.

When it comes to personalisation you have three options, Standard message, Blank or Personal message. I tend to use the personal message but having other choices is always a bonus.
Boxes start at £10 which is a bargain!! You can also customise your box, choosing the sweets you want included, this costs £11.50. If you are purchasing for someone with allergies I would recommend the customised box.

If you decide to order you have a couple of options, delivery via courier (to UK addresses) which costs £4.50.  For larger orders which weigh more than 10K contact hug box for the best delivery methods for you.  If you won't be in when your Hug box is delivered you can arrange for it to be sent to a local shop where they will keep it for 10 days so you can collect when convenience.

**please note Hug Box state the boxes are not suitable for 3 years and under and adult supervision for under 5's

If you want to order one of these delicious fun filled Hug Boxes you can do so at:

http://www.hugbox.co.uk/ or https://www.facebook.com/HugBoxUK?fref=ts


You can also follow on Twitter https://twitter.com/HugBoxUK

No Filter Project

How many of us have looked at a celebrity magazine and thought "I would love to have flawless skin like her" or "I wish I was that thin"? I would say the majority. As a teenager I always wanted to have perfect skin and be the perfect size, but as I got older I realised something, those things don't really exist!

If you ask my husband he will tell you I am usually quick to say "I wish my chest was smaller" "I wish my skin wasn't so sensitive" or my most moaned about body part "I wish my tummy was flatter and didn't have this loose skin".

Many publications Photoshop or airbrush the pictures to give the illusion of perfect. I often wonder is this the main reason we have body hang ups?

Too many young girls, and some boys, look at these images and think this is how they need to be. They try all sorts of diets, most dangerous, to get that perfect thin frame, anorexia and bulimia are a major threat when these diets take hold. It worries me greatly and having a daughter myself she will be educated on the dangers of fad diets and she will also be told the pictures in these magazines etc are not what they seem.

Recently I was on Facebook and I came across the amazing No Filter Project. The project was founded by Emma and Donna and they have one simple goal, to show us how beautiful we really are.  They want to help promote a healthy and positive body image, helping us to be happy with how we look, who we are and to really feel comfortable in our own skin.

One photo album we should all look at on  https://www.facebook.com/nofilterrevolution is #NoFilter Photoshoot.  We are all different shapes and sizes. Wouldn't it be boring if we were all the same? Look at how happy the women are in that album. That was the first thing I noticed.

To give you an idea of the difference between a real and untrue picture I have made changes to a picture of me just to show you how much a few adjustments can really make you think I'm "flawless"

As you can see I made myself look thinner, my skin looks flawless, my teeth perfectly white and my lips a glowing red. Now look at the before picture.  I think I look better in the before picture than I do in the after shot. Why? It's simple. I prefer the real me.  Yes I may have wrinkles, a double chin, my teeth might not be perfect white and my skin looks blotchy. That's me. I am 34 and have 2 children so why do people expect me to look perfect? I also have mummy tummy, yes I don't like it much BUT my tummy was home to my babies as they grew it protected them so as far as I'm concerned I earned my stripes (stretch marks). Yes I have a scar from my C sections but that scar just proves I would do anything to make sure my children arrived safely.

I AM ME.

I want to tell all my readers that you are perfect the way you are. NEVER let anyone tell you otherwise. Never change for anyone.

Please head over to No Filters Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/nofilterrevolution/timeline

Twitter = https://twitter.com/nofilterproject

Christmas Travel Tips

I am sure many of us know that travelling can be stressful. When travelling at Christmas it is busier and to someone with anxiety it is a massive fear being in an enclosed crowded space feeling like you have no control.  Short journeys are fine but when we want to travel further to see loved ones the thought worries us.

I asked some people about their experiences of travelling at Christmas and during winter to bring you Angela's top tips for Travel.  If you follow these hints and tips you won't need to worry again.

Bad Weather

"If you want a chance to get on your train it is wise to stay on the platform!"

We know how awful the weather is in Britain and how unpredictable it can be! When travelling during the cold months wear layers. Yes you may be about to sit on a train for a few hours but before getting on the cosy warm  train you are going to be standing on a wet and windy platform. If the platform is busy, as no doubt it will be, please stand back from the edge and take extra care on wet platforms. It may sound basic but safety first at all times.

Christmas Eve

"The worst thing about travelling on Christmas trains is the luggage! Everyone seems to have a suitcase. This means a free for all with luggage left in the doorways and aisles."

I have seen this many times before, people coming on with 3 bags for just one person! My suggestion is travel lightly if possible. I understand you may have loads of presents for family and friends but try and get everything in one large case rather than a few smaller ones.

Store all luggage safely and securely. If any doubt about how much luggage you can take, ask your local train provider for advice.

Snow on the tracks

"people would be a lot less disgruntled if the train companies didn't give us false hopes.  We are much happier when we expect the trains to be delayed and they are."

Delays and cancellations happen.  In bad weather only travel if 100% necessary and always check the operators website before leaving the house.  If I was travelling with TransPennine Express for example I would go to: www.tpexpress.co.uk/travel-information/ and check if my journey was running on time, delayed or cancelled.

Packed Trains

"I was travelling last week and the train was packed.  People were crammed into the aisles. The conductor didn't even attempt to walk through the carriages.  It wasn't until we got to a staffed station that they stopped people from getting on."

If you are at an unstaffed station please check to see how full the carriages are before attempting to board.  If it is clearly too busy wait until the next service arrives.  If on a long journey book your seats. With TransPennine Express you can book your seats online and can even select which type of seat you want.

Travelling with children

•  Book seat where possible
•  Prams and buggies must be foldable and stored safely
•  Ensure children do not run up and down the aisles. Yes I have witnessed this.
•  Bring entertainment, travel games, colouring books etc.
•  Pack a lunch. The kids will have a blast having a picnic on the train. TransPennine Express offer an at seat refreshment trolley service if you would like a nice hot cup of tea or coffee or a sandwich or snack.

Existing medical conditions

For those with existing conditions such as anxiety here are some extra tips for you.

• Take all medication with you. This includes ordering and collecting your repeat prescriptions before travelling. Doctor surgeries and pharmacies are closed during Christmas period
• If you need something to help travelling less stressful book an appointment with your GP if travelling in advance.
• If you suffer travel sickness, like me, you can get anti sickness medication over the counter or from your doctor.
• If you need assisted travel please contact the train provider who will help arrange this.

If you follow the tips above I am sure the stress of travelling will melt away!

To anyone travelling from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Manchester, Newcastle to York or Manchester to Cleethorpes why don't you check out TransPennine Express!  They offer you bookable seating, great fares, amazing service, comfort, assistance and most importantly stress free travel.

For more information visit: http://www.tpexpress.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstTranspennineExpress?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TPExpressTrains

Counselling

A week ago today I had my first counselling session.  I have never been so relieved!!

I was nervous and excited about the appointment, a little anxious too.  As I approached the room I felt the usual symptoms start, thumping heart, sweating and feeling sick but I continued. My counsellor obviously noticed how I was feeling and asked me to sit down and take deep breaths as she told me about what would happen this session.

Right away I started to relax! It was an unusual feeling the anxiety disappearing that quick.  I think it was due to me knowing I would not be judged and that she totally understood how I was feeling.

I was told by a family member that I would feel drained after my appointment but I didn't really think I would be.  She was right but it was a nice feeling of tiredness as I had accomplished something just from telling the counsellor everything that was upsetting me.  Yes I did cry at one point but I think that was from the utter relief of getting it all out.

As I left I couldn't help but smile and the weight off my shoulders was incredible. For the first time in a long long time I actually felt properly relaxed!

I can't wait for my next appointment on Thursday.

Life As A Footballer

Darren and myself in his Aberdeen days. (2009)

Darren Mackie started playing professionally for Aberdeen FC in 1998. Over the next 14 years He faced some tough opponents, Celtic, Rangers, Dnipro, Bayern Munich and many more.  His time at Aberdeen came to an end in 2012 and Darren moved across the ocean to play for Phoenix FC before moving back to Scotland to play for Turriff United.

I had the chance to ask Darren some questions about life as a player and what really goes on.

1. How do you prepare mentally for a game?

Nothing special, just try to stay relaxed as possible and focus on my opponents.

2. If your team lose an important game how do you deal with that?

Try and forget it as quick as possible! The good thing with football is the next game is never far away and you have to concentrate on it rather than one you can’t do anything about.

3. When you were playing at Aberdeen how did you prepare for the European games?

European games had an extra buzz so there was always a bit of nervous excitement, but I tried to just relax during the day and maybe have a couple hrs sleep in the afternoon before having a pre match meal, then as a team we would have a meeting before the game, find out who was starting and then identify any weakness in our opponents we could try to exploit
4. Injury is part of the game and obviously can have quite an affect how do you personally deal with this?

It’s part of the game, the small injuries that keep you out for a few days to a couple weeks are easy to deal with and don’t really effect you much it is more frustrating than anything. Serious long term injuries can be hard to deal as it can get quite depressing not being able to take part in training and games, but it is important to have a positive outlook, I always got really bored if I got injured and would end up playing pranks and messing about as it kept me in high spirits.

5. You went over to America, how did things differ there compared to over here?

America was a great experience with a few differences, mainly the weather especially in Phoenix, training and playing in 40-50 degrees C took a bit of getting use to. However it was also a much more relaxed environment as there wasn’t the same expectations as being at Aberdeen. Travel was another, as away games were normally 4-6 hrs flights or drives through the night.

6. What would you say is the best moment in your career so far?

Scoring the goal in Europe against Dnipro and also getting the chance to play against Bayern Munich in the last 32 of the UEFA cup

7. When you moved to Turriff United how did you feel being the new guy?

It was ok, i’m confident with meeting new people so was never an issue.

8. What would you say is the best thing about playing football?

The excitement it brings to yourself and others. It is also great exercise. Plus getting paid to do something you enjoy is a huge privilege.

I would like to thanks Darren for taking time to answer my questions, I am very grateful and wish him all the best for the future.