Overcoming Anxiety & Taking Control of Your Wellbeing
Coaching, Counselling, Anxiety Abby Atkinson-Smith Coaching, Counselling, Anxiety Abby Atkinson-Smith

Overcoming Anxiety & Taking Control of Your Wellbeing

Overcoming Anxiety & Taking Control of Your Wellbeing

Many of us know what it is like to live a life riddled with anxiety and fear... It can be totally overwhelming!

What if I told you there were steps you could try to take to manage it better and regain control?!

Here are some of tried and tested practical tips to help you overcome some of the anxiety you are experiencing:

✨ 1. Practice Deep Breathing: In moments of anxiety, focus on slow, deep breaths. This calms your nervous system and helps ground you in the present.

🌿 2. Stay Active: Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. A daily walk or some light exercise can make a big difference.

💬 3. Talk It Out: Sharing your thoughts with a friend, family member, or counsellor can lighten the load and offer new perspectives.

🧠 4. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Recognise when you're spiralling into negative thinking, and remind yourself that feelings of fear or doubt are often exaggerated or disproportionate to the issue at hand.

🛌 5. Prioritise Rest: Sleep is key for managing anxiety. Make sure you’re getting enough rest to recharge your mind and body.

If anxiety is impacting your daily life, you don’t have to face it alone. My counselling and confidence coaching services in Bristol can help you to understand yourself better, develop tools to manage anxiety, and regain peace of mind. 💙

Contact me today for a free 15-minute chat.

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Signs of Depression in Children
Abby Atkinson-Smith Abby Atkinson-Smith

Signs of Depression in Children

As with many mental health issues, depression is on the rise among UK children. To help support parents and caregivers, I thought it might be helpful to offer some supportive and compassionate advice.

Firstly, what is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem. It often affects a person's daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Common symptoms of depression in children might include…

😞 A persistent sad or irritable mood
😞 Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
😞 Significant changes in weight or appetite
😞 Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
😞 Low energy or fatigue
😞 Difficulty concentrating
😞 Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
😞 Physical complaints (headaches, stomach aches, etc.)

My top tips for supporting children with depression as a parent or loved-one are…

❤️ Listen actively to their concerns without judgment or blaming, and create a supportive environment where they feel safe to express their feelings.
❤️ Encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy, such as art, music, or sports, and help them set achievable goals.
❤️ Establish a consistent routine for eating, sleeping, and other daily activities to provide structure and stability.
❤️ Encourage them to seek professional help, such as therapy or counseling, and support them in attending appointments. Contacting the GP is really important too.
❤️ Practice self-care and seek support for yourself, as caring for a child or teenager with depression can be challenging and stressful.

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World Autism Awareness Day
Counselling, Coaching, Neurodivergence Abby Atkinson-Smith Counselling, Coaching, Neurodivergence Abby Atkinson-Smith

World Autism Awareness Day

It’s World Autism Awareness Day! As a counsellor and coach, I am driven to support every person who comes to me, and feel particularly motivated to make a positive impact in the lives of my neurodivergent clients. Why? Because throughout my career, I have learned that there just isn’t enough good quality and inclusive support out there for Autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent people. Whether it’s down to funding, long waiting lists, or training that is not accessible enough - to me, it doesn't matter - put simply, I don’t think it’s good enough.

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How to Build Resilience
Counselling, Coaching Abby Atkinson-Smith Counselling, Coaching Abby Atkinson-Smith

How to Build Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, challenges, and stress. It’s not about avoiding difficulties, more about developing the tools to thrive through them. It is very normal to need to rebuild resilience after challenging events, or to need to build it as an adult if you did not have the opportunity to develop resilience during childhood and adolescence.

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What Is Positive Mental Health Coaching and How Can It Help You?
Coaching Abby Atkinson-Smith Coaching Abby Atkinson-Smith

What Is Positive Mental Health Coaching and How Can It Help You?

Positive Mental Health Coaching focuses on helping you develop a healthier relationship with your thoughts, emotions, and overall mental state. It’s all about empowering you to recognise your strengths, embrace self-compassion, and take proactive steps towards improving your mental wellbeing. Unlike therapy, which often focuses on resolving past issues, coaching is future-focused – it’s about setting goals, building resilience, and creating the life you want moving forward.

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What Is Person Centred Counselling and How Can It Help You?
Counselling Abby Atkinson-Smith Counselling Abby Atkinson-Smith

What Is Person Centred Counselling and How Can It Help You?

Person-centred counselling is all about you – your feelings, thoughts, and experiences. It’s based on the belief that every person has the potential for personal growth and healing, given the right support. As a person-centred counsellor, my role is not to tell you what to do or fix you, but to create a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore whatever’s on your mind.

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