A few of you have contacted me about the importance of micronutrient products as part of your recovery from mental health conditions.

If you’ve not been made aware - there’s a little more information below to help you understand why this is an important issue for New Zealanders and mental health in general.

Last month, I released one of the most interesting discussions on the Sense of Hope Podcast. Dr Rachael Sumner, a researcher from the University of Auckland, and I discussed the use of psychedelic treatment for mental health disorders.

It’s an odd conundrum - when I first heard about psychedelics for mental health issues - I was not at all convinced. Are we simply going to have a whole lot of people walking around high? With their head in the clouds getting nothing done? Is it a form of escapism?

Then, as a strange twist in how the universe works - I ended up working as a research nurse at the University of Auckland in the same lab where the psychedelic research was being conducted. I helped with a few of the studies.

Are we missing the mark?

If you are in the mental health circles - you may have heard that this week is Mental Health Awareness Week in New Zealand.

As you well know - my work is completely dedicated to improving mental health in Aotearoa.

• What causes us to feel miserable or dysfunctional? (It’s not just about present circumstances - there are plenty of people who see me who have ‘nothing wrong’ with their lives)

• What helps people get better?

I was at a party the other night (very occasionally I go out!)

Someone said how they followed one of my reels about slicing cabbage up in bulk and using it over a few days, storing it in a plastic bag in the fridge. It makes for quick and easy lunches. And they did this.

‘Oh’. I said. ‘You watched that?’

‘And you did it?’

‘And it made a difference to your week?’

‘Yes’ - they replied - ‘I love your posts!’

Two days later I made a comment on a feed on social media. They replied ‘I love seeing your posts - they always make a difference’.

Well.

What the hell. I thought no one was paying attention. Not that I don’t have good stuff to say, just that social media is full of amazing people doing amazing things.

And I am like the smallest fry.

We are heavily influenced by what we see and hear of others achieving, most of which comes from the delights of social media.

As the old saying goes: Comparison is the thief of joy.

Feeling like a failure can cause you to withdraw from others at a time when you probably most need friends and family around you. It can become a vicious cycle.

Here are seven ways to help you overcome a feeling of failure.

'A Sense of Hope' is a podcast dedicated to inspiring resilience and fostering mental well-being. Join us as we explore the struggles we experience and uncover pathways to overcome adversity. Through insightful conversations and uplifting stories, we aim to break boundaries and instil a sense of hope in every listener.

Living your best life - a life worth living - may not come naturally.

Many of us want a life filled with purpose, joy, and fulfilment, but somehow, we find ourselves feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply, lost. Creating a life we love involves intentional steps and a commitment to our well-being.

Here are eight essential strategies to help you embark on this journey.

The Mini-Book - the ultimate mini-guide to mental well-being.

What’s the point of talking?

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this:

“What’s the point? It’s just talking. How will that help?”

Have you ever thought this about talk therapy? Or know someone who does?

I’m not sure if this should come as a surprise - but I’ve mostly heard this from men of a certain age.

Consider this:

Have you ever experienced someone saying something very unkind to you?

How did that make you feel?

Have you ever had someone say something very kind to you?