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The Dangerous Myth That Talking About Self-Harm Causes Self-Harm
For years, one persistent and harmful belief has held far too much power: the idea that talking about self-harm, or educating young people about it, will somehow make them more likely to engage in it. It’s an understandable fear. Adults want to protect young people, and conversations about self-harm can feel uncomfortable, frightening, or “too heavy.” But research, safeguarding professionals, and lived experience all tell us the same thing: Silence is more dangerous than conv
Sally Panks
Nov 293 min read


The Hidden Crisis: Waiting Times for Neurodivergent Children in the UK
There is a growing, often invisible crisis in the UK’s health system: the long and deeply unequal waiting times for neurodivergent children to access assessment and mental health support. For many families, getting a diagnosis or therapeutic help feels like an endless wait — and this delay can have serious consequences. Why Waiting Times Matter A neurodivergent diagnosis (for example, ADHD or autism) is more than a label. It can unlock vital support: tailored education plans,
Sally Panks
Nov 172 min read


Let’s Start Talking About Self-Harm
We are all have a part the play! At least 1 in 15 young people are known to self-harm — but the reality is that many more are suffering in silence. Hidden self-harm is a growing issue across the UK, and signs can start to show from as young as eight years old. That’s why it’s so important to give children and young people the tools to manage their emotions in a healthy, positive way before self-harm becomes their coping strategy. Schools Have a Vital Role to Play Schools don’
Sally Panks
Nov 92 min read


💙🩵 November Movember - Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month 💙🩵
Movember: Shining a Light on Men’s Mental Health and Wellbeing As the clocks go back and the nights grow longer, November takes on a new meaning - or should we say Movember. The month formerly known as November has become a global movement dedicated to raising awareness and funds for men’s health. Across the UK and beyond, brave and selfless men put down their razors and grow a moustache, while women, families, and communities rally behind them. But behind the fun and facial
Sally Panks
Nov 22 min read


Embracing Positivity: Staying Mentally Bright During Cold Dark Evenings
As winter arrives, bringing shorter days and longer nights, many people struggle with feelings of sadness and lethargy. This seasonal shift from the bright vibrancy of summer can be tough on our mental health. Winter blues are common, but with proactive strategies, we can maintain a positive outlook, even when the sun sets early. In this post, we explore practical ways to foster positivity and mental brightness in these chilly months. Understanding the Impact of Seasonal Chan
Sally Panks
Oct 224 min read


Do I Hide the Blades?
Do I Hide the Blades? It’s a question that many carers, loved ones, and professionals face when supporting someone who self-harms: Do I...
Sally Panks
Oct 103 min read


The Importance of October 10th - Mental Health Awareness Day
Mental Health Awareness Day, observed on October 10th each year, serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of mental health in our...
Sally Panks
Oct 104 min read


It Had A Ripple Effect On The Whole Family
Podcast by Maria Newman with myself - Rising from The Rubble Talking about self-harm and the effect it had and me and my family...
Sally Panks
Oct 91 min read


ADHD and Self-Harm:
ADHD and Self-Harm: Understanding the Link When people think of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), they often picture...
Sally Panks
Oct 12 min read


Moving Forward After a Relapse
Moving Forward After a Relapse 💚🧡 If you’ve relapsed with self-harm, please know this: it doesn’t erase your progress, and it doesn’t...
Sally Panks
Sep 252 min read


The Delay and Replace Strategy
Delay & Replace. A Safer Way to Ride Out Urges to Self-Harm If you live with urges to self-harm, you already know how intense and...
Sally Panks
Sep 133 min read


Discovering Glimmers: Finding Joy in Life’s Small Moments!
Discovering Glimmers: Finding Joy in Life’s Small Moments When we talk about mental health, we often hear about triggers - those moments,...
Sally Panks
Sep 33 min read


Let them…
The “Let Them” Theory: Why Letting Go Might Be Your Superpower In a world that constantly tells us to hustle, control outcomes, and hold...
Sally Panks
Aug 302 min read


My VIG Podcast interview with Robyn
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1cB1s4rREkU
Sally Panks
Aug 261 min read


Back-to-School Anxiety: Helping Your Child with a Smooth Transition
Back-to-School Anxiety: Helping Your Child with a Smooth Transition For many children, the start of a new school year brings excitement,...
Sally Panks
Aug 182 min read


The Power of Journaling for Mental Well-being
The Power of Journaling for Mental Well-being When life feels overwhelming, our thoughts can become tangled, a mix of worries, what-ifs,...
Sally Panks
Aug 102 min read
Small Daily Habits That Support Better Mental Health
Small Daily Habits That Support Better Mental Health When you’re struggling with your mental health, or supporting someone who is, it can...
Sally Panks
Aug 32 min read


Safety Plans - The Importance of Having a Plan
Have You Heard of a Self-Harm Safety Plan? When someone is struggling with self-harm, having a safety plan in place can be a powerful,...
Sally Panks
Aug 12 min read


The LGBTQ+ Community and Self-Harm 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
Why the LGBTQ+ Community Is More Likely to Self-Harm – And How We Can Help Self-harm is a growing concern across the UK, but the risk is...
Sally Panks
Jul 292 min read


Selective Mutism and Self-Harm. Erin’s Story.
💔 I Didn’t Speak at School. So My Body Spoke for Me | Erin's Story. Selective mutism and self-harm When I was at school, I didn’t talk....
Sally Panks
Jul 282 min read
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