What are my other options?
If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide please reach out to one of the following amazing organisations. They hear from thousands of people each day experiencing mental health issues and can offer guidance and support. Our volunteers are wonderful, empathetic and knowledgable people, but they are not health professionals.
crisis point Charities
Calm
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against male suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. Join the campaign to take a stand against male suicide and get the tools you need for action.
Samaritans
Whatever you're going through, call us free any time, from any phone on 116 123. We're here round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it's best to call us on the phone. This number is FREE to call. You don't have to be suicidal to call us.
A good counsellor and/or therapist will make you feel safe and supported, you will want to share things with them and they will HELP.
However, counselling is not for everyone and as we're MY BLACK DOG, we're a little different! SO... please find a sprinkling of the unusual and a dash of the obscure here are well.
Remember, you don't have to do anything that doesn't feel right, do what you feel works for you.There are some great people on here (London based while we expand MY BLACK DOG).I've made it my mission to root around the big smoke and sniff out the best of them, like a pig snuffling for truffles!
However, counselling is not for everyone and as we're MY BLACK DOG, we're a little different! SO... please find a sprinkling of the unusual and a dash of the obscure here are well.
Remember, you don't have to do anything that doesn't feel right, do what you feel works for you.There are some great people on here (London based while we expand MY BLACK DOG).I've made it my mission to root around the big smoke and sniff out the best of them, like a pig snuffling for truffles!
VIVEKA CHAUHAN
Viveka is a wellbeing facilitator based in London, with roots in India. Her objective is to help you create a connect between mind, body and spirit using creative means; To enable positive transformations in mental and physical health, deepen relationships and enrich life goals. Please see her article on our blog page to learn more about The Four Types of Alternative Therapies for Mental Health.
BORROW MY DOGGY
Dogs are a man’s best friend for a reason and the benefits of spending time with them are endless. Martha Roberts, the award-winning UK health writer says that “if you spend time with a dog, not only will you benefit physically, you’ll also benefit psychologically.” Dogs:
Increase happiness levels
Reduce stress and make people feel less lonely
Make people feel as happy and positive as their human best friend does
Spending just 15-30 minutes with a lovable dog can leave you feeling more relaxed and calm and relieve everyday stress. Overall, “spending time with a dog can make you a happier person.” - Psychologies Magazine. If you don't have a dog of your own it doesn't mean you can't reap the benefits of spending time with one. BorrowMyDoggy is an online community connecting owners with local trusted people to help share the care of a dog. Sign up for free and take a look at the local dogs in your area.
CUBAN BOXING ACADEMY Need to let off some serious steam? Cuban boxing is no joke, these guys push you hard!
We are a local boxing club based in Shepherd’s Bush. We offer high-quality training for people with all levels of fitness or experience. Whether you are looking to improve your health and fitness, learn a new sport or develop your skills as an established boxer, Cuban Boxing Academy is here for you. As a well-established part of the community, we aren’t just here to train boxers but to support all those that walk through our doors. We work with local schools and young people to provide a safe environment for those in our community.
JOE EASTON of EASTON LONDON
Need some grooming from someone you can talk to? Joe's your man. He's a master styler that can advise you how to look and feel your best. You'll get grooming advice together with classic and contemporary gents haircuts to traditional luxury wet shaves, beard trimming and styling. Joe also happens to be an excellent listener. His studio is really private, it'll just be the two of you, so it's a good place to have a chat, or not, no pressure. Either way, you'll get a discount if you mention MY BLACK DOG. He's a cool cat, definitely worth a visit.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY with SAFA BOGA
My journey into therapeutic body work began in India, the home of my ancestors and of ancient healing wisdom. Whilst studying counselling in London I experienced my first craniosacral therapy session. In one session I had not only resolved a lifetime of bruxism but had a deep felt understanding of how I had created that particular holding pattern of tension. I was drawn to the transformative, deeply interpersonal and natural way of working and in 2018 began my post graduate diploma at the College of Craniosacral Therapy (CCST). Using gentle touch and attunement to your body and energy system I work alongside you to explore and resolve the root cause of issues that are presenting themselves either emotionally, physically or mentally.
NICOLE WILLIAMS - PERSONAL TRAINER
Nicole Williams is a qualified Personal Trainer working in North London, she can train you 1:1 or with a small group of friends. In her own words: "My passion has always been martial arts and nutrition, I love making my workouts fun and effective! " Nicole is also the only woman in the UK black belt in Shidokan, a triathlon of martial arts, which might be one of the coolest things I've ever heard. Contact here.