Latest news with #MartinFurber
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The simple act that will boost your happiness, health and longevity
Therapist Martin Furber's latest column explores the chemistry of connection. We all know that feeling, don't we? That warmth that spreads through you when you have a good chat with a friend, a heartfelt conversation with a loved one, or even a surprisingly lovely encounter with a stranger. It's more than just a nice moment; there's some powerful chemistry happening in our brains that makes these connections so vital for our well-being. This week, as we kick off our series for June, exploring the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, we're diving deep into the magic of "connect" and why feeling truly seen and heard makes us shine from the inside out. Think back for a moment. Remember the last time someone really listened to you? Not just waited for their turn to speak, but truly absorbed your words, made eye contact, and responded in a way that made you feel understood. How did that make you feel? Chances are, it wasn't just a fleeting moment of pleasantness. There was a deeper sense of validation, of being seen and valued. This feeling isn't just emotional; it's rooted in our neurobiology. When we connect with others in a meaningful way, our brains release a cocktail of feel-good chemicals. One of the key players is oxytocin, often dubbed the "love hormone" or the "bonding hormone." It's released during physical touch, like hugs, and also during moments of genuine connection and trust. Oxytocin promotes feelings of warmth, attachment, and security. Then there's dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. When we have a positive social interaction, our dopamine levels can rise, reinforcing those connecting behaviours and making us want to seek them out again. And let's not forget serotonin, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood. Feeling connected and accepted by others can boost our serotonin levels, contributing to feelings of happiness and well-being. When we feel isolated or disconnected, serotonin levels can dip, potentially impacting our mood negatively. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and let these vital connections slip. But making a conscious effort to nurture them isn't just about being sociable; it's about actively nourishing our brains with the very chemicals that promote happiness and well-being. READ MORE: Lancashire Telegraph Best Chippy: The Wellington, Blackburn Clitheroe town centre's £300k revamp stage two under way It's about remembering that we are social creatures. So, this week, I'd like you to think about the magic of connection. Let's reach out to someone we haven't spoken to in a while, make an effort to truly listen in our conversations, and be open to those unexpected moments where we find common ground with others. Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various modalities, an award-winning trainer, and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England. wellbeing@ Please note: If you feel you are in a mental health crisis or emergency and may be in danger of causing harm to yourself or others, then please contact your GP, go to A&E, call NHS 111 (option 2), call the Samaritans on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.
Yahoo
06-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MARTIN FURBER: Why talking about mental health matters
Tomorrow, Thursday, is 'Time to Talk Day'. A simple yet powerful reminder that conversations about mental health really can make a world of difference. It's a day dedicated to encouraging open and honest conversations about our mental well-being, to help break down stigma and create a more supportive and understanding society. As a solution-focused therapist, I firmly believe in the transformative power of talking. Sharing our experiences, vulnerabilities, and struggles can be incredibly liberating. It can help us feel less alone, gain new perspectives, and access support we need. Yet, despite its benefits, many people still struggle to talk about their mental health. How readily do we talk about our physical health? If we have a cold, a headache, or a broken bone, we're usually open about it. We might tell our colleagues we need to take a sick day, share our symptoms with friends and family, and seek medical attention without hesitation. It's considered perfectly normal and acceptable to discuss our physical ailments. When it comes to our mental health, it's often a different story. We might hide our struggles, downplay our symptoms, or avoid talking about them altogether. We might fear judgment, ridicule, or even discrimination. This highlights the persistent stigma surrounding mental health. This 'Time to Talk Day' is a good time to reflect on the benefits of talking more openly about our mental health, which can help to: • Reduce stigma: Open conversations about mental health can help to challenge negative stereotypes and misconceptions. • Encourage help-seeking: When people feel comfortable talking about their mental health, they're more likely to seek help when they need it. Early intervention can make a significant difference in recovery. • Provide support: Talking to someone who understands can be incredibly validating and supportive. It can help people feel less alone and more understood. • Promote understanding: Sharing our experiences can help others to better understand mental health problems and develop empathy. Time to Talk Day is a reminder we all have a role to play in breaking down stigma and creating a more supportive society. By starting conversations, listening with empathy, and sharing our own experiences, we can help to create a world where everyone feels comfortable talking about their mental health. It's about recognising mental health is just as important as physical health, and talking about it is a sign of strength, not weakness. Martin Furber is a therapist qualified in various modalities, an award-winning trainer, and an Instructor Member of Mental Health First Aid England wellbeing@
