Jemma's Diary
2006 April to June

Click on the headline to read Jemma's entry for that week.

I was scared of facing the world straight

26th June 2006
Cannabis use has been cited as a risk factor for poor mental health. Jemma puts her perspective forward.

Did alcohol have an effect on my mental health? Undoutedly

19th June 2006
Much has been made of the effects of lifestyle choices on mental health recently. Jemma opens up about her own choices.

Talk with a close friend

12th June 2006

Jemma is finding her anxiety levels are still high however, talking with a friend allowed her to let off steam and reminded her to listen too!

This week has not been great

5th June 2006
A lack of sleep and exercise combined with stress and an increased alcohol intakeover the past few weeks have taken their toll on Jemma.

I'm just back from my holidays

29th May 2006

Having an 'almost' tan has invited some intrusive questions for Jemma at times, so here she gives her personal insights into self harm. Readon to find out more.

On holiday!

15th May 2006
Jemma's off to enjoy sunnier climes for a fortnight and will be back to share her story on the 29th of May.

When I'm feeling a bit hyper, it gets really 'noisy' in my head

8th May 2006
Despite our reticent nation, Jemma see no reason to be anything other than open and honest about her mental health problem, even if you can't get a word in edgeways!

I'm not a believer in the 'If you have something to say, say it to their face' school of thought

1 May 2006
Jemma is feeling slightly anxious and depressed this week but has worked out what her conflict type is - mainly avoidance.

Lately, I've been comparing some of my quirks to those of my friends, partner and family

24th April 2006

A fear of snakes to uncooked meat and being late for buses are just some of Jemma quirks, but bring on spiders. The bigger the better! Find out abouther phobia's and those of her friends and family.

Generally, I am not a great believer in self-help books

17th April 2006
Despite her general dislike of being told what to do, Jemma has bought her first self-help book in three years. Read on to find out why.

There is always the option of a lunchtime nap

10th April 2006
There is plenty of daylight now that spring has sprung and things seem to be ticking over quite nicely for Jemma but how does she cope with extra pressure at work?

I'm going to visualise myself doing better visualisations

3rd April 2006
A quiet week means Jemma's had time to think about how visualisation can be both a force for positive change and a source of vivid 'daymares'.