NHS Sefton Talking Therapies

28/02/2026

Worrying is a natural response to life's problems. But when it takes over and we can start to feel overwhelmed, it can really help to take a step back and break things down.

Learning new ways to work through your problems can make them feel more manageable, and improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

Take a look at the problem solving steps below.

27/02/2026

Life does not always take the path you expect.

That can feel unsettling, frustrating, or scary.

But you do not have to walk it alone.

If you need support, we are here 💜

27/02/2026

23/02/2026

Practical ways to manage DOOMSCROLLING:
It’s normal to feel down from time to time when we come across bad news, but constant exposure to negative online content could negatively affect our mental health.

‘Doomscrolling’ is a relatively new term used to describe the
impact of consuming large amounts of upsetting news online.

Take a look at some tips below that can help reduce 'Doomscrolling'.

For more tips and information, visit https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

20/02/2026

18/02/2026

We're now on Instagram! Be sure to follow for tips and advice on wellbeing and mental health awareness.
Scan the QR code below or search for https://www.instagram.com/nhsseftontalkingtherapies/ #

18/02/2026

The Vicious Cycle of Low Mood: By withdrawing from activities, such as seeing friends, paying bills and household tasks, we lose out on experiencing achievement, connectedness to others and enjoyment. ‘The Vicious Cycle of Low Mood’ shown below demonstrates how the things that we do or don’t do because we feel low may result in maintaining the way we are feeling.

Many people who are depressed think they need to feel completely physically well before starting to do things again. However, research evidence suggests that gradually starting to do more of the things that we have been avoiding again can be a very effective form of self help for depression. Setting goals for things we want to do can help “act our way out” of depression rather than waiting until we are able to “think our way out”. Behavioural activation is a structured, active way of doing this. It focuses on re-establishing daily routines, increasing pleasurable activities, and addressing necessary issues. This helps us regain important functions that have been lost or reduced during depression.

For more information about how to improve your mood visit https://www.merseycare.nhs.uk/self-help

30/01/2026

All parents face challenges. Having children can be very stressful. But if you have a mental health problem, you may have more concerns or difficulties. For example:

Coping with the everyday challenges of parenting. A mental health problem can make the day-to-day challenges of parenting feel harder. For example, anxiety may make you more easily worried. Or depression may mean that you have low energy. You might also find it more difficult to maintain a routine.

There’s lots of things you can do to support your own wellbeing, for example:

Build a support network - Try thinking of one or two people who you’d feel comfortable asking for emotional and practical support. This might be a friend or a family member. Or someone else that you and your children trust.

Identify your triggers - Some people can identify clear patterns in their mental health. Other people may find it less predictable. But noticing what increases your distress can help you prepare for a crisis. It may help to make a note of your triggers on paper or on your phone.

Look after yourself - It can be easy to forget about looking after yourself when you have children. But taking time to help yourself is important. It can stop some problems from developing or getting worse.

Build a routine: Some parents find that trying to maintain routines can be helpful. For example, with sleeping and exercise. Try to start small. If you want to exercise more, schedule in a small walk each day and build this up over time.

For more information visit: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/parenting-and-mental-health/

30/01/2026

Today is Parent Mental Health Day and this aims to encourage understanding and awareness of the importance of parent mental health and its potential impact on the whole family system with the theme ‘Balance’. The day aims to get parents and carers to take a moment to reflect on the balance they have in their lives, as well as how they balance looking after their family’s mental health and to take steps to make positive change and ‘balance out’.

Parent Mental Health Day was set up by Stem4 (Supporting Teenage Mental Health) for more information visit https://stem4.org.uk/

For local services that may be able to provide advice and support please see the links below:
Citizens Advice Sefton - https://seftoncab.org.uk/
Parenting 2000 - https://parenting2000.org.uk/
Sefton Family Hubs - https://www.sefton.gov.uk/familyhubs

19/01/2026

Today is Blue Monday and is known as the day that people feel most down in the year. Whether this is due to shorter days, post-Christmas blues or going back to work, this time of year can be particularly difficult and impact negatively on your mental health.

Here are some strategies to help:
Reach Out: Connect with friends, family, or a mental health professional to share your feelings and seek support.
Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies you enjoy.
Set Realistic Goals: Break tasks into manageable steps to reduce feelings of overwhelm.
Acknowledge Emotions: It’s okay to feel sad, but try to identify and challenge negative thought patterns.
Limit Stressors: Reduce exposure to stressors when possible, and prioritize self-compassion.

The link below has some tips and tricks to help you beat the January blues:

Read practical day-to-day tips for coping with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). There's also self-care ideas including keeping a diary and peer support.

13/01/2026

Feeling overwhelmed does not mean you are weak, failing, or incapable.
It means your mind and body are dealing with a lot right now.

You do not need to criticise yourself for feeling this way.
You are allowed to slow down and take things one step at a time.

Be kind to yourself today 💙

08/01/2026

One in six of us will experience mental ill health. At some point in our lives we will know someone who is struggling. That could be us personally or a partner, family member, friend or colleague.

Merseycare have created a series of self help guides covering a wide range of topics such as depression, anxiety and stress which offer users the opportunity to find out more about the causes of mental health issues and provide tools to work through feelings and emotions.

Visit the link below to access these self help guides:

We have a full range of self help guides ranging from depression to anxiety, bereavement and much more for you to download.