Maria Hancock, MH Wellbeing

21/09/2025

As a recovering do-aholic, I've learned the vital importance of carving out moments to unwind. For me, there's no better escape than immersing myself in nature. It helps to regulate my nervous system and calms my racing thoughts, allowing me to fully embrace the present and remind myself that I control my workflow—and that it's okay to say no.

The advantages of spending time in nature are truly remarkable. Did you know that even gazing at a stunning natural scene can alleviate pain? It communicates a sense of safety to your brain—and pain is simply your brain's perception of danger.

Just 10 minutes a day can restore your balance, so step outside and reap the rewards. It's free and available 24/7—what are you waiting for?

10/09/2025

This week, I'm enjoying a late summer break in Wales. That's me pointing to the top of Mount Eryri after we'd walked up and down yesterday. The second photo is from the top.

It was my biggest challenge since overcoming my chronic pain. It was tough, and my husband said he was proud of me for only swearing twice on the way up! 🤣

I found setting off back down the hardest, as my leg muscles felt fatigued and achy and the wind and rain started up. Plus I was aware of what a long way we had to go 😢. I would have happily taken the train had they got space, but I'm proud i did it!

I'm not surprised to have achy muscles today and there was some discomfort in my knees yesterday, but that doesn't mean there is anything to worry about. I still use the same techniques that I learnt on my recovery from chronic pain to send myself messages of safety. Life has it's challenges and the skills you learn are skills for life, to keep you living the life you want, and not ruled by fear.

25/07/2025

Are you struggling with chronic symptoms such as pain? Maybe you aren't responding well to physical treatment?

Did you know that most chronic pain (and many other chronic symptoms like fatigue and IBS) are caused by neural pathways in the brain and NOT due to physical damage?

I saw many practitioners for my knee pain and RSI and only found limited (or no) success with physical treatments as the cause was not the body. (BTW ALL pain is real, but your brain can predict pain when there is no physical damage)..

There are a number of ways to discern whether you are dealing with neuroplastic symptoms -

• symptoms begin without an injury (or days, weeks or months after an injury)

• Symptoms began during or just after a stressful period

• Symptoms persist after an injury has healed

• Symptoms spread over time to different areas of the body

• Symptoms occur in many different body parts at the same time

• Symptoms move about

• Symptoms are more or less intense depending on the time of day, or occur first thing in the morning or in the middle of the night

• Symptoms occur after, but not during, activity or exercise (a structural injury hurts when used and is better when rested)

• Symptoms occur when one thinks about them or when someone asks about it

• Symptoms occur when stress is increased or one thinks about stressful situations

• Symptoms reduce or go when calm or feeling safe

• Symptoms are triggered by things that are not related to the actual symptom, such as foods, smells, sounds, light, the weather

The good news is that the brain is changeable ie it is neuroplastic! Chronic pain and other symptoms can be completely curable, even after many years (I had mine for over 25 years) and the approach I use is based on clinical trials and proven to be highly successful.

Why not take a look at my website for further information or message me for a chat -

www.breakfreeofpain.com

17/07/2025

I've been teaching this for years, now there's more evidence. The myth that depression is somehow caused by a chemical imbalance is still believed by many, sadly, leaving them feeling powerless and stuck. The way out of depression can be reasonably swift with the right approach. A previous client of mine said the 10 weeks we worked together were immensely more helpful than the two years of a different form of therapy.

Is Depression Really Caused by a "Chemical Imbalance"? New Landmark Study Says No.

A comprehensive review led by researchers at University College London (UCL) has found no solid scientific evidence that depression is caused by low serotonin levels or reduced serotonin activity—a theory long believed to underpin the use of common antidepressants.

Published in Molecular Psychiatry, this umbrella review analyzed decades of studies across various disciplines. The findings challenge the widely accepted “chemical imbalance” theory, which forms the foundation of popular antidepressants like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).

🔬 While SSRIs are believed to “correct” serotonin deficiencies, this review suggests such deficiencies might not even exist in the first place. Alarmingly, some evidence hints these drugs may actually reduce serotonin over time.

🧠 The researchers caution that up to 90% of the public believes in this now-questioned theory—potentially discouraging hope for recovery and limiting non-drug treatment options, such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and social support.

The authors advocate for a shift in mental health care: focusing more on life stressors, trauma, and socio-environmental factors, and less on unproven biological explanations.

📚 Source:
Moncrieff, J., Cooper, R. E., Stockmann, T., Amendola, S., Hengartner, M. P., & Horowitz, M. A. (2022). The serotonin theory of depression: A systematic umbrella review of the evidence. Molecular Psychiatry.