Image Source: http://www.edinburgh-eyetests.co.uk/ebm.htm

PTSD sufferers have been given fresh hope after a revolutionary PTSD treatment, “The Rewind Technique”, achieved a significant milestone with the completion and publication of its inaugural Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). 

The trial indicated that treatment sessions could be reduced to between one to three. The treatment has been pioneered for 30 years by Dr. David Muss, who first revealed the PTSD treatment “The Rewind Technique” in his seminal paper “A new treatment for PTSD” in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology. Titled ‘Rewind for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomised Controlled Trial, ’ the RCT was featured in Depression and Anxiety, vol. 2023, Article ID 6279649, with the results pointing towards a potential game-changer for PTSD treatment in the UK and potentially saving the NHS millions.

The Rewind differs from the universally accepted therapies CBT and EMDR, which aim to reduce symptoms by providing coping mechanisms. The Rewind instead targets directly the trauma (rather than its effects) with a “rewinding” technique—where the participant imagines they are watching a film of her/his traumatic event. The participant then enters the screen and relives their trauma memory in reverse very quickly. 

The authors described it as exhibiting positive outcomes in the clinical trial. The authors commented that ‘with a substantial effect size, it holds great promise as an effective PTSD treatment.’ The RCT revealed that Rewind effectively reduces PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance behaviours, making it significantly more effective than the control treatment. The RCT’s conclusion underscores Rewind as a vital solution for PTSD treatment at scale while acknowledging the necessity for further research to validate its long-term effects. 

The technique was first brought to global attention with Dr. Muss’s seminal 1991 book ‘The Trauma Trap’. Since then, Dr. Muss has trained some 15,000 therapists internationally through the International Association of Rewind Trauma Therapy (IARTT), which he founded. While RT has widely influenced other treatments like the Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM), Dr Muss remains the sole authority on the comprehensive use of the Rewind Technique in both civilian and military contexts. This year, in conjunction with the Complex Trauma Institute – which has provided the platform to reach out to Ukrainian mental health professionals – approximately 200 professionals have already been trained to the accreditation level, and another 300 are currently engaged in learning this method.

In the UK, an estimated 2,612,000 individuals, excluding cases of Complex PTSD, are expected to experience PTSD at any given time, with women aged 16-24 exhibiting the highest prevalence, affecting 12.6% of this age group. Only around a quarter of those in need receive NHS treatment via NHS Talking Therapies, and symptom improvement is recorded at around 50%. Despite widespread adoption already in various parts of the National Health Service (NHS), the third sector and private practice across the UK NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) are yet to fully embrace this treatment. 

Commenting on the RCT results Dr. Muss says: “I am delighted by the RCT results in this validation of an approach that I know and have shown can transform the lives of the many millions afflicted by PTSD. It has been a long journey to get to this stage, but we now have the large scale evidence of its results. Closure with RT can be achieved in just one to three sessions, no details of the trauma have to be revealed by the client to the therapist and therapist’s ‘compassion fatigue’ is greatly reduced. Crucially, training therapists is achievable in five hours at a nominal cost compared to the training costs to become a CBT or EMDR therapist required by NICE.<sub>”

He continues: “The NHS implementation of Rewind, by reducing treatment sessions from currently between 6 to 20 to one to three, would lead to substantial cost savings, streamlined care and greatly reduced waiting lists without having to train more therapists for NHS Talking Therapies. The NHS forthcoming planned expenditure of £15.55 billion is an increase from the current £13.25 billion. The adoption of Rewind would be a game changer.”</sub>

Stress is being caused by patients due to increased NHS times.

Whether it’s for a persistent cough, an aching back, or a cervical screening, medical appointments are an unescapable and essential part of our lives.

But as the waiting list for hospital treatment continues to rise to record levels (7.2 million in January 2023), your next check-up may take a while.

Not knowing how long you must wait for a doctor’s visit can affect your mood and mental health.

It has been found that almost four in ten Britons have felt stressed or anxious due to issues experienced with the NHS waiting times.

Precisely, awaiting a GP or hospital appointment without a confirmed date in your diary affects the mental wellbeing of 30% and 23% of patients, respectively.

So what can you do to mitigate your sentiments of stress?

Here, with some insights from Richard Holmes, Director of Wellbeing at Westfield Health, we look at simple ways to manage your mental health as you’re added to the waiting list.  

Plan ahead

Planning is one of the first things you can do to keep your stress and anxiety at bay.

You may still not know the exact time and date of your appointment, but you’re likely to see where the visit will occur. Generally, this will be either at your local hospital or GP practice.

Also, think about what you need to bring, such as a list of your current medications, test results and notes with any questions you may have.

By doing so, you’ll feel more comfortable, prepared and in control of the situation. Once you receive more information about the exact date, all you’ll need to do is show up.

Redirect your focus

Waiting can cause a sense of unease as it merges two uncomfortable situations: not knowing what’s on its way and being unable to do something about it.

If you’re unsure when you will get your appointment and it’s worrying you, try concentrating on other important aspects of your life.

Holmes from Westfield Health, experts in health cash plans, says that redirecting your focus can help you distract from whatever is causing you anxiety.

“Focusing on other things that mean a lot to you can ease your stress,” he explains. “If socialising makes you feel good, get in touch with friends and family.

You could focus on your favourite hobby, such as a dance or cooking class, whatever you enjoy doing most.

“Alternatively, to relieve your stress you could focus on your breathing. Slow, deep breathing is a simple technique that can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety as it minimises the level of stress hormones in the body.”

Eat well and exercise.

When feeling worried and blue, it’s easy to fall into routines of eating unhealthy food. However, one of the best ways to mitigate the effects of stress is to follow a balanced diet that includes natural foods and a mix of fruit and vegetables.

A healthy menu can help your body manage the physiological changes triggered by anxiety and regulate stress-inducing sugar levels.

If you’re anxiously waiting for the date of your medical appointment, make sure to get out and about if you can.

Physical activity releases cortisol, a feel-good hormone that helps you keep stress at bay.

Not only that but exercising allows your brain to focus on something else, which is an excellent coping method to overcome challenging times.

Seek additional help

If a medical examination that has not been scheduled yet keeps you awake at night, don’t be afraid or feel embarrassed to ask for professional help. 

There are many organisations, and If you have already been diagnosed with a specific condition and are waiting for a follow-up appointment, you can also contact more particular charities. 

They will give you expert guidance on dealing with your health problem and anticipate what your hospital appointment will likely entail, including Mind and Anxiety UK, who are happy to offer plenty of free tips, advice, and information on managing your feelings of stress.

Letting your GP know about your anxiety is also a good idea, significantly if this sense of unease impacts your ability to carry out your daily tasks. This way, your doctor can provide the proper support for your needs.

There are several reasons why NHS waiting times are at a record. As much as we appreciate the efforts of doctors and nurses to keep things running, being put on a waiting list for weeks or months can be frustrating for patients.

If this is causing you stress and anxiety, follow some of our handy tips, from planning and redirecting your focus to seeking additional support and sticking to a healthy diet.

Art created by people with lived experience of mental health is being displayed in Maudsley Hospital in partnership with Bethlem Gallery, South London, to promote the importance of art therapy in supporting mental well-being.

The exhibition, organised by national charity Ambient Support, runs throughout May to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) from 15 to 21 May.

Not-for-profit health and social care provider Ambient Support launched their ”Art for Anxiety’Anxiety’ workshops in several mental health services in London to provide safe and encouraging creative spaces for participants to explore MHAW’sMHAW’s 2023 theme of ”anxiety”.

In partnership with NHS Trust South London and Maudsley, the art created at Ambient’s Ambient’s sessions is being displayed in the Bethlem Gallery space in Maudsley Hospital to promote the value of art therapy for mental well-being and for all visitors and patients to view and enjoy 01 May to 31 May. 

Carmel Woolmington, Art Strategy Manager at Bethlem Gallery and SLaM Trust, says:

“We are delighted to partner with Ambient Support for Mental Health Awareness Week.

As organisations championing greater awareness and understanding of mental health, we share an ethos to shape a creative landscape which encourages this awareness and supports artists with lived experience of mental health services.

“Drawing on this year’syear’s theme of anxiety, we hope this exhibition highlights the therapeutic impact of art practice; that art can be a powerful form of expression; and a way to respond to anxious thoughts and feelings.”

Anxiety is a normal emotion, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.

The focus on anxiety for Mental Health Awareness Week will increase awareness and understanding. At the same time, research suggests that creative art activities can positively impact mental health.

Melissa Charlton, Ambient Occupational Therapy Technician, helped facilitate and coordinate the art sessions and observed the participant’s experience. Melissa says:

“Our mental health art sessions enabled the people we support at Ambient to tap into their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences of anxiety through creative expression.

We encouraged them to talk about the images they created and to begin to look to themselves for meaning and insight.

“Combined with staff supporting the art sessions, it helped participants promote self-expression, increase self-awareness and self-worth, and decrease stress and anxiety.

All who participated emanated satisfaction and enjoyment.”

An Occupational Therapy Assessment evaluated the workshops’ impact and found that 92% of participants demonstrated emotional connection and focused throughout the art session, and 84% stayed engaged and focused.

In comparison, 76% sought to challenge themselves.

Some participants created artwork depicting their thoughts and experiences around anxiety, while others used the art session to work through stress.

Ambient created a video capturing the highlights of the art sessions together with some artists holding their newly created artwork. View it HERE.

David, a participant in the art group, says:

“I enjoyed the art session very much; the painting that I did was in the moment. I think the art session helps to take your mind off any anxiety or problems you may have”.

Gary, a participant in the art group, says:

“The art session was therapeutic, allowing you to be artistic. My drawing of a skull surrounded by words depicts my anxiety and thoughts intertwined with mental illness; creating the artwork helped symbolise my thoughts and anxiety, which helps with my well-being.”

Considering the positive feedback from the art workshops, and the benefits gained by those suffering from anxiety, Ambient Support’s Support’s Occupational Therapy team plan to facilitate future art sessions to help further the people they support.

There are many reasons why patients don’t always adhere to their prescribed therapies. For example, sometimes, people halt their course of antibiotics because their annoying cough has disappeared and therefore believe it’s already been cured. Instead, others may innocently forget to take their morning medication as they are solely focused on preparing breakfast and getting ready for work.

The good news is that, in the case of these two examples, the problem can be fixed with a pinch of care and attention. However, there are more complex situations where patients purposely miss their daily dosage because the thought of taking medication triggers strong sentiments of anxiety. This is often called ‘pharmacophobia’, an extreme and irrational fear of medicines, pills, and medical drugs.   

This can be particularly dangerous, as repeatedly skipping your prescribed dose may cause several unwanted issues, from treatment failure to future health complications. So, we look at the ins and outs of medication anxiety, offering handy tips on coping with this concerning condition.

Pharmacophobia: what is it?

Pharmacophobia is an anxiety disorder that instigates high levels of dread and stress when exposed to medical drugs. In some scenarios, even the mere thought of medication can harm the person’s mental well-being. But as well as hindering a patient’s mind, this condition can also impact their physical health. Pharmacophobia can lead to the improper usage of prescribed medication or total absence of medicine consumption, which may, in turn, result in the relapse or worsening of the disease.

You will likely exhibit many telling symptoms if you suffer from medication anxiety. When having to take medication or at the thought of doing so, you may experience muscle tension, shakiness, panic attacks, or an inability to control your emotions. You may also refuse outright to adhere to your medication plan. Alternatively, to avoid being faced with a GP prescription, you may also be in denial about your illness, neglecting any pain or feeling of unease and discomfort.

As for the prominent cause of medication anxiety, the reality is that there isn’t a universal triggering factor. There are many reasons someone may be affected by pharmacophobia, and genetics and environment may play a significant role. For instance, if you have a family history of mental illnesses, there is a chance you may inherit a higher predisposition to developing similar well-being issues. In this situation, it may only take a past, unpleasant episode involving medical drugs, such as the severe illness or passing of a loved one, to originate this anxiety disorder.

You may also develop pharmacophobia if you constantly worry about a medication’s side effects. The belief is that taking pills may cure your initial disease yet kickstart a couple of different issues, or an allergic reaction can prevent people from adhering to their medication.

As mentioned, pharmacophobia – if not tackled – can bring a range of unwanted consequences. So how do you cope with medication anxiety to keep any complications at bay?

How to deal with pharmacophobia

If you struggle to take medication without experiencing stress and anxiety, don’t despair. You can take several steps to nip the problem in the bud and mitigate the effects of your pharmacophobia.

Here are a few tips you may want to consider to manage your anxiety disorder:

• Figure out how your pharmacophobia started – Reflecting on how your phobia originated can be an excellent first step to controlling your fear. For instance, was it because a loved one, or someone you know, has had an adverse reaction to a specific medication? If so, remind yourself that only because somebody else had an unfortunate experience with medicines does not mean it will automatically happen to you as well.
• Take your first dose at the chemist’s – If you are afraid of taking medication alone, especially if it is a new drug you’ve been prescribed, you may want to take it at the pharmacy. This way, you will have a medical professional to watch you, helping you calm your nerves and reassuring you that the new prescription won’t harm you. It will also give you the confidence to repeat the process at home with less stress.
• Talk to your doctor – Having an open, honest chat with your doctor is another effective way to tackle your pharmacophobia. “If taking your medication causes great stress, it is always worth discussing with your doctor,” says Dr Leyland, Clinical Advisor at my GP. “They will be able to review and suggest alternative solutions based on your experience.”
• Alter your dosing method – Sometimes, the medication itself isn’t the triggering issue. Instead, what may spark your pharmacophobia is a specific method of dosing. For instance, it has been found that up to 10% of the UK’s population is afraid of injections. If this is your case, and your prescribed therapy involves needles and injections, ask if it is possible to change the approach. There may be other viable solutions, such as pills or topicals, meaning you can continue your medication and not interrupt your all-important treatment.

From taking your first dose at the pharmacy and changing your dosing method to having an honest chat with your doctor and reflecting on what spurred your phobia, you can challenge your fears and – more importantly – preserve your well-being.

Sleep and nutrition are essential to overall health and wellbeing, and they’re also very closely related. A lack of sleep can lead to overeating and increase your desire for unhealthy foods. In turn, unhealthy foods can affect your ability to get a good night’s sleep – especially when eaten right before bedtime.

Many studies have been conducted on how sleep and nutrition affect one another, and in this article, we’ll be examining just how closely interlinked they are. With some insights from Westfield Health, we’ll cover the cyclical relationship between the two, the effects on your physical and mental health, and ways you can lead a healthier lifestyle.

Sleep deprivation and appetite

Sleep deprivation is a massive issue in the UK. According to Mental Health UK, almost 1 in 5 people regularly get less than enough sleep. Several well-known negative impacts of sleep deprivation include feeling irritable and unable to focus or regulate emotions. Over time it can also increase the risk of high blood pressure and certain diseases, like diabetes.

Regarding your appetite, several past studies have found connections between a lack of sleep and overeating. When you don’t get enough good quality sleep, it can trigger increased production of the hormones that regulate your appetite. This can increase your hunger levels or affect your ability to know when you’re full.

This can develop into a vicious cycle, such as overeating, disrupting usual sleeping patterns and triggering those hormones. In the long term, it can make losing weight more difficult and contribute to obesity.

Does a lack of sleep make us crave unhealthy food?

Besides generally increasing your appetite, sleep deprivation can increase the desire for high-calorie food or make you more likely to snack during the day.

Research is ongoing, but some studies have found that sleep deprivation can alter motivation and reward drivers. Or in other words, a lack of sleep can make unhealthy or ‘comfort’ foods more appealing and more satiating after you’ve eaten.

Do certain foods or drinks keep us up at night?

Eating foods high in sugar close to bedtime can be overstimulating – giving you energy when you should be getting ready to rest. One 2016 study discovered that people with high-sugar diets tended to sleep less deeply and were more likely to suffer from restlessness and waking up at night.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, large meals and foods high in protein can also keep you awake if eaten right before bed. When we’re asleep, our body’s digestion process slows down, so eating foods that take longer to digest can leave you feeling uncomfortably full and struggling to stay asleep.

Caffeine is also a common culprit in keeping you awake at night. Caffeine’s stimulative properties are well-known, and its effects can last six hours or longer. This can affect your internal body clock, making it more difficult to fall asleep, reducing the overall quality of your sleep and thus increasing the feeling of tiredness during the day.

Alcohol and nicotine can also have a similar effect to caffeine, lowering the quality of your sleep when consumed close to bedtime.

Can good nutrition help us sleep better?

In short, yes. Nutrition can affect nearly all areas of our health, both physical and mental. Good food can reduce the risk of various diseases, and according to a study by the British Medical Journal, a good diet can also positively impact our mental health. Similarly, good nutritional habits can help you sleep better at night.

It’s best to avoid eating close to bedtime where you can. Still, if you need a snack, try sticking to foods your body can digest more easily. These can be oats, whole wheat bread and other complex carbohydrates. Foods that are high in key nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E, can make it easier to sleep. Tryptophan-rich foods, such as bananas, nuts, and cranberries, can help with the production of melatonin – the hormone that enables you to regulate your sleep cycle.

When it comes to caffeine, you don’t need to give up tea and coffee entirely to keep the adverse effects at bay – try to moderate how much you’re consuming. It’s recommended by the NHS that you stop drinking caffeine in the afternoon at least 6 hours before bedtime – try switching to decaf alternatives instead. It’s not always obvious what may contain caffeine, so it’s worth checking the labels of things like chocolate and fizzy drinks beforehand.

Just like a poor diet and poor sleep can negatively affect one another and lead to a repetitive cycle, so can a good diet and rest. Some health cash plan policies include wellbeing and alternative therapies cover, which include cover for nutritional therapies.

Small changes you can make in your bedtime routine can help, such as avoiding caffeine where you can, not going to bed on a full stomach or only eating certain foods in the evening. It can be difficult with a busy or stressful lifestyle, but escaping the cycle of sleep deprivation and unhealthy eating habits is possible.

Is having a positive mindset all it’s cracked up to be?

An optimistic outlook on life offers many benefits, from improved mental well-being to reduced pain levels. But it can be irksome if you’re going through something difficult and you’re told to stay positive.

There’s a time and a place for positivity, and if it’s forced upon you when you’re not ready to embrace it, it can be harmful. Here, we’ll explain this phenomenon – toxic positivity – and provide tips on embracing wellness without toxicity.

What is toxic positivity?

Have you ever experienced negative emotions, like grief, depression, or sadness, and hidden them from your loved ones? Perhaps you’ve even felt guilty for feelings of sadness or anger. This is a sign you’ve been affected by toxic positivity. It’s the belief that we should all maintain a positive mindset regardless of our situation.

If a loved one has told you to “stay positive”, “look on the bright side”, or “think of those that have it worse than you”, those are clear signs of toxic positivity. It’s the idea that we choose how we feel – and while our attitudes can influence our emotions, it’s not that simple.

Often, toxic positivity is well-intentioned. Your loved ones may be trying to cheer you up in a bad situation, but doing so can exacerbate the problem by making you feel bad about your reasonable reaction to hardship. Toxic positivity invalidates reasonable and rational responses to adversity and can even be used to silence struggling people.

How can you be positive without being toxic?

There’s nothing wrong with a sunny outlook on life. But we have to understand that it won’t be possible to keep up at all times, especially with what life can throw at us. Here are our top tips on embracing positivity and looking after your wellness without becoming harmful.

Allow yourself to feel your emotions.

Nobody actively wants to feel sad, angry, or depressed, but these emotions are all part of life. They will happen when experiencing difficult circumstances or dealing with mental illness. If you try to avoid them by thinking positively or experiencing them makes you feel guilty, you will end up feeling even worse. Bottling up your feelings can even impact your physical health.

Setting aside time to deal with your feelings will help you understand them and move past them. When it comes to experiencing guilt over feeling or expressing these emotions, you could confide in a loved one – they’ll help you understand that everyone encounters these feelings and ease your worries over communicating them.

Tune out toxic positivity content

Content on social media can feed into toxic positivity. Accounts dedicated to posting inspirational quotes and positive mindset messages rack up thousands of likes and comments. A “good vibes only” mentality is prevalent on social media. While some people may find following these accounts beneficial, it can make others feel bad about not constantly being sunny and optimistic.

As well as accounts dedicated to posting positive mantras, we also have to deal with humble bragging on social media. Whether it’s your friends or your favourite celebrities and influencers, people curate their social media feeds and often post positive content only. You can remove this toxic positivity from your feeds by unfollowing accounts and creators that make you feel bad about yourself.

Be more understanding

We can fall into the trap of toxic positivity without even realising it. To cheer up a loved one who is having a hard time, we might encourage them to look on the bright side. But by doing so, we can make them feel guilty or their emotions disregarded.

It’s natural to want to try and resolve your loved one’s problems. But sometimes, letting them know that you’re there, you’re listening, and you’re not judging just by saying phrases like “I’m here no matter what”, “your feelings are valid”, and “that must be tough” is enough.

You could also ask your friend or family member if they’re looking for advice or just looking to vent over some warm mugs of tea. By understanding their needs at the moment, you can better support them and validate how they’re feeling instead of jumping to what you think is best.

After the hardships many of us have faced in the past couple of years, the shift to constant positivity is understandable. But engaging with “good vibes only” content and viewing everything in a positive light isn’t beneficial – it can have the opposite effect and make you or your loved ones feel even worse about your situation. This can lead to you bottling up your feelings, which we know harms our health. A positive attitude is a good thing – but positivity without nuance is not.

As many workplaces have gradually switched to a flexible working scheme, alternating between working in the office and at home, make sure you are supporting employees in keeping active and healthy.

The NHS suggests that adults aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week. Prolonged inactiveness accounts for about 70,000 deaths per year in Britain alone.

What’s more, research shows that the rate of unexpected, illness-related absenteeism is more substantial in workers who are less physically active. Minor tweaks in habits can significantly impact productivity, absence rates, and overall health.

With some insights from Richard Holmes, Director of Wellbeing at Westfield Health, we look at how employers can prioritise employee wellbeing and encourage their staff members to be more active both outside and inside the workplace.

Setting up a culture of movement.

Workplace culture can have a significant effect on employee wellbeing and behaviour. 

A manager or leader who promotes the importance of physical health will truly encourage their workers to exercise more during the day.

One way of embedding activity into the workplace culture is to include physical health support as a key feature of your wellbeing plan and strategy. Here are some policies you may want to consider:

• Offer discounted rates for equipment and gym access
• Schemes to support employees to cycle to work
• Educational fitness classes or exercise sessions that are free of charge
• Reserving time slots for exercise and physical activity during people’s shifts
• Standing desks and flexible workspaces

Of course, every organisation will take a different approach based on its needs and possibilities, but always ask your employees how you can help keep them active while at work.

Share your exercise policies with your team and invite them to take advantage of the various options. 

To keep track of the effectiveness of your physical activity programme, make a note of people’s engagement and evaluate the long-term impact it’s having on the business.

Supporting employees to move more and feel empowered!

To ensure you incorporate physical activity into the working day, it is crucial to enable your people to prioritise it. One idea could be to send out monthly wellbeing emails with resources, links to online workouts and general exercise tips.

Also, make allowances for managers to discuss physical wellbeing and mental health, personal targets, and performance during one-to-one meetings with team members.

 Ultimately, employees will feel empowered to prioritise physical activity if their managers are too.

As for in-office facilities, business owners can actively support their workers’ physical health by creating a designated area for exercise and activities within the workplace. 

Whether converting a quiet corner or a compact meeting room, an active space with mats, resistance bands, and dumbbells can become a massive asset to the office. 

Supporting employees to enjoy some exercise at work.

If you don’t have enough space for a functional space, consider offering your employees discounted memberships for popular chain gyms. 

This will help your team stay fit and healthy, whatever their schedule.

Seven great resources to help get you started

1. NHS physical activity guidelines – Exercise advice for people aged 19 to 64.

1. Sit less with Get Britain Standing – Tips and information to encourage employees to stand up more during the day, whether in or outside the workplace.

1. Helpful Move More at Work guidance: Feel free to download these resources as a PDF and print out some helpful workplace posters. You will also find some 10-minute workplace exercise videos.

1. Adaptable, active spaces – Advice on tailoring functional spaces to your workplace to get your people moving.

1. Pomodoro Technique and Tomato Timer – An online timer that reminds you to take short breaks every 25 minutes.

1. Health and lifestyle screenings – Confidential one-to-one health screenings for employees with an experienced coach.

1. Physical wellbeing webinars – Our own recorded and live webinars cover posture and back pain topics.    

Cam Adair’s life started spiralling out of control with video game addiction at the age of 11.

He stopped going to school due to intense bullying and sought refuge in video games. 

While his friends finished their education, Cam was gaming for up to 16 hours a day. Battling depression, he seriously contemplated suicide. 

It was a wake-up call, and that night he made a commitment to change.

After undergoing therapy, Cam found Game Quitters, the world’s largest support community for video game addiction, with members in 95 countries, and INTENTA, an internationally accredited training programme for mental health professionals on problematic and disordered gaming. 

He has been named one of Canada’s top 150 leaders in mental health.

Widely hailed as the world’s leading expert on video game addiction, Cam has featured in two TEDx talks and worldwide media outlets, including The New York Times, Forbes, BBC and CNN. 

He was recently invited to speak at the World Health Organization, sharing his knowledge and insights on lived experiences of gaming disorder.

Here is Cam’s journey from addict to advocate:

“By the age of 21, I was playing video games for up to 16 hours a day. Video game addiction had consumed my life for over ten years. 

I dropped out of high school, never graduated or went to college, and battled depression throughout my teens. 

I don’t want to vilify gaming. 

Playing video games has many benefits. I want to share my personal story of addiction and how seeking help changed my life.

I had a happy childhood, and my life was pretty uneventful until I turned 11. 

I went to school, played hockey, hung out with my friends and enjoyed video games. 

That all changed in the 8th grade when I began to get badly bullied at school and in hockey. 

After that, I avoided going to both whenever possible.

The time I would usually spend at school and hockey I filled with playing video games. 

They were a safe space for me to escape the constant bullying, somewhere I felt happy and in control. 

Eventually, I dropped out of high school and quit hockey, which was once my greatest passion. Life became very insular.

For the next few years, I battled with depression and tried to hide the extent of my addiction. 

My parents said if I wasn’t going to school, I had to find a job. 

But gaming was consuming all my waking hours, so I never managed to hold down a job for more than a month. I even pretended to go to work sometimes. 

After my Dad dropped me off, I would sneak back home, creep into the house and go to bed. I was exhausted after staying up all night playing video games.

In hindsight, I’m ashamed of my, behaviour but I could not stop gaming. I had become increasingly dependent on video games as a way of alleviating my depression. 

My life continued to spiral out of control until I hit rock bottom and wrote a suicide note one day. Fortunately, I stopped myself from going through with it.

Hitting rock bottom made me realise my life was in imminent danger, and things needed to change. 

I asked my Dad for help and started to see a counsellor. 

I was determined to give it my best shot and made myself attend every therapy session. 

I was in it for the long term and vowed never to give up.

After overcoming my addiction, I realised that millions of others worldwide were also struggling with video game addiction, but there were few resources to help them. 

I, therefore, decided to take matters into my own hands and, in 2015, launched Game Quitters – an online support community for people who want to quit playing video games. 

We work with parents, gamers, teachers and helping professionals in over 95 countries, providing practical support and advice.

However, it soon became apparent that gamers and their loved ones found it difficult to find professional help because therapists and counsellors struggled to understand gaming disorders. 

That’s why in 2020, I co-founded INTENTA to provide mental health professionals with Gaming Disorder Clinical Training. 

After completing the online course, therapists have up-to-date tools and strategies to support problematic gamers and their families.

There are moments when the confident choices you make change the direction of your life forever. 

Deciding to use my experience to help others with video game addiction was one of those for me.”