Spotlight On…Paul’s Poem Published in the Press!

Photograph of a vintage black and red steam locomotive emitting thick gray smoke while traveling on railway tracks through a green field. The scene includes a cloudy sky and a "mind Darlington" logo

One of our Creative Writing group members, Paul, has recently had his poem, ‘The Worry Train’, published in the Daily Mirror. Paul says, “I have suffered from extreme anxiety since I was 17 years old. I’m now 54 and still struggling, but writing poems and stories helps me to cope. I also really enjoy walking […]

John’s Story – Suicide Awareness

Photograph of a person standing and looking out over a vast mountainous landscape during a cloudy sunset.

John, is 42 and works in IT. For the past few months, John has been feeling really down and he is having constant, arguments with his family. As a result of this he has become isolated, choosing to spend little time with family or friends. John is drinking a lot more than usual as he […]

Can Playing Rugby Be Positive for Mental Wellbeing?

Photograph of a rugby ball on green grass. The ball features red and blue patterns and the text "GET INTO RUGBY,"

The links between good physical health and regularly playing sports like rugby are well recognised and documented. Indeed as well as participation in a game the training sessions are hugely important to improve physical fitness and stamina. But what about the benefits to our mental health? Rugby is a sport that offers a range of […]

Amazon Family Day and Raby Castle Raffles

Photograph showing three people standing in front of a blue canopy tent with "www.darlingtonmind.com"

Announcing the raffle winners from the Darlington Mind stalls at each event over this year’s August Bank Holiday:  The winning ticket for the hamper at the Amazon day on Fri 23 August was ticket number ‘5’ held by Joanne R. who redonated her hamper. The winning ticket for the hamper at the Raby Castle Harvest […]

Schizophrenia – Misunderstood?

Photograph of a person standing outdoors next to a red brick wall wearing a black hat, yellow jacket, and a white shirt with a colorful paisley pattern.

The media and Hollywood often paint a distorted view of people who are diagnosed with schizophrenia, in fact, it is a common mental illness that affects 1 in 100 people in their lifetime, yet the condition is still widely misunderstood. Common misconceptions include that people who suffer with schizophrenia are out of control. These incorrect […]

The Mental Health Benefits of Boxing: A Knockout Solution for Mind & Body Wellness

Photograph of a person wearing black boxing gloves and athletic clothing practicing a punch on a black punching bag

Boxing—a sport that combines physical prowess with mental agility—offers more than just a way to break a sweat. Beyond the ring, boxing can significantly have a positive impact on your mental health. Let’s lace up our gloves and explore the surprising benefits to wellbeing of boxing: Stress Relief Life throws punches, and sometimes we need […]

The Hidden Perils: Alcohol and Mental Health

Photograph of a person standing outdoors in a garden or backyard setting with greenery and buildings in the background.

Alcohol – a ubiquitous companion at celebrations, social gatherings, and moments of solace. But beneath its seemingly harmless facade lies a complex relationship with our mental well-being. Alcohol and depression often intertwine, creating a complex relationship. Alcohol is a depressant and regular drinking to excess is proven to worsen mental health. Alcohol also can prevent […]

Golf and Mental Health: A Good Swing Towards Wellbeing

Photograph of a man preparing to swing a golf club on a green golf course under a partly cloudy blue sky. The man wears a white cap, navy shirt, and white shorts, with trees and a clear landscape in the background

Golf, with its rolling greens, crisp fairways, and the distant echo of a well-struck ball, has long been associated with leisure and relaxation. But beyond the picturesque landscapes and competitive spirit lies a deeper connection—one that intertwines the game with mental wellbeing. Let’s tee off into the heart of this topic, how can playing golf […]

Relaxing Your Mind & Body

Photograph of a person sitting cross-legged on a log in an outdoor autumn setting, wearing a denim jacket, dark pants, tan boots, and headphones.

We all have issues and problems in our lives and sometimes they can be overwhelming. It is always important to be able to relax and switch off to allow you to recharge your batteries. There are lots of different ways to relax, some work best for the mind others for the body. Some techniques will […]

Bullying & Mental Health

Photograph of a person sitting on a wooden floor in a corner, hugging their knees while wearing a red sweater and dark trousers.

Keon is a young black British man in his late teens. During school is when the bullying and racism started. Name-calling, bullying, some children can be awful and pick on weakness and difference. In Keon’s case this difference was one he was unable to change – the colour of his skin. Keon would try to […]