Emergency numbers for mental health - UK

UK based

NHS website advice -

For immediate mental health assistance call 111 and select the mental health option.

In case of overdose call 999 immediately.

For more resources go straight to the NHS website via this link.

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

 

UK  LGBTQ helpline   https://switchboard.lgbt/ (Call 08000119100)

 

SAMARITANS -  Samaritans | Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy | Here to listen  (Call 116123)

SHOUT -  Shout: The UK's free, confidential, 24/7 mental health text service | Shout 85258 (Text 85258)

 

Rape & Sexual Abuse Support (Call 08085002222) 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line

 

 

WORLDWIDE

FIND A HELPLINE - Suicide Hotlines & Crisis Helplines | Free, 24/7 Chat, Text & Phone

It is possible to search this website via country to find a helpline in your area.

Links to resources

Here you can find links to Charities that specialise in Breast cancer or Endometriosis. Articles, books and medical studies that I have used as references or read, and think are good resources on the topic of Breast cancer, Endometriosis, Adenomyosis, Menopause, Mental health and Alternative healing.

Breast Cancer Charities

Endometriosis Charities and Organisations: worldwide

ENDO SUMMIT (world wide)- Home - The Endometriosis Summit

Endo summit medical definitions...---> Glossary 24.pdf

ESSI Endo (USA and Europe)- Meet Our Team - Endometriosis Surgical Specialists

THE ENDOMETRIOSIS FOUNDATION (Scotland , UK)-  Endometriosis | The Endo Foundation 

ENDOMETRIOSIS UK - Ending endometriosis starts by saying it | Endometriosis UK

Bibliography

Books on health, psychology and mental health.

The Menopause Brain, by Lisa Mosconi, PhD (2024)

"Take Your Own Advice" by Jeffrey Marsh (2023)

"Cunt" by Inga Muscio (2002)

"Glittering a Turd" by Kris Hellenga (2021)

"It's Not Hysteria" by Dr Karen Tang (2024)

Books on Spirituality, Alternative healing and Philosophy.

"No Mud, No Lotus." Thich Nhat Hanh. (2023)

Medical studies - Reference list 

All medical studies mentioned in my blog are listed again here in alphabetical order by Author(s).

Medical definitions 

Adenomyosis

"Adenomyosis – the presence of endometrial glands and stroma WITHIN the myometrium. The myometrium is the medical term for the muscular portion of the uterine wall. This is a uterine disease. Focal adenomyosis is an adenomyoma." The Endometriosis Summit: E-book definitions 

https://theendometriosissummit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Endo-Definitions.pdf

ADHD

"Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 

Diagnostic Criteria 

A. A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, as characterized by (1) and/or (2): 

1. Inattention: Six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities: 

Note: The symptoms are not solely a manifestation of oppositional behavior, defiance, hostility, or failure to understand tasks or instructions. For older adolescents and adults (age 17 and older), at least five symptoms are required. 

a. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities (e.g., overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate). 

b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (e.g., has difficulty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy reading). 

c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (e.g., mind seems elsewhere, even in the absence of any obvious distraction). 

d. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked). 

e. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities (e.g., difficulty managing sequential tasks; difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order; messy, disorganized work; has poor time management; fails to meet deadlines). 

f. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports, completing forms, reviewing lengthy papers). 

g. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones). 

h. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may include unrelated thoughts). 

i. Is often forgetful in daily activities (e.g., doing chores, running errands; for older adolescents and adults, returning calls, paying bills, keeping appointments). 

2. Hyperactivity and impulsivity: Six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that negatively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities: 

Note: The symptoms are not solely a manifestation of oppositional behavior, defiance, hostility, or a failure to understand tasks or instructions. For older adolescents and adults (age 17 and older), at least five symptoms are required. 

a. Often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat. 

b. Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected (e.g., leaves his or her place in the classroom, in the office or other workplace, or in other situations that require remaining in place). 

c. Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate. (Note: In adolescents or adults, may be limited to feeling restless.) 

d. Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly. 

e. Is often “on the go,” acting as if “driven by a motor” (e.g., is unable to be or uncomfortable being still for extended time, as in restaurants, meetings; may be experienced by others as being restless or difficult to keep up with). 

f. Often talks excessively. 

g. Often blurts out an answer before a question has been completed (e.g., completes people’s sentences; cannot wait for turn in conversation). 

h. Often has difficulty waiting his or her turn (e.g., while waiting in line). 

i. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations, games, or activities; may start using other people’s things without asking or receiving permission; for adolescents and adults, may intrude into or take over what others are doing). 

B. Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms were present prior to age 12 years. 

C. Several inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present in two or more settings (e.g., at home, school,or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities). 

D. There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, academic, or occupational functioning. 

E. The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder and are not better explained by another mental disorder (e.g., mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, personality disorder, substance intoxication or withdrawal). " DSM-V

https://www.academia.edu/87962793/DSM_5_TR_English_?auto=download

 

 

Borderline personality disorder

Borderline Personality Disorder
DSM -V Diagnostic Criteria


"A pervasive pattern of instability of interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affects, and marked impulsivity, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. (Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5.)
2. A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation.
3. Identity disturbance: markedly and persistently unstable self-image or sense of self.
4. Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating). (Note: Do not include suicidal or self-mutilating behavior covered in Criterion 5.)
5. Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior.
6. Affective instability due to a marked reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days).
7. Chronic feelings of emptiness.
8. Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights).
9. Transient, stress-related paranoid ideation or severe dissociative symptoms...

...The essential feature of borderline personality disorder is a pervasive pattern of instability." DSM-V, American Psychiatric Association (2022) ( downloaded from DSM-5 TR [English])

Breast cancer

"Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. If left unchecked, the tumours can spread throughout the body and become fatal.

Breast cancer cells begin inside the milk ducts and/or the milk-producing lobules of the breast. The earliest form (in situ) is not life-threatening and can be detected in early stages. Cancer cells can spread into nearby breast tissue (invasion). This creates tumours that cause lumps or thickening. 

Invasive cancers can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs (metastasize). Metastasis can be life-threatening and fatal." World Health Organisation Website Breast cancer

Types 

"Not all breast cancers are the same. They are often categorised based on where they start and how far they have spread. 

Invasive Breast Cancer: This occurs when cancer cells have left the ducts or lobules and invaded the surrounding fatty tissue.  

The most common form of breast cancers is: 

  • NST (No Special Type): The most common, formerly called invasive ductal carcinoma. Where cancer cells break through ducts into surrounding breast tissue (it accounts for around 70% of all invasive breast cancers). 
  • Invasive Lobular: Originates in milk-producing glands and spreads outward. 
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Rare, aggressive and causes redness, inflammation and swelling as the breast cancer cells block lymph vessels. 
  • Paget’s Disease of the Breast: Rare, causes change to the skin of the nipple and looks like eczema. 

Non-invasive Breast Cancer: This is an early stage where cancer cells are still contained within the ducts or lobules and haven't spread to the surrounding tissue.  

  • DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ): Cancer cells are confined within ducts. If left untreated DCIS may become invasive. 
  • LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma in Situ): This type is not cancerous (so does not spread), although its presence is correlated with an increased chance of developing cancer. " Breast Cancer Now What is Breast Cancer? | Breast Cancer UK

Hormones (Estrogen, Progesterone) and HER2

"Breast cancer can be broken down based on specific proteins and characteristics, such as whether it's fueled by hormones; oestrogen (ER+) and progesterone (PR+) or a protein called human epithelial growth factor 2 (HER2). This classification is crucial because it helps doctors choose the most effective treatment (for example lowering or blocking these hormones and proteins to help slow the growth of the tumour). About 80% of breast cancers have oestrogen receptors (ER+). 

The most common markers are: 

  • ER+ / PR+ (hormone receptor-positive): Some breast cancer cells have special 'receptors' on their surface. When these hormones bind to the receptors, they can make the cancer cells grow and multiply. This means that the cancer’s growth is partly fueled by these hormones.  
  • HER2+: Some people have higher than normal levels of this protein which promotes tumour growth. 
  • Triple-Negative: No specific 'growth accelerators' like the known receptors or proteins, which means this type is often more aggressive and harder to treat. It is more common in younger women. " Breast cancer now What is Breast Cancer? | Breast Cancer UK

Symptoms 

"Skin changes such as puckering or skin dimpling

Puckering or dimpling means an uneven texture on the breast or chest that looks like orange peel.

Unusual lump or swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone

As well as the breast and chest, it’s also important to check your upper chest and armpits too. These areas can also be affected by breast cancer. If you notice an unusual lump or swelling in these areas, then you should see your GP.

Unusual lumps and thickening

If you get to know how your chest feels normally by checking monthly, it will be easier to notice any unusual changes. These might be new lumps or one part of your chest starting to feel thicker than the rest.

Liquid coming from your nipple

You may hear this liquid being called discharge. The liquid or discharge could be yellow, clear, white, green or bloody. This may be nothing serious, however it could be a sign of breast cancer or a breast cyst (a lump of fluid or pus).

Crusting or a rash on your nipple or around your nipple

There are lots of reasons why your skin could become irritated, especially if you are breastfeeding. You should get this looked at if you notice a change in colour (*your skin tone can affect how this looks). If you notice a rash or crusting skin on or around your nipple you should also see your GP.

*On Black skin, the area may go darker than the surrounding area. You may notice small spots in the area or changes in the colour, like purple, yellow or grey. 

On Brown skin, the colour change may be more of a dark red. The area may also go darker than the surrounding area.

On white skin, the colour change may look pink or red.

Nipple is pulled inwards or changes direction (inverted nipple)

It is important to pay special attention to your nipple during your monthly checks. Look to see if your nipple has become pulled into your breast or pec, or looks different to usual. This could be a change in its position or shape.

Sudden change in breast size or shape

Many people naturally have one breast or pec bigger than the other. Breasts or pecs can also gradually change as you get older which is perfectly normal. However, if you notice a sudden, unusual change in the size or shape of your breast or pec, you should see your GP.

Constant, unusual pain in your breast, pec, or armpit

Pain in your breast, pec or armpit can be perfectly normal, especially around periods if you have them. If you notice a sudden and constant pain in these areas, you should go and see your GP" Coppafeel charity Breast Cancer Symptoms & Signs | CoppaFeel!

Chronic Pain

"Chronic pain is a common condition affecting over one third of adults in the UK.

Chronic pain is pain that lasts longer than 3 months in one or more parts of the body. It can cause emotional distress and can make doing daily tasks more difficult.

Chronic pain can be a diagnosed health condition on its own. It can also sometimes be a symptom of another health condition." What is chronic pain? | NHS inform

Endometriosis

Endometriosis – clinically defined as “a systemic, inflammatory disease characterized at surgery by the presence of endometrium-like tissue found outside the uterus, usually with an associated inflammatory process. It is a spectrum disease with a variety of subtypes and clinical presentations, and pain, inflammation, infertility, development of endometriomas (“chocolate cysts”), fibrosis, formation of adhesions (fibrous bands of dense tissue), GI and other organ dysfunction, and much more are common with endometriosis” (Int’l Endometriosis Working Group, 2021)

It is systemic, often painful, whole body disease in which tissue that is similar to, but not the same as, the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus — the endometrium — grows outside your uterus. Endometriosis can be found anywhere in the body.

https://theendometriosissummit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Endo-Definitions.pdf

 

Endometriosis: Bowel Endometriosis

"Bowel Endometriosis- 80-90% of people with endometriosis feel some sort of bowel
discomfort. Many seek out care from gastroenterologists for years with the pain attributed to
IBS or have their symptoms ignored. Others have tried elimination diets and holistic measures
that may help, but are not eliminating their symptoms. Unfortunately, bowel endometriosis is
rarely embraced as the cause of these symptoms despite that bowel endometriosis is fairly
common. Typically, bowel endometriosis will be on the outside of the bowel, not inside the
lumen, making it hard to detect during colonoscopies. Additionally, bowel endometriosis can be
subtle making detection on scans difficult or bowel endometriosis can be deeply invasive,
creating adhesions that bind the bowel. Bowel endometriosis symptoms may worsen with the
period but many experience symptoms all month long.
Symptoms of bowel endometriosis can include (but are not limited to):
•Bloating or Endo Belly
•Pain and pressure in the abdomen
•Sensitive Stomach
•Diarrhea
•Constipation
•Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
•Difficulty passing stool
•Chronic Nausea
•Food Allergies
•Abdominal cramping and pain
•Painful bowel movements
•Vomiting" Endometriosis Summit: E-book definitions Glossary 24.pdf

Endometriosis: Bladder and Urogenital

"Bladder and Urogenital Endometriosis -it is estimated that up to 80% of people with endometriosis
have disease surrounding the ureters and the urogenital system. Bladder and urogenital
endometriosis are one of the most misdiagnosed forms of endometriosis. People with
endometriosis related bladder issues are often normalize their pain, thinking they just
have a small bladder or that getting up at night to go to the bathroom is normal. They are often
told they have recurrent infections, or that they have interstitial cystitis (IC). Similar to bowel
endometriosis, bladder endometriosis is typically on the outside of the ureters or bladder
making it undetectable during a cystoscopy. Furthermore, the bladder itself is a sensory driver to
the pelvis, so once pelvic pain is present bladder pain can ensue. Bladder pain and endometriosis
are so common the two are thought of to be the “evil twins” of pelvis pain. Symptoms of bladder
and urogenital endometriosis include (but are not limited to):
•Urinary urgency
•Urinary frequency
•Urinary burning
•Lower abdomen pain above the pubic bone
•Bloating
•Leg pain
•Constipation
•Pain with a full bladder
•Pelvic floor spasms
•Food sensitivities
•Painful sex
•Back or flank pain
•UTI symptoms with negative culture" Endometriosis Summit: E-book definitions Glossary 24.pdf

Endometriosis: Lung and Diaphragmatic

"Diaphragmatic and Lung Endometriosis- the respiratory system is among the top five systems
affected by extra-pelvic endometriosis Thoracic endometriosis includes endometriosis in the
diaphragm and thoracic cavity. Many people with thoracic endometriosis present with
catamenial pneumothorax, however many do not. Symptoms may initially be cyclical around
menstruation but will progress next to during ovulation and then to all month long.
Symptoms of thoracic endometriosis include (but are not limited to):
• Lung collapse
•Rib tip pain
•Burning shoulder, especially with menstruation
•GERDS or Chronic Heartburn like symptoms
•Altered oxygen saturation levels, especially during ovulation and menstruation
•Difficulty catching your breath
•Knife like pain between the shoulders
•Pain and pressure across the bra line
•Chest pain and pressure
•Neck pain and burning C3,4,5, especially during menstruation Dysmenorrhea - is characterized by
severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain during menstruation." Endometriosis Summit: E-book definitions Glossary 24.pdf

Fibromyalgia

"The main symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain that might feel like:

  • an ache
  • a burning sensation
  • a sharp stabbing pain
  • a mixture of these 3 feelings

The pain is likely to be continuous, but it might be better or more severe at different times.

As well as widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia might also have:

  • increased sensitivity to sensations like touch, light, temperature, noise
  • fatigue (extreme tiredness)
  • muscle stiffness
  • difficulty sleeping
  • problems with mental processes (known as “fibro-fog”) – like problems with memory and concentration
  • headaches
  • irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating
  • dizziness and clumsiness
  • feeling too hot or too cold
  • restless legs syndrome
  • tingling, numbness, prickling or burning sensations in your hands and feet (pins and needles, also known as paraesthesia)
  • unusually painful periods (if you get periods)
  • anxiety
  • depression" NHS inform Fibromyalgia | NHS inform

 

"Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms...

     ...Fibromyalgia affects everyone differently because we are all different, but here are some common symptoms that many people share:

  • Widespread pain – aching, burning, throbbing, stabbing sensations
  • Fatigue – that bone-deep tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest
  • Fibro fog or "brain-fog" – trouble thinking clearly or remembering things
  • Cognitive difficulties - slow thought processes, memory problems, lack of concentration or inability to find the right words
  • Balance issues - vertigo, dizziness, clumsiness
  • Poor sleep – waking unrefreshed or not sleeping at all
  • Sensitivity – to touch, sound, light, temperature and environmental conditions
  • Stiffness – especially first thing in the morning, joints and muscles
  • Migraines or frequent headaches
  • Digestive problems or Irritable Bowel-like symptoms – bloating, cramping, irregular bowels
  • Anxiety or low mood – because managing constant symptoms is exhausting" Fibro.org About Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia Support Group UK | Fibromyalgia Friends Together

Medical Definitions Reference List

Definitions for adenomyosis and endometriosis from the Endometriosis summit e-book -

https://theendometriosissummit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Endo-Definitions.pdf

 

Definitions for ADHD and BPD from the DSM-V- 

https://www.academia.edu/87962793/DSM_5_TR_English_?auto=download

 

Breast cancer definition references: 

Breast cancer World Health Organisation

What is Breast Cancer? | Breast Cancer UK

Breast Cancer Symptoms & Signs | CoppaFeel!

 

Fibromyalgia definition references:

About Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia Support Group UK | Fibromyalgia Friends Together

Fibromyalgia | NHS inform

 

Chronic pain reference

What is chronic pain? | NHS inform

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