luisanz@mindyrlife.com
ADHP and Theory of Evolution, a Hypothesis by Dr. Luisa Sanz, Psychiatrist
Change is the only thing that is permanent in life. Evolution is on-going continuous Change. Evolution starts with the Change in ONE being to then become two beings, then a few, and a few more to form a minority and ultimately, the majority and ALL.
ADH (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity) is slowly but surely becoming a more and more common Presentation. Therefore, should we still refer to it as a Disorder, ADHD? Perhaps, it is now time to talk about ADHP, a Presentation.
ADHP and THEORY of EVOLUTION, a Hypothesis
(NOTE ADHP – P for Presentation and not D for Disorder; using both ADHP and ADHD in the text is meant and not an error.)
Theory of Evolution: “…those organisms that are more adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and pass on their genes that aided their success leading to species changing and diverging over time”
HYPOTHESIS:
If ADH has continued to become more and more common and prevalent over the last century,
then it may not be a Disorder but instead an adaptive evolving Presentation.
Therefore, it should be managed as such, adapting systems and evolving with it rather than resisting it.
GROUNDS FOR THE HYPOTHESIS:
- 1. Prevalence of ADHP is progressively increasing as would happen with strongest genes in Evolution.
Prevalence of ADHP:
o Increasing prevalence over the last century
o Diagnostic criteria for ADHD
o ADHD Referrals to MH services
o Actual Prevalence: The 3 ADHP Profiles
- 2. Some traits of ADHP would seem to be better adapted to the 21st century world of technology as would happen with best adapted traits in Evolution.
21st Century: a World of Technology:
o Over-stimulation and Reinforcing of Short Attention Span
o Reduced need for Academic Memory, higher maths, writing
o Multiple Intelligences
- 3. ADHP’s nature and Spiritual Laws of Success, fitting in with Evolution towards Purpose and Happiness.
Evolving for Survival “evolves” onto Evolving for Purpose and Happiness:
o ADHP’s usual nature
o Finding our Talent to find Purpose; finding Purpose to find Happiness
o From Physical Survival to Spiritual growth; Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
I. PREVALENCE OF ADHP
1. Increasing prevalence over the last century
It is evident that ADHD was hardly spoken about 50 years ago and not a recognised condition 100 years ago.
This is likely to be due to two main reasons: firstly, ADHD is a much more common condition nowadays and, secondly and as a consequence of the first, there’s much better understanding of it, hence it can be identified and diagnosed more easily.
Prevalence for diagnosed ADHD ranges between 5 and 10% in developed countries.
In the UK waiting times for an ADHD assessment in the NHS, depending on age of the individual and geographical area, varies between 6 months and “unavailable”.
Prevalence of diagnosed ADHD is precisely that, prevalence of diagnosed ADHD, but does NOT correlate to the actual prevalence of the condition and so, most probably measuring ability to recognise the condition and resources but not the actual ADHD prevalence, therefore leading to smaller prevalence figures.
Prevalence for undiagnosed ADHD is likely to be much higher.
Prevalence for ADHP is even higher, possibly3 or 4 times.
WHY IS ADHD DESCRIBED AS A DISORDER WHEN ADHP IS SO COMMON?
2. Diagnostic criteria for ADHD
As per most common Diagnostic classifications used in the UK (ICD 10 and DSM 5) as well as the diagnostic guidelines from NICE (evidence-based recommendations for health and care in England), ADHD is a Disorder which is diagnosed not only on the bases of the symptom presentation, their severity/duration and pervasiveness but also in relation to the level of interference with functioning or development.
Based on the above, anyone with the symptoms, regardless of severity, would not get any recognition if not “struggling”.
Therefore, one could have severe inattention with higher IQ than average and so never achieve academic potential, yet it would be very unlikely for such an individual to ever get diagnosed with ADHD, particularly if following parents business or when having other outstanding skills to dedicate to such as music, sports, acting, etc.
WHY IS THERE SUCH RESISTANCE TO RECOGNISE ADHP?
COULD IT BE BECAUSE ADHP IS SO COMMON AND THEREFORE “NORMAL”?
3. ADHD Referrals to MH services
Individuals with ADHD get referred mainly for 2 reasons: either they can’t meet the demands from Education/society in terms of academic and behaviour expectations OR they present with comorbid and/or secondary disorders to the ADHD.
Individuals with undiagnosed/untreated ADHD, after years of struggles tend to develop mental health problems with low self-esteem/self-worth/confidence, self-harming, anxiety, depression… not knowing who they are and even some questioning their identity in an attempt to “find themselves and fit in”.
Often they are aware of their strengths and talents but those are irrelevant as they’re failing in “the most important subjects”, the academic ones.
HOW WOULD CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS WITH ADH”D” DEVELOP IF THEY WERE ACCEPTED BY WHO THEY ARE AND SUPPORTED FROM DAY ONE?
WOULD THEY EVER GET “REFERRED” FOR AN ADHD ASSESSMENT?
4. Actual Prevalence: The 3 ADHP Profiles
The ADHP who struggles and gets referred for assessment of ADHD- most common profile:
- Reduced attention span, “scanning living style”
- Impulsive, willing to try/to give it a go, risk taking
- Tendency to be on the go, energetic,
- Unaware of their potential, frustrated in school/work
- Fear stops them from trying
- Normal intelligence (can also be below or above with comorbidities)
- Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future
- Feels unsupported, non-understood, judged, worthless.
- Anxious, lacking confidence
- Low self esteem, low mood (possibly self-harming)
- Self medicating with alcohol/drugs (often cannabis)
- Other MH comorbidities (often Anxiety dis., depressive dis., ASD)
The ADHP who has difficulties but gets through Education without an ADHD assessment – most common profile:
- As type 1 but with more protective factors:
o More confident
o Better supported (in school, by family)
o With more stability
o Less secondary difficulties
The ADHP who doesn’t struggle and becomes professionally successful– most common profile:
- Reduced attention span, “scanning living style”
- Impulsive, willing to try/to give it a go, risk taking
- Tendency to be on the go, energetic
- Aware of their talent, potential, gift
- Normal or above average intelligence
- “here and now”, don’t plan too ahead, “go with the flow”
- Adapt to change and improvise, think outside the box
- Confident, secure
- Have a sense of self worth, comfortable with who they are
- None or manageable mental health comorbidities
- Supportive context/environment
II. 21ST CENTURY: A WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY
1. Over-stimulation and Reinforcing of Short Attention Span
Developing society seems to be more suited for those with the ability to switch attention fast, have a “scanning” approach and thriving on over-stimulation.
And we are indeed witnessing an ever increasing of ADHP.
By their “inattentive” nature, ADHP-ers scan for anything that may grab their interest (their “attention”). Perhaps, ADH-Pers have an instinct to discard what they’re not good at and search for what they are very good at and would be worth investing their time in.
ADHP would seem more adapted to the “forever developing technology-based world we live in” and those genes aiding to the species success are being passed on and diverging the species over time.
WHY WOULD SUCH A WORLD OF FAST TECHNOLOGY HAVE SO MUCH RELEVANCE NOWADAYS AND WHY IS IT ADOPTED BY SUCH A HUGE POPULATION?
IS ALL THIS POPULATION ADHP-ERS?
ARE HUMAN BRAINS EVOLVING IN SUCH A DIRECTION?!
2. Reduced need for Academic Memory, higher maths, writing
Information is readily available all the time, one just has to “google” the query and there is your answer! There is less and less of a need to memorise information, less and less of a need to learn higher maths or even to write (as we mainly type now and have “spelling corrector”).
Perhaps ADHP is at the head of this evolving technological world!
WOULD TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES SUPPORT OR GO AGAINST EVOLUTION?
WOULD THE WAY WE LEARN, HOW WE STORE/RETRIEVE INFORMATION, AND HOW WE FIND OUR TALENTS AND DEVELOP OUR POTENTIAL EVOLVE WITH PROGRESSING TECHNOLOGY?
DO WE CONTINUE TO IGNORE THIS REALITY?
The current educational system limits the learning curriculum to mainly “academic” subjects and therefore discards anyone without an academic ability, yet still making them submit to it which often leads onto “academic failure” and the consequent believe of “not being good enough”.
Teachers are asked to meet targets but not to really teach. Children "have to be managed" as numbers and statistics to meet targets and expectations but not as beings full of life and potential ready to be uncovered!
3. Multiple Intelligences
Nearly 40 years ago, Dr. H. Gardner proposed the existence of 9 intelligences on the basis that using IQ as the only basis to understand intelligence was too restrictive since each individual is gifted with their own unique qualities and talents.
He therefore suggested the following different intelligences: visual-spatial, linguistic-verbal, interpersonal, intrapersonal, logical-mathematical, musical, naturalistic, bodily-kinaesthetic and existentialist.
If we’ve been talking about these multiple intelligences for decades now, how are we still “teaching” children based on such a reduced learning curriculum and limited personal development approach? Why are we putting all children into the same boxes expecting them all to learn in the same way, one which they’re not all predisposed to.
ADHP-ers seem to be particularly creative and bodily skilled; those may their strongest intelligences leading to talents and purposes to be uncovered.
John Lennon once said “every child is an artist until he’s told he’s not” and that is the power we all have over next generations and evolution itself.
IS THE WORLD MISSING OUT ON AMAZING CREATIVITY AND ITS MANIFESTATION, ON INCREDIBLE HIDDEN TALENTS, ON OUTSTANDING GIFTS TO BE SHARED BECAUSE WE TOLD THEM “NO” WHEN THEY WERE CHILDREN?
III. EVOLVING FOR SURVIVAL “EVOLVES” ONTO EVOLIVING FOR PURPOSE AND HAPPINESS
1. ADHP’s usual nature
The following is based on observations made over 25 years of working and living around ADHP-ers.
There seems to be some common traits they tend to present with and which are preserved if enabled to expressed themselves as who they are gifting the world with their talents.
- Young mind, enthusiastic, willing
- Lay back nature, easy going, “happy go lucky”
- Generous, giving, helpful, caring, loving
- Letting go, care-free, going with the flow, detached
- Can change easily, accepting, improvising and adapting
- Energetic, open minded
- Creative, imaginative
- Naïve, trusting, believers
- Charismatic, attractive personality, sociable, people’s person
- Passionate, devoted, invested, talented
- “scanning” and following their instinct, effortless. feels right and flows
In my experience, the vast majority of children with ADHP have this nature but when referred to MH services, they’ve often been substituting those beautiful traits with fear, worry, anxiety, distress, mistrust, low self-esteem, low confidence, low self-worth….oppositional behaviours, defiance, alcohol abuse, drug misuse.
COULD THERE BE A LINK BETWEEN “EASY FLOWING” NATURE, ALIGMENT AND EVOLUTION?
2. Finding our Talent to find Purpose; finding Purpose to find Happiness
It would seem as if ADHP-ers have that ability to discard what they don’t like in search of what flows easily, what feels right, what seems to suit their character, their talent… and so, one could argue these individuals are more likely to find purpose and so happiness!
When ADHP-ers can follow their instinct and allow their nature to guide them, their talent then stands out and their purpose then follows ”effortlessly”.
There are many ADHP-ers amongst entrepreneurs, actors/actresses, presenters, singers, sportsmen/women. It would almost seem as if ADHP-ers are highly represented amongst these successful groups…
Albert Einstein, one of the greatest minds of all time yet as a child told by his teacher he would never amount to anything, was an ADHP-er himself… does this not tell us something!
His way of learning was unusual; he said: “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world”.
He turned out to be incredible talented and seemed to have found his purpose; he did, indeed, gif the world with it!
Whether he found happiness or not, he would have to say himself, but the way he spoke about LOVE in the letters he wrote to his daughter during the latest stage of his life, would perhaps suggest he was getting quite close if not there!
ARE ADHP TRAITS FAVOURABLE TO SUCCESS IN CERTAIN ARENAS?
3. From Physical Survival to Spiritual Growth; Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra
ADHP-ers seem to have an instinct to follow some spiritual laws as described by Deepak Chopra which lead to Spiritual growth, purpose and happiness.
The one they are masters at is the “Law of Least Effort”, naturally choosing the path of least resistance and effort; they seem comfortable letting things be and just going with the flow.
Nature’s intelligence functions with effortless ease.
They also seem to be able to stay “children” for longer and live the present not worrying much about the future.
Indeed during their neuro-development they tend to be 3 years behind than those of their chronological age and then seem to stay with a “forever young mind”, naïve, excitable, enthusiastic, ready for new adventures, open minded.
COULD THERE BE A LINK BETWEEN ADHP, SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND EVOLUTION?
CONCLUSION:
Change is usually resisted.
Evolution is a process of constant change, very slow but forever ongoing.
It takes many years and several generations to “see” the changes that Evolution brings.
The "majority" tends to resist the minority. Perhaps because of the change this implies; perhaps due to a sense of losing control or feeling “threatened”.
Every Evolutionary change always started with the change in one single being.
One, that later became two, and then a few, and a few more amounting to a minority…
COULD ADHP BE AN EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS?
Perhaps we need to learn from what Albert Einstein once said: “we cannot solve problems with the same thinking that created them.”
Therefore, continuing to deal with ADHD as a Disorder can’t lead to solving the problem society’s thinking created precisely by describing it as a disorder.
Whilst we continue to think of it as a Disorder, we’ll continue to perpetuate it as a problem.
Instead, if we understand it as a Presentation, our perception of it will change and we can then adapt to new ways in society, education, employment to suit everyone and so, enhancing differences, diversity, evolution.
My daughter has a diagnosis of ADHD but do I see her as having a disorder of ADH? Goodness me, NO!
I see her as an ADHP-er, full of talent and potential, incredibly gifted.
Of course she still has much to “grow and evolve”; haven’t we all?
She has to learn about patience and delayed gratification, about the power of silence. She has to learn not to fear, not to worry, not to feel anxious; about her inner strength.
She has lots to learn…
Yet, she is one of my greatest “maestros” and I’ve been learning from her for over 20 years. I’ve been learning from her nature, from her ways, from the amazing being she is with her ADHP and because of her ADHP!
I actually believe her “P” is for Potential and Power!
So, perhaps society as a whole needs to break down those barriers created from assumptions and judgement to adopt a much more humble approach to life becoming the open-minded, accepting, caring, loving beings we’re evolving to be!
If Evolution takes place through Change, perhaps it’s time to change our understanding of ADHP and allow natural Evolution.
Diagnosed of ADHD at 50: a Life Changing experience
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I BELIEVE… Do you know the story of the King who gifted a poor man with an incredible bright shining diamond but the poor man never knew he had it so lived his life in poverty? Well, I BELIEVE we were all gifted a diamond but many don’t know it and live in poverty (of mind). Let’s not waste our lives for not BELIEVING, let’s let go of Fear and start TRUSTING ourselves and the Wisdom in the Universe, let’s do so TODAY. 💙💜🩵 https://www.mindyrlife.com/reflections-i-believeButton -
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Life is a Journey to Learn and Evolve…👌 Anything that irritates us is teaching us Tolerance and Patience…🩵 Any injustice is teaching us Forgiveness and Purpose… 🩷 Anything that we hate is teaching us unconditional Love…❤️ Any mistake we make is teaching us Humbleness…💛 Anything that we fear is teaching us Courage…💙 Anyone who abandons us is teaching us Self-worth…🧡 Anything that we can’t control is teaching us Acceptance and Let go…💚 Any weakness is teaching us Empowerment…🩶 Life is a Journey and is always teaching us within a perfect Universal Balance 🌈 It’s our choice to Learn or not 💟Button -
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I’m amazed with how hard we try to fit in and how unhappy this makes us. As a Child and Adolescent psychiatrist it saddens me how many young people come to my clinic and tell me how they don’t feel they belong. Perhaps that is to be expected in a mental health service… but what if I said that I come across the same feeling even more often when I’m not at work? My children are aged 16 to 21 and it’s their friends from school that I often talk to and realise how much “different” they also feel and how lonely this makes them. At least the ones I meet at work are a step ahead and are getting help, but the majority don’t ask for help and suffer in silence as it’s too embarrassing to acknowledge it. I really feel for the young men that have to keep a front of “macho-men” and can’t show any vulnerability at all. I also feel for the young women who have to Iive competing for appearance, pretending to be who they’re not! How ironic, so many in the same situation, yet all trying to hide it and continue pretending and living fake lives! When will we realise we are perfect just as we are and don’t need to fit in anywhere nor pretend anymore! The world can only be two ways: we’re either all unique so no need to fit in anywhere OR we’re all the same and part of a wholeness so, again, no need to fit in… does any of the different colours and shades of the rainbow try to be like any other colour? On the contrary, it’s their differences that make them perfectly beautiful and unique, and yet, part of a whole gorgeous 🌈 rainbow! ❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜Button -
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Can you imagine how it would feel to fly? Fearless and Free! When a bird opens its wings to fly for the first time, it follows its instinct and trusts the universe. At some point we, humans, stopped doing that, following our instinct and trusting; instead we started fearing, needing more and more control and that’s how we lost our wings and became prisoners of fear. The more we fear, the heavier our chains become dragging us down to the ground. The common denominator to poor mental health is always lack of self belief and so, FEAR. We overcome fear with TRUST… Sometimes I dream I fly… it’s an indescribable experience! Perhaps life would become easier by simply stating to Trust again! 💙Button -
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We sometimes complain about our life and how difficult things are. We seem to believe that our happiness depends on either others changing or society offering better opportunities… Whilst our happiness continues to rely on external factors, we’ll never find it. It’s time to start doing things differently and take the reins of our lives as our happiness is no one’s responsibility but ours! Let today be the day! 💜👍💙Button -
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When we manage to adopt the right perspective on life, the HIGHER one, everything makes sense as we learn to appreciate what’s really important… we can then “see” the greatness in little things and the irrelevance of what appears to be so big! When we get to live through the love in our hearts ♥️ we will have learnt to live by our souls! 💙 And we will have cracked it, HAPPINESS WILL HAPPEN! 😜 Let’s ALL try and daily remind ourselves of this! 🤗👌🥰Button -
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Our biggest limitation, unquestionably, is fear. Fear then leads to worrying, need for control, self-doubt, dissatisfaction, guilt, blame… and unhappiness! We then feel hopeless because “there’s nothing I can do, this is how I am … or this is how the world is.” But, try and imagine there was no fear in you, none at all. Just try for a minute to dare NOT to fear but to trust and love life… this is big, it’s huge! No more fear… what would your limitations be then?! I believe you would be free to Love everything and everyone, to love Life. I believe Happiness would just Happen then! 💜💙💜 What if we have a go! 🤗Button -
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We often miss out on the beauty in front of us because we’re looking behind us… We often miss out on the rainbow because we’re hiding from the rain… We often miss out on the magic of life because we don’t believe in it… Perhaps it’s time to try and let go of the past limiting us to embrace the gift the present is offering us! 💜Button -
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I love people with ADHD, I’m attracted to them, to their charisma, to their wit, to their nature. I know our society can make it very hard on them, expecting them to meet thresholds they never agreed to or were meant to. For some reason, “society” fears to lose control and therefore tries to keep everyone “in boxes” that can be more easily managed. But I choose to believe that, in time, we will all understand this and will learn not only to accept each of us as WE ARE but to EMBRACE such diversity which gifts our world with amazing magic!!Button -
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We spend our lives searching for happiness outside: seeking approval from others and aiming to be liked, working towards status, position, more money, better jobs, bigger houses, faster cars, more expensive holidays… For as long as we continue blind playing this game, we’ll continue to be where we are: searching. Happiness is within us but we need to learn to allow it out; no more searching outside. Let’s just BE, let’s just LOVE and GIVE, as in doing so, HAPPINESS will happen. 💜Button -
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#mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealth #wellbeing #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthwarrior #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthstigma #wellness #wellbeingwarrior #wellbeingwisdom Our beliefs are based on our assumptions; they shouldn’t. We shouldn’t assume, we shouldn’t judge; instead we should live with a humble attitude of learning, with an open mind and an open heart, with care, compassion, acceptance and LOVE. We see this picture and assume this couple must have had a long, happy, loving life but that’s not quite right. They have lived incredibly difficult lives, daily struggling whilst trying to best manage the challenge that came with 2 sons with schizophrenia. Undoubtedly though, LOVE got them through every battle and every day, together for more than 60 years. Thank you mum and dad for your lesson of Love 💜Button -
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We live our life based on our own perspective but there is an infinite number of possible perspectives and each of those is someone’s reality. Which perspective becomes your reality depends on what you choose to believe; that will mold your approach to life… A good start is believing in ourselves! 💜Button -
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Albert Einstein, one of the most brilliant minds to ever have lived, developer of the Theory of Relativity and great contributor to Quantum Physics, once said “there were 2 ways to live, one as if nothing is a miracle and the other as if everything is”… it’s obvious which one he believed in! 💜Button -
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Sometimes we don't need to fear, we don't need to worry, we don't need to despair. Sometimes, we just need to Trust... Trust in the magic of the Universe, Believe in the miracle of Creation, and Learn that IT knows better!Button -
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Dr. Sanz is many things. She is a mother, daughter, sister and friend. But amongst those, she is a psychiatrist and an advocate for the de-stigmatisation of mental health. We each hold so many identities at once. What are some of yours ?Button -
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Choose Love. Always choose love. It is only through love that you can reach Happiness. Here is Dr. Sanz and her two lovely daughters.Button -
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Antonio’s Story: Most of us live in fear, some do it in more obvious ways, but the only way to eradicate fear is through love. And that is precisely the lesson of this conversation. It was only near the very end of his life that my brother really felt loved and valued and fear became less of an issue for him. During his stay on the medical ward at the end of his life, he was never left on his own, his brother and sisters were there supporting him every single minute of the day. Towards the end he was saying that as long as he had the love of his family, he had nothing to fear. And he said that a few times. It was such a beautiful and emotional statement because if you really feel loved and you feel accepted for who you are, then there's nothing to fear, there's absolutely no room for fear. I just love to think about that as how my brother left. Link in bio to read more about Dr. Sanz’s brother, Antonio, who lived with schizophrenia.Button -
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Dr. Sanz was recently a guest on No Need to Explain podcast and we could not be more pleased to share the episode with you! The episode explores everything from Dr. Sanz's personal experience growing up with two brothers with schizophrenia to eradicating mental health stigma more broadly. We know you're going to love this conversation and we can't wait for you to hear it! Link in bio to listen!Button -
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The meaning of life is to give life meaning.Button -
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Today we're pleased to share an expert opinion article that Dr. Sanz wrote for the Kaleidoscope Society. Speaking as both a psychiatrist and a mother of someone with ADHD, Dr. Sanz was pleased to share this informative and inspiring piece. Link in bio to read “9 Tips for Parenting ADHD Daughters”!Button -
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This journal was written and developed by Dr. Luisa Sanz. You'll find space for reflection, introspection, learning, and growth. This is a springboard to becoming a better version of yourself through proving your inner strength and so achieving a deeper self-understanding and a greater sense of purpose. Get yours now - link in bio!Button -
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But first, let’s embrace our own uniqueness. Tell us something unique about yourself that you love! Comment below or send us a DM.Button -
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“Being Mother to my three children has, undoubtedly, been my greatest Blessing ever allowing me to experience daily unmeasurable, unconditional love! But this hasn’t come without challenges as parenting can feel daunting when we don’t know what to do for the best. For many of us, parenting is the most important role we’ll ever play, and how we perform as parents can have huge repercussions. My golden lesson and biggest challenge as their mother (which I often need to remind myself of) is to let them be themselves, accepting them and loving them as they are, without trying to make them do as I’d do “because I’m older and wiser and it’d be best for them”. I’m immensely Grateful to my children as they bring out the very best in me, helping me grow and become a better version of myself; so for that, THANK YOU gorgeous children,” Dr. SanzButton -
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How much you achieve in life depends on how much you believe in yourself. We know it can feel difficult at times, but everything starts and ends with belief.Button -
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The greatest tactic is your mindset. You’ve got to believe in yourself, you’ve got to believe in the fact that you have a right to be happy and to achieve the goals you are setting out to. Along with the journal comes some “rules” to help you set and achieve your goals, but also to help you believe. One of the first rules is love, you must begin with love for yourself. Another rule is honesty. You’ve got to be honest with yourself as to why you are setting a specific goal and what you aim to achieve. Learn more about our guided wellbeing journal and goal setting in general - link in bio!Button -
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Is there a direct link between goals and happiness? Good question! Here’s what Dr. Sanz has to say: People tend to misunderstand what happiness is and assume that feeling happy is being happy, but there’s an essential difference between the two. Feeling happy can be achieved by anything that temporarily brings us joy whereas being happy is a state of being, a long-term way of living; this is much harder to achieve. It is achievable, certainly, but it tends to require a longer journey. That said, goals can be used to provide both the feeling and the state of being happy. Perhaps it makes you feel temporarily happy at first, but if it’s sustained over time, it may lead you to a happier state of being. Head to the link in our bio to read more about the anatomy of achievable, sustainable goals.Button -
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My Journal, MYLife is the first of a series of guided wellbeing and self-improving journals. This one differs from most as it was created to support people in learning about themselves and their inner strength whilst making changes in their lives which indeed are changes in their attitude and so, approach to life, eventually becoming a “Life Changing experience”. With narrative, exercises and reflection prompts by Dr. Luisa Sanz, we know you are going to love this! Get yours now! Link in bio!Button -
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Believe in your dreams and follow them, they know the way.Button -
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Everything has happened just the way it needed to happen for you to get here; you are EXACTLY where you need to be. And where you are, is on a pathway of Growth, changing and evolving. You are on a beautiful Journey of Transformation; go for it!!Button -
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Our goal is to inspire change. Mind Yr Life was created to facilitate conversations and the sharing of information in efforts to improve our lives and those of others. We use knowledge, experience, trust and kindness to dismantle misconception, feelings of powerlessness, stigma, and isolation. Want to be part of the change? Join our private Facebook community to get in on the conversation! Link in bio 💙Button -
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“I’m not a psychiatrist and then Luisa. I’m not a psychiatrist by chance. I am both and both are part of the same and altogether me.” -Dr. Luisa SanzButton -
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Believe in yourself to dig out your talent and gift the world with it.Button -
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We are here for you, always. You are accepted, you are understood, you are loved, and you are so very important. Say it with us!Button -
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“A goal is anything that we aim for or want to change. When we’re setting goals and imagining those changes, one would expect that they will improve our quality of life or be beneficial somehow. So, most goals are positive in nature, either in the short term, long term, or both. Sometimes reaching one’s goals seems very difficult, and in the short term it can appear to make life harder or more of a struggle, but in the longer term, they provide a real benefit.” -Dr. Luisa SanzButton -
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Don’t forget to enter our contest to win your own daily well being journal by Dr. Luisa Sanz. See our “Contest” highlight for details!Button -
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We want to hear from you! Either in the comments or via DM, describe your “happy place.” Where is it? What does it feel like? Why does it make you happy? Let’s spread joy!Button -
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“Happiness is achievable for all of us, but some of us are born with a more positive outlook which makes our journey much easier; whereas some others have a more negative predisposition and so need to make a greater effort in achieving little goals to ultimately achieve the greatest goal of happiness.” - Dr. Luisa Sanz. To learn more about the relationship between goals and happiness, link in bio!Button -
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Mind Yr Life was created to facilitate conversations and the sharing of information in efforts to improve our lives and those of others. We use information, knowledge, experience, trust and kindness to dismantle misconception, feelings of powerlessness, stigma, and isolation. Through Life, we’ve all had experiences with mental health problems either directly ourselves or indirectly through a family member or a friend. We’re all vulnerable to suffering from a mental disorder at some point through our lives either because we’re genetically predisposed or in response to a life change or crisis. We all need to drop guards and barriers so that through raw, open and honest discussions about mental health, we can normalize all experiences taking a proactive approach to increasing the health and happiness of our community. When we understand, accept, and celebrate ourselves, we offer others the opportunity to do the same. This ongoing conversation is aimed at raising awareness and learning together that each of our own mental health troubles, whilst being unique, have many common aspects to those of many others. And by sharing these, we support each other and become empowered to be the best version of ourselves. Our arms and hearts are open to accept and celebrate you exactly as you are, today and every day. Let’s work together to inspire personal growth and transformation to become the best that we can as we aim towards health and happiness.Button -
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Our well being journal includes 10 weeks of daily pages as well as weekly planning and review pages and a whole lot more. This journal is a practical tool to materialize changes for ANYONE who wants to improve the quality of their lives and become happier. If you're ready to commit to yourself and elevate your day to day life, get yours now! Be sure to enter our contest for a chance to win your own!Button -
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This platform is a living, decentralized hub for the giving and receiving of support while we navigate the multi-faceted world of mental health together. We’re here to motivate and inspire transformation whilst learning through the sharing of information and love with everyone and anyone who’d like to join the conversation. It all starts and ends with love.Button -
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*CONTEST ALERT* We are giving away one “daily well being journal” and we want you to have the chance to win! Here’s how you enter: -Follow us on Instagram -Tag your friends in the comments (one entry per tag) -Extra entries for anyone who shares this post on their story and tags Mind Yr Life. We can’t wait to get this special tool in your hands! Good luck and much love. Winner will be announced on May 4th.Button -
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A day in New York featuring our daily wellbeing journal. If you’d like to get your own, hit the link in our bio!Button -
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We want to hear what you’re manifesting right now! What is something you want to become a reality in your life? What are you reaching for? While great things take time, the journey can be so very beautiful.Button -
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In one of the conversations with my brother right before he died, he said “Luisa, I can’t die just yet, I’ve got so much to do still.” And I remember saying to him, “Antonio, you don’t know how much you’ve already achieved. I think you came for a purpose, and you’ve mastered it.” He mastered his life purpose but I believe Antonio’s long term mission has only just started. Mind Yr Life is Antonio’s legacy; Antonio, we’ve got a big job to do! Link in bio for the full story!Button -
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Some things might feel impossible, but that’s simply not the case when you’ve got a community of support around you. Mind Yr Life is your community, here you are welcomed and loved. You are so capable and so inspiring, and while you may forget that from time to time, we sure won’t!Button -
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BIG NEWS! Today We are so pleased to introduce “My Journal, MYLife” your guided well being journal. It will support you in achieving the changes you set off to make in your life whilst, effortlessly, you’ll also be changing your outlook towards a more positive one which will ultimately lead you to a more fulfilling, happier life. This journal was written and developed by Dr. Luisa Sanz. You'll find space for reflection, introspection, learning, and growth. This is a springboard to becoming a better version of yourself through proving your inner strength and so achieving a deeper self-understanding and a greater sense of purpose. You can officially get yours NOW! Link in bio.Button -
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“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” —Audrey HepburnButton -
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We are here for you. All that we do at Mind Yr Life is with you in mind and we have something exciting launching soon. Keep your eyes open. You’re going to love this!Button -
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At Mind Yr Life, we believe that struggles and strengths exist together. Everyone has their struggles, some more than others, but with struggles come strengths and those deserve just as much attention. Today we challenge you to focus on your strengths, write them down, and give yourself some credit. You deserve it!Button -
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We have something special launching next week! Any guesses?Button -
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We have big news coming next week and we can’t wait to share it with you! Take a peek at the background for a hint.Button -
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Dr. Luisa Sanz, founder of Mind Yr Life, grew up as the sixth of eight children in a low-income family living in a three-bedroom home. Her two brothers were both diagnosed with schizophrenia. Most of her early childhood and adolescence were draped in fear and violence. Decades later, Luisa’s eldest brother, Antonio has recently passed away after an unfortunate succession of medical complications including covid which ended his life whist putting up a fair fight to lung cancer. Antonio’s story has influenced so much of Luisa’s work and, in turn, given her clarity and vision in her life’s purpose. While she and her family struggled gravely, often at hands of Antonio, his struggles were immense and all-encompassing, as well. He was judged, rejected by his peers and by the professionals who were supposed to support him, and made to think of himself as worthless. While Luisa and her family lived in fear, he did too. As it turned out, many of their demons were one and the same. Read the full story now - Link in bio!Button -
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One of the key pillars of Mind Yr Life is our interviews. The interviews work to normalize various mental health journeys and struggles, to break down stigma and show everyone that they are never alone. These interviews collect the voices of people who have generously and courageously shared their experiences with mental health difficulties or their experiences caring for or loving someone who is facing difficulties. If you’re looking to gain a little bit of perspective, find inspiration, or look at mental health through a new lens, click the link in our bio to read our latest interviews!Button -
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“People who are hurting don't need Avoiders, Protectors, or Fixers. What we need are patient, loving witnesses. People to sit quietly and hold space for us. People to stand in helpful vigil to our pain.” ― Glennon Doyle MeltonButton -
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You didn’t come this far to only come this far. Look at how far you’ve come? We encourage you to look through a lens of abundance. Look at how much love and happiness exists in the world, how much possibility, and how much light. Now, what is holding you back from reaching out and grabbing some of that abundance for yourself?Button -
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I’m so pleased to finally share this story with you. Link in bio!Button -
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An excerpt from our latest interview with Dr. Luisa Sanz. Link in bio for the full interview!Button -
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“I’m so incredibly grateful to my brother, talking about forgiving him is so irrelevant now because he's so forgiven! In fact, there's nothing to forgive. There's only gratitude for him. I'm so grateful that he helped me learn such amazing important lessons in life, he helped me evolve. He made me understand and learn lessons that are so important about caring and accepting; accepting is the one word that is so important for me, accepting without judgment. If it hadn't been for him, I wouldn’t have learned those lessons and I would not be able to do what I'm doing. In one of the conversations with my brother right before he died, he said “Luisa, I can’t die just yet, I’ve got so much to do still.” And I remember saying to him, “Antonio, you don’t know how much you’ve already achieved. I think you came for a purpose, and you’ve mastered it.” He mastered his life purpose but I believe Antonio’s long term mission has only just started. Mind Yr Life is Antonio’s legacy; Antonio, we’ve got a big job to do!” Dr. Luisa speaks about her life and her journey living with a brother who suffered from schizophrenia. For the full story, click the link in our bio!Button -
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So much of human suffering is rooted in fear. Fear of judgment, fear of isolation, and fear of not being loved. Love is truly the only remedy and that includes having love for oneself. Be soft and kind with yourself, give yourself space to breathe and grow, love yourself so loud and proud that you teach others how to love you, too.Button -
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📣BIG NEWS📣 Our latest interview is up on the blog and this one is extremely important and close to our hearts. For this story, we interviewed our founder, Dr. Luisa Sanz about her brother, Antonio. Antonio passed away recently after living with schizophrenia since the age of 17. Dr. Sanz speaks about the impact of Antonio’s illness on her family and also sheds light on the harsh impact that societal stigma had on Antonio. This is a story of hardship, fear, and immense struggle. But more than that, it is a story of unconditional love, compassion, and hope. This interview illustrates the very foundation of Mind Yr Life and we are so pleased to share it with all of you. You are invited to read the interview or watch the video. Link in bio!Button -
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Today we want to encourage you to acknowledge and celebrate where you are at, how far you’ve come, and all of the possibilities unfolding around you. It’s okay to feel lost, it’s okay to feel stuck, but you deserve celebration and recognition for where you stand right now. You’re not lost, you’re here, and we’re so glad to have you.Button -
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To struggle with your mental health is burdensome on its own, but ways in which the rest of society position themselves around your struggles have the power to either add to or ease that burden. Our aim is to change the conversation surrounding mental health and, in turn, replace judgment for compassion and isolation for community.Button -
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Dr. Luisa Sanz’s brother, Antonio, lived with schizophrenia since the age of 17. He passed away recently, but not before sharing a message to society on behalf of people struggling with mental illness. He has a message for society: “one day, you’ll understand too but, in the meantime, just try being that little bit more caring and that little bit less judging.” To read more about Antonio’s life and his journey with schizophrenia, join our mailing list. Link in bio!Button -
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Happy International Women’s Day to women everywhere. Here’s to you, your strength, your softness. With so much love and gratitude, you deserve to be celebrated.Button -
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Let’s uplift one another through kindness, compassion, love, and respect. Let’s also protect ourselves from those who bring us down. Life is a Gift; it’s time we live it as such.Button -
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A message from my brother Antonio who lived with schizophrenia. ❤️Button -
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Our platform is a hub for anyone wishing to offer or in need of support, to those navigating the multi-faceted world of mental health. If you'd like to join the community, we encourage you to join our private Facebook group, follow along on social media, and keep up with our content so you can add your voice to the conversation, too. Link in bio!Button -
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A message for anyone who’s struggling with their mental health. ❤️Button -
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Do you have any questions for Dr.Luisa Sanz about her background, about Mind Yr Life, or about the right approach to mental health? We’d love to hear from you. Send us a DM!Button -
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Yes or no? What happens if you don’t? How does this affect your life? How does it affect those you love? Can you give the best of yourself when you’re not at your best? Comment below!Button -
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Today we challenge you to take a step back and try to look at your life as an observer, from a much wider perspective. It won’t be easy but try and find as many different viewpoints as possible… Which are right and which are wrong? Perhaps they’re all right… only the perspective changes. What does that tell you about how you experience the things that happen in your life? Would it be worth trying to experience them differently? Would this make life easier, happier?Button -
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Mind Yr Life is a platform that seeks to build community, make connections, and start conversations that promote the destigmatization of mental health struggles and make everyone feel seen, heard, and supported. Mind Yr Life was founded by Dr. Luisa Sanz, Consultant Psychiatrist, and she has built this space with you in mind. Whether you’re struggling with your mental health or you’re supporting someone who is, this is your community.Button -
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We can’t wait to share this with you. Join our mailing list for the full interview. Link in bio!Button -
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If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies. Change is Challenging and so it tends to be resisted; today we invite you to Embrace Change as it is through change that we Grow and Evolve. It is Change that leads to the Achievement of the Greatest things in life. Don’t be afraid of Change… Dare it!Button -
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Dr. Luisa Sanz grew up with two brothers who suffered from schizophrenia. Her childhood and adolescence were filled with violence and fear, but it also inspired her to pursue her career as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. Now, Dr. Sanz is sharing the story of her eldest brother, Antonio, who has recently passed away. Full story coming soon, join her mailing list to hear it first - link in bio!Button -
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Dr. Luisa Sanz started Mind Yr Life for the purpose of eradicating stigma surrounding mental health and advocating for people with mental health struggles. We’d like to take the opportunity to thank you all for being here and for following along on this journey. We have big things coming and we want you to be the first to know, join our mailing list for details. Link in bio!Button -
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Sharing my brother’s story. Join the mailing list for the full interview when it drops. Link in bio!Button -
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You are deserving of self-love and self-care. If you’re looking for community or in need of support, we invite you to join the Mind Yr Life Community, a private Facebook group created with you in mind. Link in bio!Button -
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I started Mind Yr Life for many reasons, but a significant one of those reasons is my brother, Antonio, who passed away a couple of weeks ago; such has been a challenging experience for myself and my family, as I’m certain many of you will relate to. He lived with schizophrenia for most of his life, beginning in his adolescence. His illness and its consequences brought great hardship and struggle to his life and to all of us in the family, but it also offered endless lessons, growth opportunities, and new perspectives. I believe that Antonio's purpose was both to help others with mental health struggles by spreading awareness and eradicating stigma as well as to inspire compassion in all. With that in mind, and inviting you to open your hearts, I am pleased to share Antonio's story: one filled with incredibly difficult battles but where each and everyone of those led to incredibly rewarding lessons. Here is a little preview, follow along for the full story coming soon!Button -
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All of life’s greatest gifts are completely free of charge. We challenge you to offer someone a smile today and see what happens… you’ll learn that not only does it make that person’s day nicer but it also makes you feel better! Just a smile, that easy!Button -
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Mind Yr Life was created with You in Mind. This is your invitation to let go of any judgement you place upon yourself or others and simply accept without assuming but with an open, loving heart, to celebrate where you are today and where you want to go, and to step out of your own way onto the path journey to acceptance, purpose and happiness. Mind Yr Life is the beginning of an incredible journey of World Transformation and we love that you’re part of it from the beginning… so glad you’re here with us now!Button -
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Dr. Luisa Sanz invites you to join the conversation that is transforming our lives, join the movement that is leading towards healthier and happier lives by improving your wellbeing and the one of those around you. This is where we ALL come together, in the sharing of learning, experiences and kindness as well as in, firstly, admitting that we are all in the spectrum of mental health whether some acknowledge it or not, and so we need to become more accepting and loving of ourselves and others; and secondly, that we are also all in this world searching for the same… meaning, purpose, happiness which is much easier to find than most of us think, yet we won’t do if we don’t get the first bit right. Join our mailing list now to be the first to hear about a big upcoming announcement. Trust us, you’re going to like this. Link in bio!Button -
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We know it’s hard. Keep going. Remind yourself of what makes the effort worth it and continue to move forwards, even if slowly.Button -
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Let’s talk about mobilization. With the new year upon us, many of us have set goals and intentions for the year ahead. Goal setting is a powerful practice, but following through can be difficult. It’s time to act! Comment one thing, big or small, that you are going to do this week to show yourself some love.Button -
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Raise your hand if you’re ready to prioritize yourself this year!Button -
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Let’s grow together. Our platform is a hub for anyone wishing to offer or in need of support, to those navigating the multi-faceted world of mental health. If you'd like to join the community, we encourage you to join our private Facebook group, follow along via our newsletter, and keep up with our content so you can add your voice to the conversation, too. Link in bio to join in!Button -
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We believe that one of the most transformative experiences in one's life, particularly when it comes to mental health, is listening. Here we are sharing stories, information, and conversation topics to build community, offer perspective, and remind you that you are not alone. If you’d like to listen to the stories of those who have had intimate experiences with mental health struggles, visit our blog. Link in bio.Button -
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Through Life, we’ve all had experiences with mental health problems either directly ourselves or indirectly through a family member or a friend. We’re all vulnerable to suffering from a mental disorder at some point through our lives either because we’re genetically predisposed or in response to a life change or crisis. We all need to drop guards and barriers so that through raw, open and honest discussions about mental health, we can normalize all experiences by taking a proactive approach to increasing the health and happiness of our community.Button -
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BIG NEWS! We’ve just launched the Mind Yr Life Community - This private Facebook group is a place where we can all share experiences, perspectives, struggles, triumphs, inspiration, information, and so much more. Here we will support one another, listen, and nurture this safe space so everyone can be their most authentic selves. Dr. Sanz will be sharing conversation prompts, anecdotes, teachings, and more and we invite you to do the same. - Link in bio to join!Button -
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The "Yr" represents "Your" but it also represents "Your Responsibility." After all, your purpose and your happiness are ultimately your responsibility. This platform exists to give you the tools and perspectives to take that responsibility and build the beautiful, fulfilling life that you deserve. Visit our website to learn more about what we do and get involved.Button -
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“The first hurdle anyone with mental health problems needs to overcome is themselves, their own lack of self-belief and negative assumptions. This is, indeed, the hardest hurdle to conquer,” said Dr. Luisa Sanz.Button -
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Our arms and hearts are open to accept and celebrate you exactly as you are, today and every day. Let’s work together to inspire personal growth and transformation to become the best that we can as we aim towards health and happiness. Stay tuned for our private Facebook group where you can join the discussion!Button -
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“Dr. Sanz is something else. A psychiatrist in a league of her own.” - Josephine, Patient's motherButton -
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To Mind something is to regard it as important, to care for it and look after it. We approach mental health holistically, placing equal importance on the mind, body, and soul. Through our wider approach, we recognize that the mind, body, and soul are profoundly linked together forming a unit. When we neglect one of these three parts, the whole unit loses balance and doesn’t perform optimally. Imbalances can lead to emotional distress and mental health concerns, physical health problems or a sense of emptiness and overall unhappiness. The three pillars of health and happiness work together beautifully and delicately. When approaching mental health, whether it be our own or someone else’s, it’s important to understand each pillar and regard it with respect and care. The first step in Minding Yr Life is acknowledging and accepting where you are at right now – mind, body, and soul. And whilst it’s essential not to forget that these are both 3 parts and yet 1 unit, the Mind is particularly relevant in Mind Yr Life as we focus on Mental Health and aim to improve our knowledge and understanding in order to eradicate stigma.Button -
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Be authentically “you” and everything else will unfold with ease.Button -
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The future is unfolding with every passing second. It’s time to look forward. If you want to invite happiness and healing into your 2022, the work starts now and while it may be difficult, the outcome will be amazing. Welcome the Challenge and Join our mailing list for tools, tips, and valuable information to support you on your path to happiness and purpose. Link in bio!Button -
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This is where the real work lies. Loving and accepting oneself is the biggest and most important part of the journey.Button -
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We want to get to know you! What do you want to invite more of in your life in 2022? Comment below.Button -
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We are working on a ton of captivating new interviews, launches, and content especially for anyone that craves a change or wants to make a difference. If you want exclusive content and first access to everything we do, join our mailing list. Together we can eradicate Stigma on Mental Health, and that’s such a worthy goal! Link in bio!Button
