“I am a great believer that we all have mental health issues but no one needs fixing - we just need to sometimes take a look at our life experiences.”  

These are the words of wellbeing coach Suzi Gibbs-Chalmers, from Brampton, who is supporting The Hunts Post's We Need To Talk focus on mental health. 
Suzi, who runs Topaz Health Training, is set to launch a new coaching room in Huntingdon once restrictions ease. 

She has more than 20 years’ experience in health and fitness; having worked alongside Huntingdonshire District Council and the NHS. 

“I really got interested in how emotions and feelings lead behaviours and have an impact on mental health,” she explained. 
“You can have had a fantastic upbringing but inherited a value that could be holding you back from moving forwards in life. 

“I am a great believer that we all have mental health issues but no one needs fixing; we just need to sometimes take a look at our life experiences.” 

Suzi, who has tutored for leading fitness industry trainers, offers tailored sessions to her clients who may be struggling with their mental health. 

Her calming approach lets people explore the best ways to cope if they are finding certain situations difficult, but also the importance of improving their physical health too. 
“There is so much research on how physical symptoms we experience can be caused by mental health,” Suzi said. 

“For example, if we’re experiencing a lack of sleep then the body cannot heal or recover the way it should. 

“If you sit in silence and breathe deeply it’s amazing how that can be really calming, so then when you have a challenge to face that can really improve how you handle it. 

“I think that people are aware that they need to get regular exercise and take time to rest but they just find it difficult to actually do certain things as something may be holding them back. 

“They know that they need to change but they are just struggling with it.” 

Topaz Health provides a safe space to help people overcome challenges and limiting beliefs to achieve their full potential. 

Suzi also volunteers for the CALM Town initiatives in St Ives helping to reduce depression and loneliness within the community. 

While Suzi hasn’t been able to officially open the Topaz Health office in Huntingdon yet, she has still been able to support people struggling in lockdown and even set up a help group for women during menopause. 

Suzi has continued has also continued to provide her clinical case work for the NHS and pick up shifts for the ambulance service. 
“Everyone is managing the best that they can right now,” she said. 
“But it can be hard when you have no control over the situation. All age groups have been impacted in different ways.

Artile by Clare Butler - The Hunts Post
Published: 9:00 AM February 16, 2021  

Beat those “Frosty February Feelings”  - 5 Top Tips for Better Mental Health and Wellbeing:

Life has been different for many of us over the last year and the recent New Year lockdown may have left you feeling fed-up, unmotivated, unhappy, or worried. I know staying optimistic and hopeful has been a challenge for many of us. Here are some of my top tips for lifting your mood this February.

1. Make a Happy List
Write down all the things that make you happy. These could be a hot bubble bath, reading a book, colouring, talking to a friend, etc. Whatever makes you happy and do at least one thing on your list daily. Be kind to you, for if we take care of ourselves then we are better able to care for others.

2. Breath Deeply
When you feel things are getting a bit stressful take a moment to pause and breath deeply. Belly breathing where you take a deep breath in and let your belly expand and then breath out slowly helps to increase your parasympathetic nervous system which in turn helps to calm the mind and body.

3. Move More
It is ok if you are not a fan of formal exercise, all you need to do to improve your health and feel-good is to move more and sit less. Choose something that is easy for you, maybe a walk, chair exercise or spring clean the house. Start with 10 mins once a day and increase as you feel able. For some safe and easy workouts visit the 10-minute workouts - NHS (www.nhs.uk).

4. Think Differently
Thoughts are just thoughts and yet over thinking and worrying can cause feelings of sadness and behaviours such as anxiety. We are unable to stop thoughts popping up whenever they feel like it! However, we can choose just to note the thought and let it go. What we worry about hardly ever happens and other things we have not even considered do. Focus on the now and be present in the activity you are doing to help reduce overthinking.

5. Caring and Connecting
Helping and supporting others can help us to feel more positive. Reaching out, connecting, and talking to friends, family or professionals to share thoughts, gain insights and find help. By sharing we also realise that other people are experiencing similar problems and feelings and we are not alone.

Wishing you a happier, healthier February,

Source: SPARK Magazine P28, February 2021 edition.