What you will find?
Here, at My Monkey Mind, you will find blog posts about anxiety, confidence, mindset, CBT techniques and reframing unhelpful thoughts. I'll also be sharing the lessons and personal reflections that I have learnt through my own experience. Everything that I share is based on a combination of personal experiences, evidence-based psychological principles, and the insights that I have gained from books, courses, therapy and years of self reflection.
You will find practical psychology teachings and tools that you can use in everyday life when things can feel a little bit harder. Whether it's stress, anxiety, low self confidence, esteem or belief, or maybe just a 'meh' day... My Monkey Mind is for you!
Please note: I'm not a mental health professional, and the content on this blog is based on my personal experiences and research. It isn't intended to replace professional medical or psychological advice. If you're struggling with your mental health, please speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
Let me introduce myself...
I'm Acacia, live in South Wales, and the face behind My Monkey Mind. I have a huge passion for Mental Health and fascination to how the mind works. I have completed Level 2 and 3 Counselling course, and graduated in BSc Psychology. Along with being a Mental Health First Aider at Work and a Mentor Volunteer for a local Charity supporting Young People.
When I'm not studying, my mind is lost in something creative whether that's baking, crocheting or a bit of designing. I'm a bookworm at heart, a sucker for a chic flick, or a good romcom.
Being by the sea is my happy place, it has a special place in my heart. There's something about the sea that makes me feel grounded and calms my mind when everything just feels loud and busy. So when I'm not being creative, just head to the sea and you'll probably find me there.
Why I started My Monkey Mind?
It all started in my twenties, when I hit rock bottom with struggling with anxiety and panic attacks that affected many areas of my life. Like many people, I seeked support from wherever I could. I have attended counselling, hypnotherapy and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) group sessions. I've read so many books on anxiety, confidence, and mindset (would you expect anything else from a bookworm?), attended workshops with The Speakmans (highly recommend), and completed the DARE Programme for panic attacks. Along my journey, I also took anti-depressants (sertraline and propranolol) as part of my support to get me through the toughest days. After years of educating myself, understanding my mind, and practising and implementing different techniques and tools to changing the way I respond to anxious thoughts, I no longer take the medication.
My Monkey Mind isn't about pretending that anxiety can be "fixed" overnight or offering miracle solutions. It's about sharing practical Psychology that you can apply in everyday life. I created My Monkey Mind as an outlet for my journey and to support others who want to understand anxiety, build on their confidence and live a happier, healthier lifestyle.
My aim is to share Psychology teachings and ideas into simple, practical tools that anyone can understand and use in their everyday life.
If there's one thing I've learnt, it's that no journey is the same and a journey is not linear, it's a rollercoaster ride. You'll hear me say, just ride the wave because eventually those moments and thoughts shall pass. You'll learn to understand that thoughts are not facts and the small shifts in your cognitive function are the key to how we behaviour and respond.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety yourself, trying to build confidence, or simply interested in understanding your mind a little better, I hope you'll find something here that helps.