Psychiatric Disorders

Welcome to our February's Book Club event and our first one of the year! The book for this month is Sociopath by Patric Gagne. *A fascinating, revelatory memoir revealing the author’s struggle to come to terms with her own sociopathy and shed light on the often maligned and misunderstood mental disorder.* [Good Reads link](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176443093-sociopath?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=XyGw34WhmR&rank=5)

**Ursula Blythe - The Philosophy of Grief: Love, loss, and the so-called human condition** ATTEND IN PERSON OR ON ZOOM Can Philosophy Inform Grief? Death is part of the human condition, yet we tend to avoid the subject in everyday conversations and philosophical discourse. Engaging with Grief reminds people of their own inevitable losses and demise during their life-cycle. However, death remains a curious mystery where our sense of loss and confusion is somehow out of our control. This phenomena generates the concept and real-life experience of Grief itself. As a starting point, it is important to understand or appreciate: Why we avoid the topic of Grief, particularly across Western cultures? Indeed, there are many social, psychological, and philosophical reasons for avoiding the discussion of Grief. As a prelude to my talk, I have signposted some significant examples of why we may avert discussions of Grief, as follows: Emotional Discomfort: Grief is an intensely painful and overwhelming emotion. Discussing it openly can make both the grieving person and others feel uncomfortable, as it forces an acknowledgment of vulnerability and mortality. Fear of Saying the Wrong Thing: Many folks are unsure of what to say or how to support someone who is grieving. They fear causing further pain or appearing insensitive which often leads them to avoid the elephant in the room! Social Norms and Stigma: Western culture often emphasises resilience and “moving on” quickly. So, open displays of intense emotions, especially prolonged sadness can be seen as a sign of weakness or an inability to cope, leading to avoidance of the subject. Lack of Personal Experience: If an individual has not experienced a significant loss themselves, they may struggle to empathise or appreciate the depth of another’s pain. Pace of Modern Life: Everyday life moves quickly, and there is often little time or space for the extended period of mourning that Grief requires. People may feel pressure to maintain normalcy and avoid “bringing down the mood” in social interactions. In Philosophical Terms: Traditional philosophy, particularly from the Stoics onward, has often focused on how to overcome or control emotions like ‘Grief’ through reason, rather than exploring its inherent value or meaning. The goal was often ataraxia (a state of freedom from emotional disturbance) which positions Grief as something to be managed, rather than discussed openly. Solomon (2007) states that the avoidance of Grief stems from a human disposition to: Shield ourselves and others from intense pain and the profound existential challenges that Grief presents. On reflection, normative definitions explain Loss as the event of losing something or someone. However, death remains a curious mystery here a sense of loss and bewilderment is out of our control known as the ‘process’ or ‘stages’ of Grief, which I will strongly argue against. For me, Grief is nether inherently rational or irrational, as it a natural emotional, mental, and physical response to the loss of a loved one. However, everyone’s experience of Grief is different, both culturally and individually. When endeavouring to “draw out meaning” from Grief. Perhaps it is very subjective in the early stages, and more objective in the later stages, which may generate a new understanding of Grief as a philosophical concept. In this talk, I will be drawing on the work of C.S. Lewis (1963), Robert C. Solomon (2007) and Michael Cholbi (2022), in order to assess if philosophy can actually inform our understanding and meaning of Grief. **Ursula Mary Blythe** is a public philosopher, essayist, researcher, and someone who has experienced profound loss and grief in recent years. This event is sponsored by the Royal institute of Philosophy. Lecture and discussion! See you there? For the full programme of events pls see [pfalondon.org](http://pfalondon.org)

Every Monday since 2009 between 15 - 40 men have come into this oasis of calm in the heart of London to meditate, relax and make new friends. * We're a diverse and constantly evolving group with a broad age range and many nationalities. * There's a great balance between long-time regulars and new faces. * No prior meditation experience is necessary as full instructions are provided. * Experienced meditators are also welcome if you are looking for a group to meditate with. * We sit on chairs but if you prefer to sit on the floor there are mats and cushions available. **What You’ll Learn** * **Breathwork** for stress reduction * **Gratitude practices** to enhance your enjoyment of life * **Mindfulness tools** for focus and clarity * **Meditations** that boost emotional intelligence * **Self-care practices** to cultivate kindness in areas where you struggle * **Compassion techniques** for processing difficult emotions * **Resilience-building** to overcome challenges and adapt to change * **Social skills development** through interaction with fellow participants **Meeting Details** * **When:** Every Monday (the event proceeds regardless of RSVPs) * **Where:** 52 Saint Martins Lane, London, WC2N 4EA (near Leicester Square or Charing Cross Tube Station) * **Time:** Doors open at 6:45 PM; meditation starts at 7 PM and concludes at 9 PM. [CLICK HERE TO BOOK](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) \- or buy on the door **About the evening** The evening is a combination of meditation, inner exploration and relaxation done in connection with others. * We start with a grounding practice and some movement to release tension from your body, followed by a guided meditation to calm your mind. * Mid evening there's a 20 minute refreshment break, giving time to chat with others at the class. * The second half explores a different theme each week which leads into a second guided meditation. * The room is heated and warm. [CLICK HERE TO BOOK](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) \- or buy on the door **About the Teacher** The sessions are led by Nick, who has over 30 years of meditation experience and lived for 7 years as a Buddhist monk. Central to this monastic training was the principle that our freedom lies in our ability to choose our response to life rather than react to external situations. **Fees** * **First-Time Attendees:** £10 (for newcomers or those returning after a year) * **Standard Rate:** £16 per session (book online or pay at the door) * **[Silver Membership](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds/memberships):** £55 for 4 sessions within 3 months (average cost: £13.75/session) * **[Gold Membership](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds/memberships):** £95 for 8 sessions within 3 months (average cost: £11.87/session) Additional sessions within the 3-month period are also discounted. Memberships are auto-renewed unless canceled. **Concessions for students, retired on a low pension, low income, Universal Credit, refugees and disability support** Concession rates are available for those needing financial support and are available at the door only. If you think you might qualify, just speak to us when you arrive. [CLICK HERE TO BOOK](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) \- or buy on the door **Member Testimonials:** *"The connection I found at the London Gay, Bi, Trans Men's Mindfulness Meditation Group has been truly transformative. Not only have I learned valuable skills for managing stress, but I’ve also formed meaningful friendships that support my overall well-being. I highly recommend this group to anyone looking for a welcoming and inclusive space."* — **A** *"Meditation has freed me from negative thoughts through increased self-awareness. Nick is an inspiring teacher who has helped me find happiness within myself."* — **Daniele** *"These thoughtful sessions have been invaluable in helping me focus and unwind. Nick has created a friendly space to sort one’s thoughts."* — **Neil** [CLICK HERE TO BOOK](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds) \- or buy on the door

ATTEND IN PERSON OR ONLINE This event is sponsored by the Royal institute of Philosophy. Lecture and discussion! See you there? For the full programme of events pls see pfalondon.org

*this event is advertised elsewhere so there will be more people coming than stated* **✨ Welcome to Conundrum Corner at The Union Jack pub, Southwark! ✨** Step inside and join a gathering *of* open minds and kind hearts. Whether you bring a conundrum of your own that you are experiencing or simply your listening ear, you’ll find a welcoming space to share, reflect, and explore life’s tricky questions together. 🌿 **What to expect:** * You’re invited to share a conundrum, dilemma or question that you yourself are experiencing. * We’ll vote on three intriguing ones to explore more deeply. * With a few extra details in hand, we’ll break into small groups for thoughtful discussion. * Then, we’ll come together as one big group to share insights, perspectives, and perhaps even some fresh solutions. The atmosphere is **analytical yet empathetic, thoughtful yet light-hearted**, and always non-judgmental. Whether your conundrum is personal, professional, or just a head-scratcher, we’re here to help unravel it together. 💸 There’s no set fee to attend, but we do ask for donations on the night to cover costs - which are warmly appreciated! 🍷 Please also support our lovely hosts, Jade and co., by buying yourself a drink at the bar (and food’s available if you fancy a bite). 💡 **What’s a conundrum, you ask?** A conundrum is any dilemma, crossroads, or confusion in your life—big or small. It could be a **"chicken and egg"** situation, a **"catch-22"**, or a **"have your cake and eat it"** kind of puzzle. Sometimes, life just throws us complex, messy questions—and that’s what we’re here to navigate together. Once our deep discussions wind down, we’ll slip into **pub mode**—a chance to relax, connect, and continue chatting with newfound friends. **🛡️ Code of Conduct - *please note*** Conundrum Corner is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all attendees. Any abuse, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour towards other attendees, whether during the event or in any contact related to the event afterwards, will result in permanent removal from the Meetup group and exclusion from future events. Come along for an evening of intriguing conversations, fresh perspectives, and a touch of serendipity. Looking forward to seeing you there! Helena x

Join us for an interactive workshop in the heart of London where we will dive deep into the topic of anxiety and self-empowerment. This event is perfect for those looking to improve their mental health and build confidence in social situations. Through a series of exercises and discussions, we will explore techniques for managing stress and overcoming personal obstacles. Our experienced life coaches will be on hand to provide guidance and support as we embark on a journey towards a more confident and empowered self. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and take the first step towards a life transformation.

Welcome to Gaslighting Recognition & Recovery Group. **This is a peer-to-peer support group dedicated to recovery from emotional abuse.** **\*\*FOR ESTABLISHED MEMBERS \*\*** Imagine this scenario: Suppose your partner, parent or friend made a little joke at your expense, and it hurt your feelings. Perhaps you thought to yourself “I’ll let it slide because they probably didn’t mean it. Or maybe I just misunderstood. It’s just not worth the consequence of having this argument.” But as days and weeks pass, the buried emotions resurface, demanding to be dealt with. So you decide to express your feelings to this person, only to hear this response: *"Wow, you're so sensitive that I can't even joke with you anymore. I didn't mean it like that, but of course you need to make me look like a jerk. Why are you bringing this up NOW? I've moved on, but I guess you just can't let go of the past. I don't understand why you get offended so easily. You said you loved my sense of humor, but I guess my jokes just aren’t funny anymore. I mean, I could sensor myself for you, but how sad it is to be silenced and forbidden from being myself? You must not love me for who I am. You have sloppy habits and mental health issues, but I love you anyway. So why can't you just accept me for who I am? Maybe I should just go away. If you want me to go away, just tell me, and I will. Free yourself and finally be rid of me.”* This is a DARVO, and it's also gaslighting. It is word salad nonsense designed to leave you feeling confused, tongue tied and self-blaming. Although subtle and difficult to detect, gaslighting can present this way. Perpetrators are skilled in evading detection, and nearly impossible to identify without external support. Gaslighting isn’t “just a pop psychology term.” It’s a very real form of emotional manipulation that often flies under the radar because we’ve been conditioned to see it as normal. This is especially true if we grew up amidst toxic family dynamics. We’ve learned to doubt ourselves before questioning someone else’s behavior. We say, *“Maybe I’m just too sensitive.”* Or *“Maybe I’m overreacting.”* And that’s exactly how gaslighting works — it teaches us to question our intuition, doubt our own emotions, silence and shrink ourselves, making us more digestible for the other person. But no — you are not “too sensitive.” You are not “being defensive" or "unable to handle constructive criticism.” You are having a normal human response to emotional abuse. Gaslighting thrives in the disguise of normalcy, often framed as “care and concern” or “just trying to help”. And the first step in dismantling it is naming it for what it is: emotionally abusive. It’s not your fault, not imagined, and definitely not normal. This group is a safe space dedicated to supporting one another as we confront the faulty, gaslit self-concepts imposed upon us by others. Together, we can practice self-compassion, reclaim our voices and empower ourselves. This group offers support for every stage of recovery. This group runs 6PM EST- 7:30PM EST (5PM-6:30PM CST, 3PM-4:30PM PST AND 11PM-12:30AM BST) **every other Saturday** I did schedule this group with the assumption that those attending are well-versed in gaslighting but would still like to provide a brief definition for anyone who may be uncertain; *Gaslighting is an intentional, subtle, psychological manipulation tactic where the perpetrator plants seeds of doubt in the victim's mind. This leads the victim to question their perceptions, memories, feelings, abilities, and even their mental health. The perpetrator is often a person with high narcissistic **and*** *sociopathic traits. It’s designed to evade detection and is therefore one of the most insidious tools in the pathological narcissist's arsenal.* \*Important Notes\* ***If this is your first time here, please sign up for a First Timers event.*** ***This event is for established members only. You must have attended a First Timers event prior to signing up for this one. If you have not attended a First Timers event, you will be removed from the meeting.*** These meetings are to ensure the safety of our members and our hosts as we share sensitive details about our experiences. We also do this to ensure all new members will get a chance to share and introduce themselves right away, this is a way for us to properly meet each of you. Instructions are posted in the **First Timers** events and we appreciate your cooperation in advance! Please Review The Following Before Joining: I am a peer supporter, not a mental health professional, physician or attorney. Information shared in these groups is not to be construed as professional advice. * **Cameras must be ON.** If you need to briefly turn your camera off, please inform the host. If your camera remains off after being asked to turn it on, you will be removed from the meeting. * **Mute your microphones** unless it is your turn to speak. * **Raise your hand to share.** Shares will be heard in the order hands are raised. * **Offer advice ONLY when it’s explicitly asked for.** Supportive words of validation, understanding, and affirmation are encouraged. Unsolicited advice and tangential rants of personal opinions are not. * **If your think your share might trigger others, please advise the group with a trigger warning and wait a moment.** This moment of pause allows members the chance to mute their speakers. * **Manage triggers by muting your speakers** or taking a break from the meeting as needed. If you need to leave, the host will re-admit you as many times as necessary, no questions asked. * **Solicitation is prohibited.** Please refrain from pedaling products or services. * **Please refrain from contacting or DMing other members without prior approval from an organizer.** If you’ve connected with someone and would like to exchange contact information, reach out to an organizer, and we’ll facilitate the exchange. \*\*Although we care deeply about the safety and wellbeing of our members, we are not equipped to intervene in crisis situations. ***IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT FEELS SUICIDAL OR UNSAFE, PLEASE DIAL 911 (US & CANADA) OR 999 IN THE UK. OR SEEK CARE AT YOUR NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.\*\**** Crisis Hotline: 988 (US)

Taisoken Sword Fitness classes are formulated to sculpt your whole body, build lean muscle and focus the mind. Based on traditional Japanese sword movements (‘Taisoken’ literally means ‘exercise sword’ in Japanese) the class blends cardio and light weight resistance training to burn fat and build long lean muscles. We make use of traditional Japanese training swords (called ‘Bokken’) to tone our arms and strengthen our cores. No prior training or martial arts experience is required, the class is completely non-contact and suited to all levels of fitness. Come and join us every second Sunday for a strong work out - most weeks be pop to the local pub/café for a quick coffee or cake (and let’s be honest, sometimes both!) Meetup Cost: £10 Please bring the payment with you on the day and pay directly to Taisoken or you can make a bank transfer on the day. Classes are for ladies only. Back ground Info: Taisoken Sword Fitness has been developed and is led by Jeff Humm, who has been studying studying the use of the Japanese sword for over 45 years together with other traditional martial arts. He holds a Masters degree in Traditional Japanese Martial Arts and a 7th Dan in Japanese fencing (Kendo). The movements are authentic cutting actions, some dating back more than 3 hundred years when your life depend on how well you wield the Sword. By taking authentic Japanese sword movements of attack and defence, these actions have been formulated into practice routines which work and sculpt the full range of the body’s muscles. Additionally the routines require participates to focus and visualise their actions leading them to seeking perfection in application which in turn empowers the mind and develops greater body and mind equilibrium. The Japanese sword is sharp and slender, renowned and admired across the world for its beauty and image; those that can weld it effectively are held in great esteem and revered. They are resilient and tranquil, with poise and grace they move without effort, mind, body and sword as one. Please bring the payment with you on the day and pay directly to Taisoken.

This week’s **Yay!-DHD Social** is at \*\*Mercato Metropolitano (\*\*42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR), which is large, gently heated space (thankfully!) full of snack/dinner options you’ll think about ordering for an unnecessarily long time before choosing something you immediately defend as “the right call, actually”. This is Yay-DHD: a midweek social that reliably attracts people with ADHD, people who suspect they might have ADHD, and people who’ve simply noticed that most socials feel like admin with drinks. You do not need a diagnosis to attend, everyone is welcome! **What to expect:** Starts at 6.15pm, ends around 10pm, obviously come and go as you please. We are a social group, so fairly easy going and chatty. Don't worry if you're a newbie, we all were once and I (Kieran) know it can be nerve wracking to attend for the first time - It will be ok! We’ll be eating, drinking, talking, interrupting ourselves, losing the thread, finding a better one, and occasionally stopping mid-sentence because someone else’s food looks more interesting. Some people arrive straight from work looking mildly haunted. Others drift in later having almost stayed home. Everyone will, at some point, forget what they were saying. Mercato is ideal for this sort of thing. There’s movement, background buzz but not noisy, and enough going on that wandering off mid-conversation looks deliberate rather than rude. If you go quiet, it just seems like you’re thinking. If you leave early, nobody questions it — they’re too busy choosing between eight cuisines. If you’ve been scrolling Meetup wondering which event requires the least amount of social performance, this is probably the one. We’ll be there from 6.15pm spread across tables, quietly judgemental about food choices (including our own), and relieved it’s Wednesday and not Thursday. *** **A quick note on boundaries:** Yay-DHD is a space where people feel safe and at ease. Not everyone is looking to connect beyond the event or pursue anything romantic, so please be mindful of that and respect boundaries at all times. Obviously, we want friendships to develop, so perhaps give it some time and consideration before asking if someone wants to stay in touch. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- For you robots out there: \| ADHD \| LONDON ADHD \| ADHD SOCIAL\| MAKE NEW FRIENDS \| LONDON \| 42 Newington Causeway\, London SE1 6DR

Welcome to our regular club night session for intermediate level players and above! Sessions cost £10 for Members, and £11 for Non-Members; please contact an organiser to discuss becoming a Member. Session are held at: Twyford Sports Centre Twyford Crescent Acton W3 9PP We have 3 courts from 8pm to 10pm. Only high quality feather shuttlecocks are used. Shower/change room facilities are available. A water fountains is available outside the venue, though we recommend bringing your own water in case it is not available. We sometimes head to the local pub (The Red Lion & Pineapple) after the session, and all are welcome to join. **Payment Information** We accept either cash or bank transfer payment using the details below: Amount (Adults): £10 (Members) / £11 (Non-Members) Amount (Juniors): £6 (must be accompanied by adult) Acc Name: The Addison Exiles Badminton Club Acc No: 50229160 Sort Code: 30-90-89 Reference: Your Name **RSVPs** Each session has 18 places, and a waitlist is available. Please be conscientious of players on the waitlist and change your RSVP if you can no longer attend. No shows will be charged in full. We reserve the right to turn away anyone who has previously not turned up and hasn’t paid. If you’re signing up to a session for the first time, please note that a committee member will assess your playing level and make a recommendation for future sessions. **Directions** Free parking is available on site, behind the main building. Bus options: 207, 218 Nearest National Rail Station: Acton Central Nearest Tube Station: Acton Town / Ealing Common We look forward to seeing you at the session!

✨ An exclusive and intimate dinner invitation for neurospicy minds & those who support the neurodiverse community This February, ADHD Supper Club hosts a private, candle-lit dinner exploring self-love as selective availability: who and what gets access to your time, energy, and attention. These evenings are known for their chemistry. ✨ Conversation is sharp. ✨ Connection is natural. ✨ Often, the topic simply opens the door. It’s a curated table where presence is intentional, and the room holds itself. The table is intentionally small - usually 7–13 guests - to keep the evening intimate and alive. Hosted and facilitated by Anna Dafna, ADHD & executive function coach & psychologist known for creating psychologically safe, intelligently held group spaces. Who this is for: • Neurodivergent adults • Curious, open, reflective minds • Those who support the neurodiverse community No diagnosis required. Details 📍 📅 Thursday 5 February ⏰ 19:00–21:00 📍 Central London (shared privately with confirmed guests) The ticket covers private invitation, hosting and facilitation by Anna, and access to a thoughtfully curated table of guests. 🍽 Food & drinks ordered are billed separately on the night A small number of places are available via Meetup. ADHD Supper Club - where neurodivergent minds meet, eat and connect.

This is an in-person meeting. At this meeting you will get answers to depression and anxiety. Find out the source of them and how to get rid of them. Did you know that unwanted emotions like anxiety, depression, unhappiness, loneliness, hopelessness, anger, fear, or feelings of irritation don’t just fall on you for no reason. They are not random occurrences that simply happen to people's minds. They are definitely not due to a chemical imbalance in your brain from some nebulous chemical reaction "by chance". Your negative emotions are the symptoms of the painful experiences that you have which are not healed, and which are still affecting you. The effects of these painful experiences are exacerbated by the pressures or difficulties of the other problems in your life. Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is created by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation of Central Ohio and Church of Scientology of Central Ohio.

We will have our certified mediums available and you can receive 3 10-minute readings for $20. To keep you safe, we will be following all CDC and Health Dept. guidelines at our psychic fair today. Sitters and readers required to wear a mask. We will maintain a minimum of 6 foot physical distance during readings. Please, if you can, bring your own portable chair to use during your readings. Please note that we are at our wonderful new home at Unity of Columbus, 4211 Maize Road, Columbus, OH

**How to take control of your subconscious and harness its power!** Join us for an eye-opening lecture where the speaker will break down complex ideas in a clear and practical way. You’ll gain insights into: ✅ The true definition of the subconscious ✅ How it generates unwanted emotions ✅ Its real purpose and function ✅ What determines the pressure it exerts on you And the most important topic: **How do you take control of your subconscious!** But this isn’t just another lecture where you sit and listen passively. It’s interactive and engaging—you can ask questions at any time. 📅 Reserve your spot now! Seats are limited, so don’t wait too long to sign up. Location: 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215 Hosted by the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

This is a FREE, in-person workshop about mastering the science of reading people and predicting their behavior. **Stop guessing and start LEADING.** Join us for a FREE and highly interactive seminar, where you will learn to use the Emotional Tone Scale to read people, predict behavior and handle any objection with ease. The edge you'll gain: * ****Read People**:** Instantly decode human behavior. * * **Predict Actions:** Know their next move before they make it. * * **Influence Others:** Master the tools to win in work and life. * * **Build Trust:** Know exactly who to trust and how to handle them. * Attend this workshop and start developing the mindset of success! **Seats are limited. Reserve your spot today!** Hosted by: Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Rd, Columbus, OH 43215

Please Join Us For The Winter Session Of Family-to-Family Winter session of F2F dates are Feb 12 – Apr 3 [https://namifranklincounty.org/family-to-family/](https://namifranklincounty.org/family-to-family/).