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Hi Reader,

I hope this finds you well — and easing gently into the new season.

There’s a definite shift in the air now, isn’t there? The light’s changing, the days are shorter, and autumn’s quietly settling in.

The heating’s crept back on — cautiously — and I’ve been watching the smart meter like it’s my bank balance after a weekend splurge. I'm not sure if it’s helping me save or just quietly stressing me out, but it has made me think more about what we’re all spending — not just money, but time, energy, and emotional headspace.

And honestly? Many people are feeling the pinch — not just financially, but mentally as well.

This month, I’m running webinars and workshops on stress and resilience — and the demand is higher than ever. What’s interesting is the trend I’m seeing:

➡️ More professionals struggling with confidence.
➡️ More people working from home but feeling isolated, anxious, or burnt out.
➡️ A real drop in self-esteem — even among those who look like they’ve “got it together.”

If that’s you, you’re not alone. And there are ways to rebuild that foundation — I’ll be sharing more on that in upcoming blogs and sessions.

And yep — I had one of those moments last month too...

I missed my flight to Berlin.
Set my alarm for 3pm instead of 3am. That little voice in your head that whispers “Something’s not right”? It was right.
Thankfully, I got on another flight — and still completed the Train the Trainer programme with Success Resources Global. No sightseeing, but plenty of learning (more on that below 👇).

But seriously — have you ever done something like that?

Slept through a meeting? Missed a train? Had one of those “How on earth did I manage that?” moments?

I’m sure I’m not alone — and if you’ve got a story, feel free to hit reply and share. We’ve all been there.

"The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing." - Henry Ford.

Here’s what’s inside this month’s edition:

✍️ From the Blog

🧠 ⚠️ A Stark Warning: Are We Outsourcing Our Darkest Thoughts to AI?​
More people are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT for emotional support — not essays or coding, but comfort. But AI is not a therapist, and in vulnerable moments, that distinction could cost lives.
📌 A must-read for anyone working in tech, education, or mental health.

🎗️ 🎗 Pituitary Foundation Month: A Survivor’s Story of Brain Tumour Recovery​
From hospital bed to hope — Mike shares his journey from shock diagnosis to recovery, the power of community, and why hormonal health deserves more attention (and compassion).

🎤 Are You a Leader, an Educator — or Both?​
Fresh from completing Train the Trainer in Berlin, I’m unpacking why this question matters more than ever — especially for those shaping teams, workplaces, and communities.
🚀 Plus, if you're looking for a speaker who blends emotion, strategy and lived experience — let’s talk.

📅 Mental Health First Aid Online Training — 27th–28th ​October​
Two days to deepen your understanding, boost your confidence, and become the person others can turn to in a crisis.
👉 Places are limited — book your spot here.

💡 Final Thought

Whether it’s on Zoom, in workshops, at the gym, or in the pharmacy queue, the same themes keep surfacing.

Money. Uncertainty. Migration. Identity. Pressure — and that quiet fear of saying the wrong thing.

Even in Berlin, global thought leaders were asking the same question:
How do we talk about complex issues — like race, belonging, or freedom of speech — without shutting people down?

Back here in the UK, you only had to look at the recent marches in London — one led by Tommy Robinson, the other opposing — to feel the divide.

But here’s what I’m seeing:
People aren’t full of hate. They’re full of fear.
Afraid to speak. Afraid of being labelled. Afraid of getting it wrong.
And that fear? It’s eating away at confidence, values, and wellbeing — especially in the workplace.

We don’t need more shouting.
We need safer spaces. Better conversations.
More curiosity. Less certainty.

Because when people feel they can’t speak freely — they shut down emotionally too.
And that’s where the damage to mental health begins.

Hope doesn’t start with shouting. It starts with listening.

— Mike

🌍 Resilience at the Edge

Each month, we’ll share stories you won’t see on the front page—but you’ll feel in your bones.

This Month:​
In Berlin, one of the biggest takeaways from Train the Trainer was this:

Focus is fragile — and energy is everything.

We’re not just distracted. We’re depleted.
The constant noise, the pressure to “keep up”, the guilt of switching off — it’s quietly wearing us down.

Science shows most of us can only stay in deep concentration for around 15–25 minutes before we start to slip. Add in stress, social media, money worries, and poor sleep… and no wonder we’re struggling.

So what helps?

In my workshops, I now build in deliberate resets — small shifts in energy and state — to keep people engaged and switched on:

🟢 Music. Breathwork. Laughter. Visual prompts. Movement. Quick reflection.
These aren't gimmicks — they’re tools to train your brain to stay present, even under pressure.

That’s why I’m trialling Brain.fm — a neuroscience-backed music app that helps you take back the spotlight. In Focus mode, it can lock you in for hours. In Relax or Sleep mode, it helps you switch off and recover. Fast.

💬 Your Challenge:​
Pick one thing tomorrow that truly matters — not urgent, but important.
🎧 Need help staying locked in?
🎧 Brain.fm offers a free trial — try it during that hour and feel the difference.

Sometimes it’s not more hours you need — it’s more from the hours you already have.

Current articles

🧠 AI and Mental Health: When Compassion Meets Code More people are turning to chatbots for comfort, not counselling. However, when algorithms begin to replace empathy, lives — and trust — are at stake. Technology can support care, but it should never replace it. 🔗 Click the link to read the article ⬇️ Read article

✈️ Berlin Notebook: Test the Trainer’s Patience Four days, one cancelled flight, two alarms — and countless lessons in resilience. From chaos at 4:45 a.m. to double rainbows over Berlin, Mike discovers that leadership isn’t about control, it’s about how you show up when everything goes off-script. 🔗 Click the link to read the article ⬇️ Read article ​

💊 Surviving & Thriving: My Pituitary Comeback Story One day I was teaching mental health — the next, I was the patient. In this deeply personal story, I share my journey from diagnosis to recovery, the power of mindset, and the remarkable support of Sheffield’s endocrine specialists and The Pituitary Foundation. A reminder that resilience isn’t about bouncing back — it’s about rebuilding stronger, one day at a time. 🔗 Click the link to read the article ⬇️ Read article

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📅 Date: Monday – Tuesday, 27th – 28th October 2025

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

💻 Format: Live, Online & Interactive

If you’re a: ✔ HR Manager looking to boost morale and confidence in your team ✔ HR Director dedicated to fostering a mentally healthy workplace ✔ Business owner who truly cares about employee well-being … then this course is for you!

🌟 What learners are saying:

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Mental Health First Aider course! It was not only informative but also empowering. The instructor, Mike’s expertise and engaging teaching style made the content relatable and easy to understand. Their ability to facilitate discussions while ensuring everyone felt comfortable sharing their thoughts was commendable. Thank you for such a transformative experience! Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. We deeply appreciate your efforts in delivering high-quality mental health training and the positive impact you’re making."

This feedback exemplifies our core values at MHFA England, and we thank you for being an invaluable part of our community.

📞 Call 01142 670 081 ✉️ Email ​hello@mikelawrence.co.uk​

⏳ Seats are limited. Don’t be the one who walks away.

📚 What I’m Reading, Watching & Listening To 🎧🎬

You know that feeling when a book, podcast, or film completely shifts your perspective? Or when you binge on something so good, you immediately want to tell everyone about it?

Well, this is that space. Whether it’s a mind-blowing book, a documentary I can’t stop talking about, or a podcast that made me rethink everything, here’s what’s been filling my brain (and occasionally distracting me from work).

Curious? Dive in. 👇

💫 That’s a wrap for October.

From Berlin’s lessons on leadership and focus, to the stark questions about AI and mental health, and a personal reflection on surviving a pituitary tumour — this month’s been all about connection, courage, and what it really means to rebuild.

Maybe it reminded you that resilience isn’t loud or glamorous — it’s quiet consistency, showing up when life tests you the most.

Let’s Stay Connected! 🔗💬

💡 Want more insights, updates, and mental health, resilience, and well-being discussions? Let’s connect!

Follow along, comment, or share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you! 💬🔥

Hi, I’m Mike Lawrence, and I’m dedicated to enhancing mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve committed to a journey of self-improvement and helping others. My adventures range from thrilling skydives for charity to transformative travels in Thailand. I share insights from my experiences and key learnings from impactful audiobooks. Join me in exploring holistic health and wellbeing, and let’s embrace life’s adventures together! Feel free to connect with me through email at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or LinkedIn. For more detailed insights and stories from Mike, click here to read the latest blogs.

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