A Walk Into The Gardens Of My Mind

David Cameron  is facing a lot of anxiety and distress at the thought of Labour and the SNP taking charge. He claims to have 'mended the economy'. whilst Labour have 'ruined it'. Although he emphasises that the economy is a pivotal aspect to this election, he has other worries on his mind too. With Nicola Sturgeon adamant to kick Cameron out of No.10 Downing Street, as well as initiating that she is willing to put  Ed Miliband in power, politics has faced a revolutionary structural change. Cameron and George Osborne warned that mortgage rates will rise for millions of Londoners, if the Labour and SNP c ome to exist in alliance. However, Labour is working to combat this by building social housing that is far more affordable, so that the younger generation can enjoy having realistic aspirations to own and buy their own houses. As much as I was quite confident in opting to vote for Labour , I am now facing a dilemma as to who I should elect into a trusted pos...

I really don't understand why there is still so much stigma attached to mental health illnesses and those who are victim to them. With the added pressures modern society is undergoing, mental health is deteriorating and more and more people are being affected and it is no wonder. Modern society is a juxtaposition of complex rooted stresses alongside taken for granted eases. Someone whom I have known for now about a year and a about 4 months, has seriously concerned me. Since I have know him, I have witnessed what most people would run a million miles from, apart from the small minority of people who empathise with 'mad' or 'different' people. At first, he appeared normal .. we had normal conversations. But then one day everything just changed. We had a minor disagreement, and he called me the Shaytaan (Arabic word for Satan), and no not in a humorous way, his every word was oozing with anger and suspicion. I couldn't believe my ears. I remember thinking ...

With just about 6 weeks till the General Election in May, much anxiety if filling the hearts of British politically conscious people.  As a young person, I never really cared about politics, as it was spoon- fed to me, that all politicians are liars and scum-bags anyway. With that in mind, and not much understanding of how policies for health and education were directly affecting my life .. I was disengaged and uninterested in politics. Growing older and experiencing many difficulties financially, I realised how significant the roles of politicians are, in ensuring equal and fair opportunities for all. I started to familiarise myself with the main political parties and their leaders (I believe I learnt this whilst in secondary school, in my citizenship class, but I was too busy being the class clown - mind you,despite this, I done considerably well in my GCSEs). After watching the UK Election Leader's debate , though I am adamant that I will be voting for Labour on the 7...

The first time I was introduced to the phrase 'the male gaze' was in my A-Level Media studies class, a few years back. Laura Mulvey , a feminist theorist, coined this term to highlight the indecent nature of objectifying women in cinema. Though we studied her a lot, 'the male gaze' did not really speak to me and it didn't resonate. I was too naive at that point, that understand the impact a certain stare can have on one's honour and dignity. I mean I was used to seeing women dressed semi-naked in everything from food product adverts to car adverts, it was nothing new. Being a 21 year-old attractive woman ( if I do say so myself) , I am now concerned at the way 'the male gaze' has been appropriated, not just in film, but in real life. From the time I step outside my house, I am literally approached by men, every minute or so. No exaggeration intended. Now, I'm not being vain, or saying that my face is covered in glitter, nor do I wear revealing i...

I can literally feel every muscle of my heart aching, for the most part, I know why I'm feeling like this, but then again I don't. I'm confused,hurt and broken. I am sick and tired of trying to suppress my insane behaviour and appearing to be what would be classed as 'normal'. I don't want anyone to think I want them to feel sorry for me either, which is why I have bottled up my feelings for so long. I have had depression for a couple of months now, and as a result of previously being diagnosed as having depression, I am quite familiar with the symptoms and effects in behaviour and mind. This time round, I decided I wouldn't go to the doctors, as I was adamant I didn't want to be reliant on pills and that I could get through it by myself. Lately I've been feeling so low, I fail to find words to communicate the severity of my pain and grief. When I pluck up some self-worth and concern, and stop putting others before myself, I guess I will book a...

Being a second-generation citizen from a Bangladeshi family and living in London, I have an abundant wealth of life experiences and combined cultural ways of living. With so much western influence being injected into my bloodstream, I do try my best to ensure I take time to appreciate and understand my ethnic cultural roots. Spending good quality time with my parents is something that I am still struggling to get to grips with. By the time I get home most days, I just about have time to eat my dinner ( though I don't really have my dinner these days) , shower, probably squeeze in a little telly marathon or read a few pages of one of my several books and then go to sleep. On the odd occasions that I do come home a little earlier than normal, or I'm feeling exceptionally warming, I go downstairs and watch Bengali dramas or comedies on the telly with my parents. This is my way of connecting to them, through having conversations about the topics raised in the programmes as we...

Prince Harry seems to have many tricks up his sleeve as well as future hopes for his career and life fulfilment.  After ten years serving in the army, Harry has now taken another year out, but there is no hesitation that he won't surprise and impress us, both at the same time. According to The Telegraph , he was reported to have said, "it was a really tough decision", before going on to explain, "inevitably, most things come to an end, and I am at a crossroads in my military career." And so he is, at age 30, he might be contemplating finding a suitable partner, starting a family, taking up a new hobby .. who knows?! Unlike his fellow cadets that joined him at just age 20 at Sandhurst, he had not previously attended university and had remarked that his former weeks had turned out a 'struggle' . One can imagine the sort of challenges he faced being involved with the Royal Military Academy , as well as the emotional turmoil of dealing with his moth...

Dear Mum ( or Ama as I would call you ) You are nothing short of amazing.  Thank you for all the times you have forgiven me for bringing tears to your eyes, when quite frankly, heaven lies at your feet.  You are so beautiful, but yet so humble. (I wonder where I get the 'I'm the bee's knee's attitude from) , actually I don't .. but you know what I mean, cos I kinda do. Thank you for not letting your past of pain get the best of you, to go through such turmoil and agony and yet you strive to keep us happy, you are a Queen without a crown ( I guess I should buy you one ). I can see you smiling now, see .. I knew it, gosh! You should really apply for being an actress in the next Colgate advert, No, you really should. Nice white teeth like that! You go mum! Thank you for making everyone's breakfast in the morning,even now, when were capable of doing so ourselves. Thank you for supporting me at times when I've felt low and wanted to give up. You are an...

                          Cambodian garment workers in a factory. Insert from Google Human rights campaign group, Human Rights Watch ( HRW ) have investigated the precarious labour under taken by Cambodian workers, who have been working over-time. The Cambodian government need to intervene in what seems to be an extremely sad and distressing case. They have failed to protect the vulnerable females at risk. Injustices against these garment workers include discrimination against pregnant workers and going against union-practices. Among the various international apparel brands who are involved in this heinous act are M&S , H&M and GAP. These are all retailers I used to have good and respectable thoughts and admiration for, but now I will have anxiety whenever I see these stores. To know that the clothes that I will wear and show off, get compliments on and feel comfortable in are a product of unfair and mani...

Is it right to look down on companies that employ young people to phone people randomly to raise funds for charities?                                                             Picture from Channel 4 Last summer, I was in a frantic state, desperately needing a job, I was willing to pretty much anything to make money as long as my dignity remained intact. I ended up getting a job at a telephone fundraising company, due to my experience previously being a door-to-door fundraiser as well as a street one (both jobs I only done to make ends meet). To be honest, when I bagged myself the telephone fundraising job, I really felt that this would be my stepping stone to greater things. No, really I did. I could see myself sitting on the office and happily chatting away to people and at the same ting doing an awesome job on behalf of bi...

With so much agony and stress on handling immigration levels in the UK, all of the political parties are starting to feel the pressure to obtain the support of the public. My parents being part of the first generation, have always supported and rooted for the Labour party, as they viewed it to be beneficial for people of ethnic minority backgrounds and lower social incomes. However, growing up I found it particularly hard to feel like I'm part of the political influence and discourse in society, due to the under-representation of ethnic minority members in parliament. To point out as well, most MP's and other political figures are mainly white, male and stem from a middle-class background. How am I meant to relate to that? Come on. According to The Evening Standard, Conservative peer and pollster, Lord Ashcroft, reported that being non-white is the best indicator that some won't vote Tory. Personally, me and my family prove this point to be true. My dad regularly has co...

          Picture from the Daily Mail Most of my friends probably watched this documentary getting high, excuse the irony. I, for one, felt left out, as I have never smoked anything, let alone cannabis, so seeing Jon Snow getting involved, made me feel a little excluded to say the least, from one of the biggest growing industries and cultural trends, worldwide. Businessman Sir Richard Branson, who was part of the live audience, very interestingly, remarked early on in the programme, "Its clear that drugs should be treated as a health problem and not a criminal problem." I very much agree with Branson here, as I recognise that a lot of people who suffer from mental health illnesses, take Cannabis for medicinal and escapism purposes. In this way, it is clear how this can affect one's health overall, and that not everyone who takes this drug is a criminal or engaged in criminal activity. Dr Christian (from Embarrassing Bodies) went on to ask Branson about ho...

I'm sure most of you, including myself, have given death some thought, some point in your life. Death is a world-wide shared fear amongst many of us. But may I ask, how many have you contemplated dying on another planet, notably, Mars? Zero to none I'm assuming. Well, some people on our planet have started to do just that, that is, contemplate their life ending on another planet. Mars One is an organisation based in the Netherlands, with the contextual aim to colonize Mars, permanently by 2025. The leader behind this remarkable mission is Dutch entrepreneur, Bas Lansdorp.  It is believed that thousands of applicants applied to be of the lucky four to be the first humans to inhabit Mars. Further to this, a reality television is being softly spoken about, which will be responsible for mirroring this journey to us fellow Earthlings.                                         ...

                                          A selfie Labour MP Ivan Lewis took with me and the young people who attened the Shape Your Future Event. The House Of Commons is a beautiful building that has an air of superiority and elegance about it, walking in .. me and the young people that attended the ' Shape Your Future ' event, had to go through a number of airport security checks. Although I am quite sceptical about policing these days, I became transfixed with the police officers guarding the building. I can't really explain it, but everyone within the House Of Commons suddenly became as interesting as a character who jumped out of a childhood fairytale book would be. You get the point right, well you should now! The event started with everyone being asked to write down on a piece of paper what first springs to mind when they hear the word 'politics'. Everyone started wri...

                                                 Picture from The Guardian I don't know if it is my distrust in the policing system and the overtly militant personality exercised by officers which makes me detest bully vans .. but, I am starting to wonder how and if the Met are being innovative in their approach to gain the public's trust and support. On and around International Woman's Day (which falls on March 8th), thousands of women gather from the UK and beyond to protest for an environment in which women can live safely, without being threatened by male violence. The Million Woman Rise (MWR) is a protest organized solely by volunteers, which has been running over the past seven years. Over the years the Metropolitan police have backed ...

From as long as I can remember, I have been a trainer freak, the thought of heels now excites me into planning a matching outfit with it. However, I must say, due to my unfortunate anxiety about falling over in them (I remember a time when I slipped in my kitten heels on the main road in Brixton) a few years back. And till this day, it creeps up on me and I feel anxious when I contemplate wearing heels. I am now 21, and I am starting to think differently about my image. Always had a thing for branded sweaters and hoodies, trainers and just embracing the masculine mind (informally learning how most men think, due to conversations I have had with male friends), but in my own feminine way. But now I view myself as a woman, rather than a girl .. and quite frankly, believe that as much as I admire my urban edge and appearance, maybe I ought to make an effort to feel 'girly'. So today, I went to visit a John Frieda hair stylist, who gave me a haircut that was much needed and dese...

You know the feeling of admiration you get when you witness a baby walking for the first time, well I felt that when my dad began walking again. Now, before any of you do jump to conclusions, its not some sort of miracle story (but then again, I guess if we take the optimistic stance, I guess you could argue, that every good thing is a miracle). Let me not begin the process of waffling, that I do seem to find myself in the process of quite recently .. Back to the topic of my dad walking again, he wasn't in a wheelchair and he wasn't born with any such problems, he was just diagnosed as having severe sciatica. For those of you who are not aware of what this is, sciatica is a nerve problem that causes pain all over the body, affecting the back, hip, lower back and legs. My dad is quite well known in the local doctors surgery, as he often goes to complain about the lack of effectiveness of his current medication in addition to his ongoing health problems. Now as a result of this...

With the recent depiction of prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in a French satirical magazine that caused terrorists attacks, in additon to a woman today lacing a holy bible with heroin, which she sent to an inmate in Hamilton County Jail in the US .. I am speechless at the lack of respect and dignity showed by the majority of the public for religious people's beliefs. Before someone who suffers from Islamphobia takes a jab at me, I would like to declare that I condemn the massacre in Paris as a result of Charlie Hebdo's feature of a cartoon of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) . As much as everyone should be entitled the basics human rights of freedom of speech, restrictions need to be put in place, in order to have consensus in society. The same way we all have a multiplicity of thoughts and ideas in our minds, but know better not to share all of them, the same ideals need to be practices in line with sensitive areas such as religion. Islam explicitly preaches no imagery portray...

As we begin the new year 2015, I know I am not the only one pondering a new year resolution/s. With so much basic principles disguised as new year resolutions to mould us into a better and productive being, we are often spoilt for choice to select what we will be able to commit and adhere to. As someone who is in love with the religion I follow (Islam), one of my new year's resolutions is by no doubt to become a better Muslim. I do understand within myself that I may be faced with obstacles along the way, which will test my patience and obedience, so I have broke it down to this syntax 'try to be as best of a person as you can be '. For me, that means yearning to be as kind, forgiving, loving and productive in every moment I experience. In addition to this particular new year's resolution, I also have decided to act as an advocate for detoxification of my mind, body and soul. I aim to do this in a number of ways, firstly to eat more healthily (less of chicken and ch...

                                     Managing Director of Access UK : Nana Ageyman With the recent report into the unfortunate situation in youth unemployment, I am delighted to introduce to you 'ACCESS UK'.  Founded in  2014 by Nana Ageyman, this organisation focuses pre-dominantly in directing ex-offenders and ex-gang members into appropriate employment. Ageyman boasts 15 years of experience in the welfare to work industry, being appointed in many influential positions. He has previously worked as a youth worker, mentor, and as manager and senior employment consultant for numerous work providers in the UK. Access UK specifically aims to assist those from BAME (Black and minority ethnic groups) as well as those whom are NEET (not in education, employment and training) and are between the ages of 16-24. The organisation is very pro-active in its approach, by presenting their...