Taking Things for Granted: Lessons I Learned Too Late
A personal reflection on taking things for granted, regret, grief, empty nest syndrome, and the connection to mental health—highlighting how loss teaches us the value of people and moments.
When Stigma Comes From Home: My Experience With Mental-Health Judgement
A first-person account of mental-health stigma within a traditional rural Polish family: why it’s hard to explain mental health to older generations, how judgement impacts wellbeing, and what the statistics say about stigma and discrimination in Poland.
Understanding OCD: Breaking Down Misconceptions
People with OCD don’t “choose” their thoughts or compulsions. Telling someone to “just get over it” is dismissive, harmful, and perpetuates ableist attitudes. If someone has lived with OCD for decades and tried all known interventions, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), medication, counseling, and even alternative therapies such as hypnosis, it is unjust to boil their suffering down to a fad.
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Universal Credit Reforms
Labour is facing the prospect of another mass rebellion from its own MPs as concerns mount over proposed reforms to the universal credit system. The focus of unease is on changes to the assessment process for disability benefits, particularly the health element of universal credit (UC).
Understanding Emotional Distress Tort
Through tort law, individuals and organisations, councils included, can be sued for damages provided there’s evidence of negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Compensation is available and varies depending on the severity of harm and supporting evidence.
Overprescribing Anti-Depressants: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly
Antidepressant use has soared over the past two decades, with the UK alone seeing a doubling in prescriptions since 2008. While medication can be life-changing for some, concerns are growing around its overprescription, especially for patients who may not need long-term pharmacological treatment. From the reluctance of GPs to offer fast-acting relief to the alarming trend of children being medicated, it’s time to ask, are we medicating emotion at the expense of wellbeing?
The Silent Killer: How Loneliness in Elderly People Can Lead to Tragedy
Loneliness is more than just a feeling; it’s a silent epidemic affecting millions of elderly people in the UK and around the world. Behind closed doors, many older individuals live in silence, unseen and unheard, with devastating consequences. As someone who experienced the heartbreaking loss of a parent who lived alone, I want to share my personal story and raise awareness about the hidden dangers of isolation in older adults.
Living With Trauma: What It Truly Feels Like
Trauma is not one-size-fits-all. For some, it heals. For others, it becomes their lifelong companion. It’s not about being weak, it’s about having seen and felt too much. It’s about carrying a weight that no one else can see.
Living With Trauma: The Hidden Battle Behind Mental Health Struggles
Though trauma may never fully disappear, it can transform into strength. By understanding its roots, recognising how it impacts the mind and body, and gently working toward recovery, survivors can reclaim their lives. The editor is a testament to this. Through her pain, she has cultivated purpose, using her lived experience to educate, support, and inspire others who feel lost in the shadows of trauma and mental illness. Her message is clear: you are not alone.
Understanding How Trauma Can Qualify for PIP Support
No one should have to “prove” their trauma, but the benefits system often requires detailed explanations. If trauma makes daily living harder, you deserve support. And always remember—your condition is valid even if it’s not visible. If someone hasn’t walked in your shoes, they shouldn’t judge how far you’ve come.