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.
Loneliness at Christmas: You Are Not Alone
Loneliness at Christmas can affect anyone. This heartfelt first-person article reminds readers they are not alone, explores depression and seasonal sadness, and offers practical ways to cope, learn new skills, and find hope as the New Year approaches.
Hoarding: Understanding the Disorder and Its Implications
Hoarding is a serious disorder with far-reaching consequences. Understanding its causes, recognizing its symptoms, and seeking appropriate treatment can significantly improve the lives of those affected. By increasing awareness and compassion, we can better support individuals in overcoming the challenges associated with hoarding and help them lead healthier, more organized lives.
Recognizing Depression as a Disability
The imposition of sanctions on individuals with depression and anxiety, while disregarding medical professionals’ assessments, constitutes a form of indirect discrimination and ableism.
Understanding the Statistics of Depression At Christmas
The meaning of Christmas extends beyond the festive decorations and exchanging of gifts. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the spirit of love, compassion, and goodwill.
Eating Disorders and Mental Health
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve a persistent disturbance in eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. They are often deeply intertwined with mental health issues and can significantly impact physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
The Challenges of Self-Care for Individuals with Depression
Self-care is undeniably challenging for individuals with depression due to the interplay of emotional, cognitive, and external factors. Recognizing these barriers and implementing strategies to address them can help individuals with depression take steps toward better self-care and overall well-being. Understanding and empathy from loved ones and professionals are crucial in supporting those on their journey to recovery.
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?
Can You Forget Trauma?
Trauma is the emotional and psychological response to an event—or series of events—that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope. It’s not just about what happened, but how it made you feel: unsafe, powerless, or deeply shaken. Trauma can stem from a one-time incident like an accident or loss, or from long-term experiences like abuse, neglect, or living in constant fear.