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.
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.
Understanding Invisible Disabilities & Ableist Attitudes
Invisible disabilities deserve recognition, understanding, and respect. Ableist attitudes rooted in ignorance and dismissiveness create barriers that can be just as disabling as the condition itself. Instead of questioning someone’s reality or minimising their struggles, we should listen, believe, and support. The lived experiences of those with invisible disabilities, like the editor who has battled OCD for decades, remind us that what cannot be seen can still have profound impact. True inclusivity means dismantling ableism and embracing empathy.
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.
Understanding Epilepsy and PIP Eligibility
Epilepsy is a long-term neurological condition that causes recurrent seizures, which are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can vary in frequency and intensity and may manifest as convulsions, loss of awareness, or unusual behaviours. Epilepsy affects over 600,000 people in the UK and can have a profound impact on daily life, including employment, driving, education, and mental well-being.
How an Electric Wheelchair Improves the Quality of Life?
An electric wheelchair is a battery-powered mobility aid that provides effortless movement without causing fatigue. Unlike manual wheelchairs, these chairs do not require upper-body strength or assistance, as they can be controlled using a joystick or remote control.
Disability and Poverty: Breaking the Cycle of Inequality
Disability and poverty are deeply intertwined, and when they co-exist, the barriers multiply. Families with disabled children are more likely to experience financial hardship, social exclusion, and mental health challenges, yet they often receive the least support. According to recent research, including findings from The Childhood Trust, the cost of living crisis has placed even more strain on already stretched services, making it harder for social workers to meet the needs of families with disabled children.