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When we think about suicide, it's easy to assume that the people who attempt suicide most often are also those most likely to die by suicide. However, research tells us that this isn't the case. This phenomenon is known as the gender paradox in suicide. Simply put, women are generally more likely to report suicidal thoughts, engage in self-harm and make suicide attempts, while men are significantly more likely to die by suicide. At first glance, this seems contradictory. How

For many of us, work is an important part of life. It can provide purpose, routine, financial security, opportunities to learn, and meaningful social connections. But when work becomes overwhelming, demanding or emotionally draining, it can begin to take a toll on our mental health. Many people tell themselves they just need to “push through” or that things will improve once they get through the next busy week. However, when stress becomes ongoing, it can affect every part of

You may have heard the phrase “healing your inner child” on social media, in therapy conversations, or in self-help books and wondered what it actually means. For some, it can sound a little strange or even childish. In reality, inner child work is about understanding how our early experiences continue to influence the way we think, feel, and relate to ourselves and others today. Many of us carry emotional wounds from childhood into adulthood without even realising it. These

Last week, I faced an unimaginable loss. My best friend of over 30 years passed away. She was truly one of a kind, thoughtful, kind, inspirational, and genuine. We always had each other's backs, no matter where life took us. Although she moved away a few years ago, our bond remained strong. When we did meet up, it felt like no time had passed. I've experienced bereavements before. I even provide grief counselling for many of my clients. However, some losses are simply too pro

If You’ve Been Given a Diagnosis of BPD Hearing the words borderline personality disorder can stir up a whirlwind of feelings. You might feel confused, scared, relieved, or even ashamed. It's completely normal to wonder what this diagnosis means and what it says about you. Let’s start here: You are not your diagnosis. BPD is simply a way to describe certain patterns of emotional and relational experiences. These patterns often stem from how your mind and body have learned to

Introduction: The Elephant in the Room You’ve done the hard part. You recognized the need for support, researched therapists, and finally, perhaps with shaking hands, clicked "book." And now, as the date approaches, you might feel a knot in your stomach. What do I say? Will they judge me? What if I cry immediately? What actually happens in that room? First, let me tell you: that anxiety is completely normal. In fact, it's the number one reason people cancel their initial appo

We are often encouraged to separate physical health from mental health, as if the two exist independently of one another. But in real life, especially for those living with ongoing pain or illness, this separation rarely makes sense. Our bodies and minds are deeply connected, constantly influencing one another. When the body is under strain, the emotional world is often affected too. Living with physical pain or illness can be relentless. It can touch every part of life – how

Understanding the Mixed Emotions of a New Year The start of a new year can bring mixed feelings. For some, there’s relief that a difficult year is over. For others, there’s a quiet heaviness that hasn’t shifted just because the calendar has changed. Often, it’s a time when things begin to feel a little more noticeable. You might sense the anxiety that’s been bubbling under the surface, the low mood you’ve been pushing through, or the feeling that something isn’t quite right.

Many people describe a feeling they struggle to put into words, a kind of hollow, aching space inside that seems to sit quietly in the background of life. You might call it emptiness, numbness, heaviness, or simply “a void.”And if you’ve ever felt it, you’re not alone. The void often appears after loss. Not just the loss of a person, although that is one of the deepest forms, but also the loss of a pet, a job, routines, roles, relationships, identity, health, or the future yo

Opening Thoughts For many people, thoughts about death can stir up a deep and unsettling fear. Whether it’s worry about our own mortality or anxiety about losing someone we love, death anxiety is something most of us experience at some point in life. Yet, we rarely talk about it openly. What Is Death Anxiety? Death anxiety, sometimes called thanatophobia , is the fear of death or dying. It can manifest in various ways. For some, it might be an ongoing worry about health or sa

As the days grow shorter and the mornings darker, many of us start to notice subtle shifts, a little less energy, a dip in motivation, or that feeling of wanting to hibernate away from the world. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. What you might be experiencing is something called Seasonal Affective Disorder , often known simply as SAD . SAD is more than just the “winter blues.” It’s a recognised form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, usually appearing in

Many women who have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) often wonder, is this really a mental illness, or is it a natural response to trauma? It’s a powerful question, and one that deserves compassion, understanding, and thoughtful exploration. Understanding the Label BPD is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a “pattern of instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, often accompanied by impulsive

This World Mental Health Day, take a moment to check in with yourself. Discover why mental health matters every day, not just once a...

Grief touches every part of our lives. It can feel heavy, confusing, and at times unbearable. Many people wonder: “Is it better to keep...

When we face challenges with our mental health, one of the first questions many people ask is: “Should I seek a diagnosis?” For some, having a clear name for what they are experiencing can feel like a relief. For others, the idea of being “labelled” feels uncomfortable or even overwhelming. Like most things in life, a mental health diagnosis can bring both positives and negatives. Understanding these can help you decide what feels right for you. The Benefits of a Diagnosis

Suicidal thoughts can feel frightening, overwhelming, and deeply isolating. But it’s important to know that you are not alone if you ever experience them. Many people, more than we often realise (in fact currently it's estimated 1 in 4), have thoughts of not wanting to be here anymore at some point in their lives. For some, these thoughts pass quickly; for others, they may come and go during times of stress, loss, or emotional pain. Having suicidal thoughts does not mean you

It’s not unusual to wonder why you’re finding life more challenging than those around you. Maybe you struggle with focus, feel easily overwhelmed, or notice your moods dip more often than you’d like. You might be asking yourself: “Is this depression or anxiety… or could it be ADHD, autism or another form of neurodiversity?” This is such an important question, and the truth is, the answer isn’t always straightforward. Mental health difficulties and neurodiversity can look very

Many of us have been taught to “hold it together” and see crying as a sign of weakness. Yet, crying is one of the most natural and healthy responses we can have when faced with strong emotions. Far from being something to suppress or feel ashamed of, shedding tears can actually help us process, release, and recover, both physically and emotionally. The Science of Tears Crying is more than just water falling from our eyes. Human tears are complex, containing stress hormones, n

Each year on 26th August, International Dog Day provides us with an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable bond between humans and dogs. While many of us know first-hand the joy of wagging tails and loyal companionship, research increasingly shows that dogs can have a profound impact on both our mental and physical wellbeing. The Science Behind the Bond Human–animal interactions, particularly with dogs, have been studied for decades. Science suggests several key benefits: St

Grief is a universal human experience, but it’s one we often feel ill-equipped to navigate. When we lose something or someone important to us, be it a loved one, a relationship, a job, or even a cherished dream, the emotional response can feel overwhelming and chaotic. In the midst of this turmoil, it can be helpful to have a framework for understanding the process. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, a Swiss-American psychiatrist, introduced what are now known as the five stages of grief