Autism is usually expected to be diagnosed in childhood. However, many people are not diagnosed with autism until later in life, especially as we learn more about characteristics and how they present themselves. Autism can be characterised by a range of signs and experiences. While not all characteristics may point to an autism diagnosis, there are...

When it comes to treating depression, there are three approaches that are often used in combination. Thes include lifestyle adjustments, psychological support like talking therapy, and medication such as antidepressants. Adjusting your daily routine to build in healthy habits that incorporate getting sunlight where possible, getting enough sleep, e...

Anxiety is managed through a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Many people also find techniques such as mindfulness and meditation helpful. We all feel anxious at times in response to everyday events. However, when these feelings persist, or if they prevent you from completing daily tasks and enjoying life, it may indicate ...

Social media has revolutionised the way we connect with others, providing a virtual space for communication, entertainment, and self-expression. However, its impact on mental health is a topic of great research and debate. While social media can help alleviate loneliness and ease social anxiety, it can also contribute to isolation and exacerbate me...

Learning the early signs of autism can be helpful for parents and caregivers to ensure children get the earliest intervention possible if a professional evaluation is needed. Each child is unique, and not all may show every sign of autism. However, many autistic children may show some of the traits discussed and spotting the signs early can ensure ...

Receiving a diagnosis of autism can be a pivotal moment in someone’s life and often follows a significant personal journey. But what happens afterwards? Establishing the right support moving forward is just as important and can help you to process the diagnosis and make adjustments to help with any challenges you might experience day-to-day. ...

Talking therapy is a treatment option that helps people manage mental health conditions, emotional distress, and personal challenges. Also known as psychotherapy or counselling, it involves speaking with a trained therapist to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in a supportive environment. Talking therapy can help with a range of issues, fr...

Once seen as a more covert aspect of the internet, the nature of sharing harmful and radical ideologies is changing through social media. Recent news has sparked concern with far-right symbolism being used openly in politics by those who own social media platforms and in the realm of celebrity, both causing a large volume of online discourse. With ...

ADHD can affect children's and adults' ability to read. Staying focused can be difficult, and it may also be challenging to retain information. Reading tasks can feel like a chore, as you may find yourself needing to read something over and over again. There are strategies that can help both children and adults with ADHD with reading. These strateg...

Treatment approaches to depression may vary depending on the unique needs of the individual, but could include a combination of lifestyle changes, psychological support, and medication. In this video, Psychiatrist Dr Angus McLellan discusses how talking therapy can help and the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in treating depres...

As we mark the fifth anniversary of the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK, there is an opportunity to reflect upon the impact of this unprecedented event that saw widespread impact from March 2020 to August 2021. To better understand this impact, we commissioned a mental health impact survey on young adults and their guardians. Our survey was compl...

Five years on from the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK, we wanted to contribute to the nationwide understanding of the lasting impact of such an extreme world event on mental health. To achieve this, we commissioned a mental health impact survey on young adults and their guardians. The surveys were completed by 1001 parents who have children aged...

With five years having now passed since the onset of COVID-19, we’re seeing emerging research into the long-term impact of such an extreme world event. This isn’t unusual, with a variety of extreme events being the subject of research but, when discussing COVID-19's impact, especially on mental health, we believe the focus shouldn&rsquo...

Distressing news is everywhere, from TV screens to social media, and children are not immune to its impact. While adults may have coping mechanisms to process difficult stories, children and young people may struggle to understand or manage their emotions when faced with unsettling events without support. As parents and caregivers, it’s cruci...

One of the key causes of anxiety in children is stress, which can stem from various things, including school pressure, exams, or changes in family circumstances. Children may also experience anxiety due to a lack of routine or underlying medical conditions such as ADHD or OCD. In this resource, we look at the causes of anxiety in children, the sign...

Going through periods of stress can unfortunately be a routine part of daily life brought on by circumstances like relationship difficulties, money worries, health troubles, or pressure at work. Anxiety is a little different though, so it’s helpful to understand the distinction and what signs to look out for. In this video, Dr Andrea Pickerin...

For a long time, people thought that autism was an exclusively male condition. Although studies have varied, experts believe the ratio of autistic males to autistic females is 3:1. This doesn’t necessarily mean that autism is less common in girls. In fact, it is much more likely that fewer girls are being diagnosed because their autistic trai...

While stress and anxiety share some common symptoms, there are some key differences. Stress is a short-term response to a challenging or threatening situation. Anxiety is a long-term set of feelings. These feelings can interfere with daily activities, even if there doesn’t seem to be a reason. Understanding these differences is important. By ...

Living in a world connected by social media can be a blessing but, as we experience large world events with constant access to live updates, you might feel overwhelmed. Feeling anxious about the things we see on the news that are outside of our control is not unusual, but how can we protect our mental health when we have fewer breaks from the news ...

Children with ADHD may find it difficult to concentrate on homework. This is because they often have difficulty maintaining attention and may feel restless. It’s important to ensure your child has the time to relax and can develop a relationship with homework that lets them thrive. There are many ways that parents can help their children to c...