Many autistic people rely on routine for a sense of safety and consistency and for some, public holidays can be a source of anxiety rather than relaxation. Whether the change in your usual routine is down to school closures, summer holidays, travel, or any other kind of public holiday, changes to your usual routine might need some additional consid...
After receiving an autism diagnosis, you should be kind to yourself. It's important to take time to understand your feelings, and how autism may affect you. Receiving an autism diagnosis does not change who you are. However, it may allow you to access the support you may need and further understand your unique challenges and strengths. In this arti...
Cannabidiol (CBD) was initially discovered in 1940 and has since been studied for its potential uses, receiving its own awareness day in 2018. Differing from THC (which is found in higher concentrations in marijuana), CBD is non-psychoactive and does not cause a high, meaning it could be used without causing intoxication. Since this discovery, ther...
Eating disorders affect both mental and physical health. The signs can include extreme focus on weight or food, changes in eating habits, distorted body image, and serious emotional distress. These signs vary depending on the type of eating disorder but often involve patterns of restriction, bingeing, purging, or excessive exercise. In this guide, ...
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences a traumatic event. Symptoms can be long-lasting and may significantly affect everyday life, often involving intense fear, anxiety, or distress. In this video, Clinical Director Adrian Williams discusses the core types of PTSD behaviours&mda...
In recent years, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) awareness has spread among both medical professionals and patients. Behaviours of ADHD have previously been overlooked, leading to both clear and subtle signs of ADHD going unrecognised and misrepresented. Thankfully, we're seeing changes. Adult ADHD is different from Childhood ADHD, ...
If you or someone you love has a neurodevelopmental condition such as autism or ADHD, you’re likely to be aware of some of the common barriers to close and long-lasting relationships that people experience. This perception of neurodivergence may feel discouraging but, as we are seeing more in shared experiences online through social media, me...
For both clinicians and patients, the cause of a mental health condition can be key to management and offers greater understanding of the condition itself. Bipolar disorder is an example of a condition that can be inherited. It has been found that genetic factors are one of the main causes of the condition. It is not just limited to hereditary caus...
The early signs of mania in someone with bipolar disorder can vary widely from person to person. Some common indicators might include sustained elevated mood, reduced need for sleep, an increase in energy, or unusual or overly ambitious ideas. In rarer cases, hallucinations or delusional beliefs may even occur. In this video, Dr Angus McLellan disc...
PTSD is a mental health condition that can affect how a person feels, thinks, and responds to everyday situations after a traumatic experience. This often occurs long after the event itself. Experiences can range from flashbacks and nightmares to ongoing anxiety, emotional numbness, or sudden anger. PTSD can affect anyone at any age. It isn't limit...
As AI becomes a more accessible technology and ever-growing presence in practically every industry, we’ve seen a rise in research surrounding AI as a diagnostic tool. Used for a variety of conditions, including ADHD, with a focus on accuracy and streamlining of processes in recent years, we are interested to see its potential realised for the...
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by signs such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Managing ADHD can improve daily functioning and overall quality of life. One of the primary methods of management is through medication. ADHD medication can alleviate the challenges associated with the condition by targeting specific n...
With the rise of social media and constant digital exposure, young people are facing increased pressure from social comparison, which can negatively impact their self-esteem, mental health, and sense of identity. In this video, Clinical Director Paige Fujiu-Baird discusses the impacts of the digital landscape on young people, and what parents and c...
Postnatal depression is a type of depression that affects parents after having a baby. It can begin any time during the first year of having a baby. While it’s common to feel low or overwhelmed in the early days of parenthood, postnatal depression is more serious and long-lasting. It can impact day-to-day life, relationships, and bonding with...
When discussing eating disorders or body image issues, men were previously vastly underrepresented in studies, making intervention a challenge. We’ve seen an increase in awareness of eating disorders impacting men, with 25 % of those with eating disorders identifying as male, but one common mental health crisis affecting many men still requir...
There has been a rise in autism diagnoses in recent years with speculation as to the reason being discussed widely, especially thanks to views being presented in world politics. Many are unsure if the increased rates are due to an increase in intervention and diagnosis, or more children being autistic in the population. In this resource, we look at...
The relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and mental health is one with a long history and, in our opinion, a long road ahead. While we see progress such as the Office for National Statistics releasing data linking sexual orientation with self-harm and suicide rates for the first time, we also continue to see shortcomings. One such example is M...
Coping with anxiety is unfortunately part of daily life for many people. Whether you're facing constant worry, challenging thoughts, or physical symptoms like tension and restlessness, finding simple, effective ways to manage things can make a big difference. In this video, Dr Andrea Pickering shares practical strategies to help with anxiety and su...
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of talking therapy. This therapy aims to help manage problems by changing thought and behavioural patterns. CBT is generally used to treat anxiety and depression. It can also be used to help with a range of mental health conditions, behavioural issues, and difficult emotional periods you may be experien...
There has been an ongoing discussion on the overlap in neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities with studies aiming to give us better insight into the link. Is this link important and what can it do for the support made available to people within each group? As we observe Pride month, we explore the topic and as offer our insight into how it should in...
