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Image Source: Nadezhda Moryak on Pexels When I turned to my GP regarding the issues with my menstrual cycle, I expected more clarity. When I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), I felt more confused than ever, as no one clearly explained what the diagnosis meant, but I was advised to consider going on the oral contraceptive pill or changing my lifestyle to lose weight. At the time, that suggestion only fuelled my insecurities and anxiety. I felt as if it was my fault that I was in that situation in the first place. I wish someone could have told me that it is not necessarily the case.     Being a postgraduate student in the unique Mind-Body Interface program me , I constantly learn that our minds and our bodies share a symbiotic relationship. My experience with PCOS is a first-hand testimony to this, and I am here today to share how it affects me every day.    PCOS is a multi-faceted condition that affects 6-10% of women of reproductive age , and it is mainly characterised by hormone imbalance, ovarian cysts, and irregular periods .  In my experience, the rise of PCOS has been described as a consequence of personal lifestyle choices related to factors like nutrition and physical activity. However, research suggests that, whilst lifestyle choices can account for how PCOS may manifest in those affected by it, the cause of PCOS is unknown. Experts call attention to the role of genetic vulnerability and early exposure to environmental toxins found in food containers, cosmetics, and other everyday products .  The ‘good’   Before my PCOS diagnosis, I had little to no knowledge about the menstrual cycle. With the limited amount of reassurance and information that I was provided by health professionals, I had to learn most things myself. I became more knowledgeable around themes of reproductive and endocrinological disorders that affect women every day, such as endometriosis, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), and mainly PCOS. I must admit that I do not think I would know as much as I do now if it weren't for my diagnosis.  Image Source: Windows on Unsplash With all the information and research, I have encountered on my journey so far, I have perfected my ability to recognise sources relaying unwarranted knowledge and advice. For one, I stay clear of wellness influencers on social media. Whilst there are well-informed professionals on social media that can provide accessible and user-friendly information, the media often provides unfounded, mixed evidence relating to under-researched topics like PCOS. For example, there have been instances where individuals have been caught selling fake remedies and cures to vulnerable people dealing with PCOS .  Web pages from sources that have no medical background are also a red flag, which is why I recommend reliable sources such as the NHS and other respected medical sources.     It may sound strange, but I am grateful for how infrequent my menstrual phase is. I tend to get my period every few months, which means I don't always deal with the pain that comes with it. I experience a significant amount of pain during my periods, alongside a vast list of other symptoms. My experience is similar to that of many other women, as studies point to an increased risk of dysmenorrhea and other pain conditions among those with PCOS . The sharp, back-stabbing pains can also be caused by the rupture of an ovarian cyst . However, in some cases, it may require medical attention because of potential infection or other serious complications.    I could not imagine going through that pain on a regular monthly basis.     The ‘bad’  Whilst I don’t experience menses every month, there are a multitude of symptoms unaccounted for by the diagnostic criteria that affect me every day. For one, chronic fatigue affects every aspect of my life: from my social interactions to my ability to get through a day at work or university. There is no amount of sleep that will prevent me from feeling like my body is giving up on itself. In fact, I have uninterrupted sleep every night, but somehow I struggle to get through the day without feeling like an absolute wreck. Unfortunately, despite its prevalence amongst women with PCOS , chronic fatigue is an underrecognised symptom.  Image Source: Mushaboom Studio on Unsplash With the constant state of fatigue comes the brain fog. For me, the cold season worsens the situation, as my persistently low vitamin D is accompanied by increasing forgetfulness and mental fatigue. Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is extremely common in women like me. Like clockwork, every year I’m prescribed 50000 units (IUD) of vitamin D, which is only prescribed to people with a severe deficiency. On this regime, I sense an improvement in mood as I stop completely avoiding social interaction and have more positive thoughts throughout the day. I wish I could say that the fatigue and brain fog also improve, but it would be too good to be true. To this day, I haven’t found a definitive solution to this problem, but my hope is not completely lost.    Many women report other problems that are underrecognised as symptoms of PCOS. In a previous article , a fellow ITM contributor, Sophia, explained how cystic acne, abdominal fat, and mood swings made her feel self-conscious.    The ‘ugly’  Learning what I know about PCOS was not an easy ride. Whilst I now feel more confident about the knowledge I gained, the limited amount of reliable information made my experience more discouraging. With research being underfunded and the inability of health professionals to provide satisfying information , where is one meant to get their knowledge from?     As an impressionable 16-year-old, I resorted to the self-proclaimed experts on social media, where the common themes ranged from weight loss, forbidden foods, and promising cures . In my desperate search for answers and solutions, I came across a multitude of false claims, such as the existence of different types of PCOS. I distinctly remember being made to feel guilty about doing high-intensity workouts, which left me feeling very conflicted. Up until my diagnosis, I used to run track, swim, or play tennis. Those were the times I felt the healthiest I had ever been, so how did social media convince me that it was not good for me?   Image Source: Elisa Ventures on Unsplash Well, considering how common it is for women with PCOS to come across misinformation, being influenced by such media content should not come as a surprise, but it is cause for concern. Influencers have been known to sell promises to ‘cure the root cause of PCOS’ with their unfounded diet plans, supplement regimes, and laboratory tests , causing women thousands of pounds worth of costs and a great deal of mental distress. The fast-spreading misinformation on social media contributes to the encouragement of dangerous and extreme behaviours, including unsupervised use of inappropriate medication for weight loss , and takes away the spotlight from safer management options like healthy, well-balanced nutrition. The use of platforms that facilitate access to evidence-based information , tips and advice , discussion forums, and symptom tracking is essential for avoiding the detrimental influence of misinformation and confusion.    Light at the end of the tunnel  I cannot begin to explain how the growing accounts of women with PCOS help me feel more validated and part of a community. Articles that allow voices like Sophia’s to be heard introduce me to new perspectives and advice that allow me to grow more confident and learn new ways of managing my own experience with PCOS. Whilst limited, there are online communities that allow others affected by PCOS to share this sentiment. And with this article, I hope to contribute to the growing voices of women with reproductive and endocrinological disorders, and help those who may feel out of depth or misunderstood to feel connected and seen.

As one of the thousands of Levantine migrants (originating from the Levant region, including the countries of Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan etc.) whose families are now in the Gulf in pursuit of a better life, my world shattered the morning of the 28 th of February. I had returned home from my studies in the UK for a quick visit with my family and to attend a family event. That morning, my mother woke me up claiming the war had started. “What war?” I asked, certain that my home country, Lebanon, was once again under attack. Photo by Lara Jameson on Pexels  I suddenly hear an explosion.   My mind begins to race, and the realisation that the Gulf is involved hits me. I open my phone and skim my notifications: “US base hit in Bahrain”, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait… I cannot process the words displayed on my screen, and my inability to wrap my head around the facts emphasises how unthinkable the situation felt just a few days ago. Manama, Bahrain, February 28. REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed Growing up the way I did meant I was privileged; I was fortunate enough to think “No, not me, not here”. My parents made sure that I would not have to experience any of this, not the way they did.   As a child of the Levantine diaspora, you often hear bits and pieces of your parents’ childhoods, as they rarely give you full stories. The environment my parents grew up in was not ideal, as the 70s and 80s were a time of civil and regional war in Lebanon. I’ve heard storie s — my father hearing that his parents’ home had blown up while at the market, my mother and her family being in their apartment when their building’s roof was bombed. There was little to no acknowledgement that it was difficult for them to survive, that it affected them heavily, or that they did their best to shelter my siblings and me from similar experiences. However, these sentiments became apparent as I grew to find meaning in the actions they took and decisions they made.   See, when I was five years old, a bomb detonated next to my school in Beirut, and while I cannot recall the event, my parents have rarely spoken of that day.   It is a regular Tuesday when they hear an explosion. Within minutes, they are notified through word of mouth that it comes from a building near my school. At the time, both my parents work at opposite ends of the city, and before mobile services are restored, they rush to my school from their respective offices. My mother picks me up and takes us home. My father arrives a few minutes later and requests to pick me up. As minutes go by, the expressions of panic from the school staff grow, and my father quickly understands that I cannot be located. His mind immediately takes him to the worst scenario it can conjure. He believes I am taken or hurt and is immediately terrified. Eventually, the mobile networks come back up, and my father gets in contact with my mother, learning that I am safe at home with her.   That day, my parents decided that they would not watch my siblings and I endure what they did. Shortly after, my parents found a way to relocate to the UAE. It was an emerging haven for skilled Arabs offering safety, stability and a better life. I began my studies there and received a gold-standard education, which helped me to later pursue my bachelor’s and now my master’s degree in the UK. All the while, I was, to a certain extent, sheltered from the chaos of Lebanon, the civil unrest, corrupt politics and financial instability. Not to say that my home country isn’t a beautiful place where I wish I could have grown up, but simply to highlight that the move brought opportunity, a tolerant, friendly environment, and an international upbringing exposing me to a variety of cultures and ways of thinking, where many felt they belonged.   I have always been grateful for the decision my parents made. The larger part of my family later also relocated, and we built a community here with a strong support system. Thus, I feel connected to Dubai, the city I grew up in, which is why I am shocked as the events of the 28 th of February and subsequent days are unravelling.   Videos of fires — in familiar neighbourhoods and places I frequent — have spread across social media, instilling fear and anxiety amongst residents and myself. I soon understood that interceptions of incoming attacks are causing debris to fall, leading to fires. And, as the numbers are published later that day, highlighting the number of missiles intercepted and drones stopped, I realise how, despite the reality of the current situation, I am still privileged. My version of war includes Wi-Fi, family and friends gathering, and access to everything I need in a country that is going far to keep all those within it safe. Thankfully, the government is well-equipped, and all fires are extinguished in a timely and safe manner. The injuries are minimal, and the deaths are extremely limited. The days following the 28 th  of February have felt calmer; however, regional tensions are increasing. The short-term resolution for these ongoing events in the region feels less and less likely. Oscar Chan on Pexels The airspace is mostly closed to protect civilian safety, which has left a number of tourists stranded here and some residents unable to return home. I am amongst those affected by these closures, as I was meant to be back in the UK by now to resume classes and complete my degree. I am worried about when I will be able to return, the impact this delay will have on my studies, and the broader impacts these events will have on others. However, the government has made efforts to ensure everyone’s needs are met, including extending stays free of charge and providing free accommodation and food. Repatriation flights have also now commenced, as the airports open for a couple of hours a day.   Companies are asked to take care of their employees, businesses are giving back to the community, and schools have gone online, adopting systems aimed at catering to all circumstances. The headlines do feel heavy and some are finding it difficult to cope at the moment, but as I’ve read in local newspapers, mental health helplines and consultations are open to those struggling, and support groups have been organised to help us carry each other through.   I would be lying if I said I’m not on edge, that I don’t worry when I hear a jet circle around my area or the loud sounds from interceptions. But the opportunities the Gulf has offered my family and the degree to which it is equipped to uphold order, extend generosity and ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors keep me grateful for the roots I have built and the life I have the privilege of pursuing here.   With every day escalating, my home country of Lebanon is becoming increasingly impacted by this war. While my family back home is currently safe, the number of civilians harmed and infrastructure damaged is devasting. These conflicts in the Middle East are affecting many across the region, and my thoughts and prayers are with all those who are affected by these events.

Image Source: nikko macaspac on Unsplash Nightmares are a common part of our childhoods that usually subside as we reach adulthood. But if you’re like me, those nightmares may have taken ahold of you, well into your adult life.   I have always been pulled towards anything spooky. As a young girl, I had my head stuck in books about ghosts. Now, as an adult and creative writer, I choose to write about distressing subjects like true crime and the paranormal. I am currently writing a crime thriller, and living in a small, sleepy village in the Northwest of England makes the perfect background. Because I always surround myself with the macabre, it might seem obvious why I would frequently have nightmares - but there were also some overlooked issues, too.   A few years ago, I detailed my experiences living with a nightmare disorder, including sleep paralysis, in an ITM piece called “ Am I Haunted ” - at the time, I was still searching for explanations as to why or what was happening to me. This piece is a reflection on what has changed, what therapy has helped me uncover, and what I now understand about the relationship between stress, anxiety, grief, and the mind’s darkest corners. Image Source: Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash Life Itself is a Nightmare I have suffered from anxiety for as long as I can remember, and my avoidance in dealing with these issues (due to being an adult and expecting people to judge me for not “getting better”) made my disorder even worse.   Through therapy, I have learned that my nightmares are my brain’s way of saying, “hey, we aren’t done with this yet.” I live with anxiety that can be deeply intrusive; a missed phone call meant something terrible had happened, silence from someone meant I’d upset them - the present and future felt saturated with dread.   Recent incidents, such as losing my job, combined with struggling to find a new one, and a series of unstable roles beforehand, intensified this cycle; my day became filled with stress, and my nights crowded with nightmares. Therapy is what helped me recognise how tightly these two worlds were linked. Image Source: Marek Studzinski on Unsplash Never-Ending Nightmare Fuel After my Grandad passed away in 2019, my sleep cycle became so disturbing that I developed a fear of falling asleep. It didn’t matter what I had watched or read beforehand; I was a huge fan of the US show Supernatural and was banned from watching it during this period. But it wasn’t as simple as just ‘not watching scary shows’ (one of my worst nightmares came after watching an episode of the Gilmore Girls, which if you know, isn't considered scary).   Grief is a universal human burden, and it became one of my greatest stressors after my Grandad's death. The unspoken pain of losing my best friend surfaced as relentless nightmares, leaving me exhausted and anxious. Even when my grief became easier to handle, I would still have nightmares about ghosts, death, being attacked or chased by sharks and other weird creatures. And whilst everyone will have these types of dreams every so often, for me, it was almost every single night.   It became apparent that the one thing that linked all my parasomnias was stress, but also my inability to ask for help.   What Has Worked For Me   One way to take back control is to write down your nightmare once you wake up, but as a new, positive version, and you rehearse this version during the day. This is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy called Nightmare Rescripting or Imagery Rehearsal Therapy . It is a way to help the brain learn a new way to deal with nightmares and help reduce their intensity and frequency. Although I have never tried this therapy in a professional setting, I would do it at home, either as soon as I woke up from the nightmare or before I went to sleep at night, and eventually, it started to help.   Lucid Dreaming Therapy is a type of therapy centred on the practice of lucid dreaming, which is when someone becomes aware that they are dreaming and can take control of their dream . Taking control allows you to change the trajectory of the dream. There are various techniques used to do this, like repeating the words “when I begin dreaming, I will remember that I’m dreaming” before you go to sleep, or writing down your dreams after you wake up, as it can help you notice ‘dream signs’.   Dream signs can be a specific person, a certain object, or walking into a familiar room - for me, it was the appearance of my Grandad. Each night before I went to sleep, I would remind myself of this, and eventually I began to pick up on this during my dream; I would point out my Grandad, and I would shout "leave me alone" at the entity I could feel him morphing into, and the nightmare would eventually cease, or I would wake up.   While there are many techniques to try and subdue nightmares, a common underlying cause is stress, so starting a journey with a counsellor or therapist can be very beneficial - and this is what has helped me the most. Talking openly has been the best way for me to deal with debilitating emotions, and if you’re struggling, you should try it too; talking to your friends and family about your feelings or what is on your mind can help alleviate pent-up emotions.   Part of the reason our minds can feel like breeding grounds for worry comes down to how the brain is wired - psychologists call this negativity bias . It is an evolutionary survival mechanism that once helped our ancestors stay alive by prioritising potential threats. Today, the same wiring still reacts to emotional pain, and this "emotional alarm system” triggers the stress hormone cortisol, which makes the brain more sensitive to negativity.   This understanding, which I learned through therapy, highlights why talking about our emotions can be so powerful. By expressing ourselves out loud, we can break the loop by giving shape to overwhelming thoughts, and we can help our brains learn that emotional experiences aren’t threats to our survival but experiences we can process and move through. My Nightmares Today Image Source: Rachael Elizabeth (author) Night after night, my subconscious would drag up everything I had been pushing down whilst awake - even now, my nightmares span everything from loss to violence. But therapy has shown me that my nightmares aren’t the enemy; avoidance is.   Seven years after the passing of my Grandad, I can think and talk about him without being plagued by nightmares. Today, I am still navigating stress due to job loss, and trying to secure a new one, and whilst therapy hasn’t cured my nightmares overnight, it has given me the knowledge that I don’t need to be fearless, just honest.   Stress is unavoidable, and nightmares are not punishment; they are messages. And while they may still visit me, I no longer meet them with the same fear - now, I listen, and more often than not, that makes all the difference.

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I’m passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues. It’s especially important to me to discuss the issues those of us who cannot afford frequent private therapy face, to highlight how inaccessible the mental health services can be, and why those of us suffering need more. Read Now Meet Hattie Gladwell I’m a freelance journalist specialising in mental health issues. I worked for Metro.co.uk for five years before going fully freelance in June 2020, following the birth of my first child. I’m passionate about raising awareness of mental health issues, as someone who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at the age of 20, and later borderline personality disorder and OCD. It’s especially important to me to discuss the issues those of us who cannot afford frequent private therapy face, to highlight how inaccessible the mental health services can be, and why those of us suffering need more. Ultimately, I want to make a difference in how mental illness is talked about today. How music has been my escapism since the age of six Throughout the ups and downs of my life, there has been one constant: music. It’s something that I’ve been doing ever since I was little.... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Jan 10, 2022 3 min read It’s okay to take a step back when you need to I’m writing this for anyone who is currently overwhelmed or feeling like they need to take a step back. From anything. From the internet,... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Aug 25, 2021 3 min read I'm tired of feeling guilty for being a working mother I’m tired of feeling guilty for being a working mother. It’s something I’ve been dealing with for a long time, ever since I got back to... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Aug 2, 2021 3 min read Things you should remember when writing a personal essay I’ve been writing personal essays ever since I first entered the world of journalism. Personal essays are pieces I enjoy writing, because... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Jul 26, 2021 4 min read Anxiety disorders aren't 'lesser than' other mental health conditions - let's stop with the stigma Trigger warning: The blog contains mentions of suicidal ideation, which some readers may find distressing. I was diagnosed with bipolar... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Jul 19, 2021 3 min read Why I'm boycotting Love Island this year - and every year after I used to love Love Island. I remember discovering it at season two, and binge-watched the whole of series one just so that I was caught... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Jul 12, 2021 3 min read I miss who I was before inflammatory bowel disease I was diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease in 2015. Ulcerative colitis, to be precise, which is a form of IBD that causes severe... 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The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell May 24, 2021 4 min read The conversation around mental health issues needs to go beyond self-care and wellness “It doesn’t matter, we all know what we’re getting at”, I see strangers say online as they discuss the difference between mental health... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell May 17, 2021 3 min read 8 first steps to take if you think you have postnatal depression I was diagnosed with postnatal depression six months after having a baby. It took this long because I didn’t open up about it until this... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell May 10, 2021 5 min read What I wish people knew about living with both a chronic illness and a mental illness My mental health issues started when I was young. When I was four years old, I experienced seeing things that were not there, and hearing... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell May 4, 2021 4 min read Why I choose to write about my mental health publicly When I first started writing about my experience with mental illness, the world of mental health in media felt quiet. Of course, there... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell May 3, 2021 3 min read My baby starts daycare soon - here's why it makes me worry In two weeks, my baby goes to daycare for the first time. He’s already one, and in his little life so far he has only met one other... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Apr 27, 2021 3 min read My son saved my mental health, in more ways than one Before I had my child, I was a different person. Not just in the sense that well, I didn’t have a child, but in the sense that since, my... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Apr 26, 2021 4 min read An open letter to anyone experiencing distressing intrusive thoughts Intrusive thoughts are a normal part of life. Unfortunately, everyone has them. Maybe you’ve been standing on a train platform and had a... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Apr 19, 2021 4 min read Why I will raise my child to be understanding of mental health issues When I was growing up, I was brought up to understand, and to be understanding of mental health issues. My mum has bipolar disorder, and... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Apr 13, 2021 3 min read Why writing a to-do list is a brilliant form of self-care Yesterday, I shared a tweet talking about how I add things to my to-do list having already done them, just for the satisfaction of being... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Apr 6, 2021 3 min read Why I'm finally opening up about my binge eating disorder I was very unwell with bulimia nervosa as a teenager. I felt insignificant next to my friends. I received comments on the size of my legs... 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The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Feb 22, 2021 4 min read Being a working mother made me feel like a failure - now I realise it was postnatal depression When I was pregnant with my son, I turned to online baby groups and motherhood websites for support and to learn what I was in for when... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Feb 8, 2021 3 min read Mental health services are failing the working class Telling people to ‘speak up’ and ‘be kind’ on social media isn’t going to change the fact that mental health services are failing the... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladwell DUPLICATE Oct 13, 2020 5 min read

Inspire the Mind has the pleasure of working with established writers, who's columns and series are displayed in this section.  Columns and Series Inspire the Mind has the pleasure of working with established writers, who's columns and series are displayed in this section. Read Now Our Columns AMHDM - Adolescent Mental Health Read More The Researcher’s Teacup: Managing Wellbeing in a Demanding Workplace For a moment, I stop taking notes. My office melts away in my periphery and the participant’s voice echoes in my head. AMHDM Series Hina Naela Mar 11, 2025 5 min read Connecting Classrooms and Research Lessons Learned for Successful School Collaborations It’s 8:30 am. The morning bell rings, signalling the start of another busy school... AMHDM Series Laura Lucas Feb 26, 2025 5 min read One Goal, Two Hats: Researching wellbeing where we live and work This article has been co-written by Jemima Dooley , Florence Sargent , and Jay Bate Sometimes when I walk across my university campus, I... AMHDM Series Jemima Dooley Feb 12, 2025 5 min read The Perinatal Journey Read More Children’s Tantrums: What they really are and what we can do A few months ago, while walking home, I heard a child screaming about not wanting to leave the playground. The parents were also... The Perinatal Journey Alessandra Biaggi Aug 22, 2024 6 min read Breaking the intergenerational transmission of childhood maltreatment From maternal childhood maltreatment to children’s emotional-behavioural problems: what can be done to break the link I have written this... The Perinatal Journey Alessandra Biaggi May 17, 2024 5 min read Children’s play: It's more serious than you think Play is a very serious activity for children, and is, as the Italian physician and educator, Maria Montessori, said, the work of the... The Perinatal Journey Alessandra Biaggi Feb 28, 2024 6 min read Behind the Science Read More How does our brain understand the passing of time? Joe Paton, head of the Learning Lab at the Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, has been researching the neurological principles by which... Behind the Science Column Sofia Quaglia Oct 26, 2023 5 min read How the brain memorizes mundane events An interview with Zachariah Reagh, a brain scientist at Washington University. Do you remember what you did on this day six months ago?... Behind the Science Column Sofia Quaglia Sep 28, 2023 9 min read Is there a link between personality and cognitive abilities? This new meta-analysis gets to the bottom of the question. A new, exhaustive study published in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of... Behind the Science Column Sofia Quaglia Aug 24, 2023 9 min read Creativity and Balance Read More Why the Suffering Artist Archetype is so damaging for creatives The ‘suffering artist’ is a romanticised archetype that has been perpetuated throughout history in literature, film, and popular culture.... Creativity and Balance Column Natali Simmonds Mar 7, 2024 5 min read Self-promotion for creatives: Getting seen is the key to success The arts and business don’t mix. They should. They need to. But no one likes to talk about the two together. I’ve been a published... Creativity and Balance Column Natali Simmonds Dec 6, 2023 5 min read More Than A Thriller Good Girls Die Last is feminist reality wrapped in fiction I was so tired of crying. It was the summer of 2021 and the news was full of... Creativity and Balance Column Natali Simmonds Jun 22, 2023 5 min read Rachel Kelly's Column Read More How Parents Can Talk to Their Teenagers About Sex and Pornography Dads, what would you say in a letter to your sons? The Adolescence star Stephen Graham recently called on fathers to share messages to their sons for a new book call ‘Letters to Our Sons’. Photo from Bloomsbury Publishing An ongoing national conversation promoted by this psychological crime drama about a 13-year-old who is arrested for the murder of his female classmate continues. Much of that conversation has been about bullying, toxic masculinity - a term for stereotypi Rachel Kelly Column Rachel Kelly Nov 6, 2025 4 min read Helping teenagers make friends and build supportive relationships When Prince Harry gave an impromptu speech last week at the Diana Award in central London, he talked of the loneliness that many young people experience, describing how they could feel isolated if “lost and separated from a group.” Research also confirms that young people are experiencing high rates of loneliness, often at higher levels than older age groups. A large review identified loneliness as peaking between ages 18 and 29, with one in three young adults reporting f Rachel Kelly Column Rachel Kelly Oct 2, 2025 5 min read Drinking Culture Among Young People Good news! Young people in general are drinking less than older generations did and still do: around one-quarter of 16 to 24-year-olds don’t drink at all, compared with just over one-fifth of the broader adult population. Rachel Kelly Column Rachel Kelly Sep 5, 2025 5 min read Hattie Gladwell Column Read More How music has been my escapism since the age of six Throughout the ups and downs of my life, there has been one constant: music. It’s something that I’ve been doing ever since I was little.... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Jan 10, 2022 3 min read It’s okay to take a step back when you need to I’m writing this for anyone who is currently overwhelmed or feeling like they need to take a step back. From anything. From the internet,... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Aug 25, 2021 3 min read I'm tired of feeling guilty for being a working mother I’m tired of feeling guilty for being a working mother. It’s something I’ve been dealing with for a long time, ever since I got back to... The Hattie Gladwell Column Hattie Gladewell Aug 2, 2021 3 min read Our Series Maternal Mental Health Read More Mum Brain or Mental Over-Load? For decades, the concept of ‘Mum Brain’ has been synonymous with the experience of motherhood. It’s almost a rite of passage to experience the memory loss and brain fog of pregnancy and the postpartum period (also called Pregnancy Brain, Baby Brain, Mummy Brain, Mumnesia). But what if Mum Brain had more to do with the mental load of motherhood, namely the cognitive and emotional labour that primarily falls on mothers, and less to do with mum brains? I’m a neuroscientist wh Science & Research Jodi Pawluski Jul 17, 2025 5 min read Breaking the intergenerational transmission of childhood maltreatment From maternal childhood maltreatment to children’s emotional-behavioural problems: what can be done to break the link I have written this... The Perinatal Journey Alessandra Biaggi May 17, 2024 5 min read After the Storm: Supporting Maternal Mental Health This is the last blog of our Maternal Mental Health series. For the last six weeks, dear reader, we have discussed the often... Maternal Mental Health Jodi Pawluski Nov 9, 2022 4 min read Fatherhood & Men's Mental Health Read More Transforming the Narrative on Fatherhood and Mental Health I’m William Nicholson, a dad of 3 and an activist for social and systems change. I’m passionate about supporting health and wellbeing... Fatherhood and Mental Health Wiliam Nicholson Nov 19, 2021 5 min read 'Who's the real Dad?' Two-Father Families and Surrogacy Any parent can experience mental health difficulties in the perinatal period (from conception to one year following birth), regardless of... Fatherhood and Mental Health Zoe Darwin Nov 11, 2021 6 min read Struggles with 'Imposter Dad' Syndrome I’m Michael and I’m married to Wes. We met by complete chance in June 2012 at Birmingham Pride no less, both single and not looking for a... Fatherhood and Mental Health Michael Johnson-Ellis Nov 10, 2021 7 min read Psych Stars Read More Inspiring and supporting the Psychiatrists of tomorrow Note from the Editor : It is my pleasure to present the final Psych Star blog of the Psych Star Series , a collection of articles written... Psych Stars Dr Declan Hyland Dec 18, 2024 4 min read The Contribution of Acquired Brain Injuries on Criminal Behaviour On a busy road, when the traffic rushes like water breaking through a dam and the lights refuse to turn red, the decision you may make to... Psych Stars Namira Patel Nov 14, 2024 5 min read ADHD in doctors: a personal reflection It is ADHD Awareness Month , and I often find myself reflecting on my own diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),... Psych Stars Catriona McVey Oct 15, 2024 5 min read