Emotions are a core part of being human — yet they’re surprisingly complex. Rather than experiencing one clear feeling at a time, most of us experience a mix of emotions that can shift quickly depending on the situation. Understanding how emotions work can help you manage them more effectively and support your overall wellbeing. What are emotions? Emotions are complex psychological states that influence how we think, feel and behave. Some theories suggest that all emotions st

When anxiety builds, your breathing often changes without you noticing. It can become fast, shallow and centred in the chest — a pattern known as thoracic breathing. This type of breathing can actually increase feelings of stress, creating a cycle where anxiety fuels your breathing, and your breathing fuels your anxiety. The good news? By consciously adjusting your breath, you can influence your nervous system and help your body return to a calmer state. Why breathing matters

Feeling constantly on edge? Like even small things — a delayed train or a last-minute deadline — push you into overwhelm? You’re not alone. Chronic stress is increasingly common, and many people are now exploring ways to calm their nervous system, including something called the vagus nerve. But what exactly is it — and can you really “reset” it? What is the vagus nerve? The vagus nerve is one of the longest and most important nerves in your body. It runs from your brainstem a

As Stress Awareness Month shines a spotlight on mental wellbeing, nutrition is increasingly recognised as a powerful tool to support mood. One group of nutrients gaining attention are anthocyanins—natural plant compounds responsible for the rich purple, blue and red colours found in many fruits and vegetables. What Are Anthocyanins? Anthocyanins are a type of antioxidant found in foods such as berries, purple grapes and red cabbage. Beyond their vibrant appearance, these comp

It’s a concern many people quietly struggle with: “I’m barely eating, I’m exercising more than ever… so why is my weight going up?” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and more importantly, it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. In fact, your body may be doing exactly what it’s designed to do: protect you. When Eating Less Doesn’t Lead to Weight Loss There’s a common belief that weight loss is simply a matter of “eat less, move more.” While that can work in some s

When it comes to eating disorders, you might assume that a diagnosis is based purely on behaviours, thoughts and patterns around food. But in reality, it often comes down to something else entirely: weight. We wanted to open up an important conversation around this, because it’s something we see far too often—and it can have a real impact on the support people receive. Same behaviours, different diagnosis In theory, eating disorder diagnoses are guided by clinical criteria. B

Anorexia nervosa is often misunderstood as being “about food” or “about weight.” In reality, it is a complex mental health condition rooted in psychological, neurological, and emotional processes. One of the most powerful drivers in anorexia is the brain’s craving for control. In the UK, eating disorders affect at least 1.25 million people, and anorexia has one of the highest mortality rates of any psychiatric illness. To understand why anorexia can become so entrenched, it i

In today’s always-on world, stress can feel like a constant companion. Between endless notifications, back-to-back meetings and growing to-do lists, it’s no surprise many of us feel overwhelmed. We recently came across a really useful article from Holland & Barrett and thought it was too good not to share with our lovely community. It explores how professionals in high-pressure roles manage stress day-to-day—and the good news is, their strategies are simple, practical and eas

For many, a needle is briefly uncomfortable. For some autistic individuals, however, it can be an intensely distressing experience that goes far beyond physical pain. Understanding this fear is essential for improving healthcare experiences and outcomes. Why needle fear can feel overwhelming Autism affects how individuals process sensory information, predict events, and respond to stress. Medical procedures—particularly those involving needles—can challenge all of these areas

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is widely discussed today, especially on social media, where short videos and checklists can make it seem easy to recognise. If you’ve been asking yourself “do I have ADHD?”, it’s a meaningful question—but one that deserves a careful, evidence-based answer rather than a quick conclusion. What is ADHD? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it affects how the brain develops and functions from an early age. It primarily i

One of the core features of anorexia nervosa is rigidity — around food, routines, numbers, and rules. For many individuals, these rules create a powerful sense of safety and control. When recovery begins, increasing flexibility can feel deeply threatening. Even small changes — eating at a different time, trying a new food, reducing exercise — can trigger intense anxiety. The goal in treatment is not to remove structure abruptly. Instead, it is to build flexibility gradually a

Life transitions can be exciting, challenging, or both. Starting university, changing jobs, moving home, becoming a parent, experiencing relationship changes, or entering midlife — each transition brings uncertainty and adjustment. For individuals vulnerable to eating disorders, these periods of change can cause symptoms to intensify. In the UK, at least 1.25 million people are estimated to be living with an eating disorder. While eating disorders can develop at any stage of

Terms like “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” are commonly used in discussions about mental health conditions such as autism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and other neurodivergent traits. At first glance, these labels might seem helpful—they appear to give a quick snapshot of someone’s abilities or support needs. However, research and clinical experience show that functioning labels are often inaccurate, stigmatizing, and potentially harmful. Functioning Labels Don’t Capt

When people begin therapy, they often arrive feeling exhausted, stuck, or overwhelmed. Whether someone is struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, or an eating disorder, one common thread is a quiet but powerful belief: “Nothing is going to change.” From a therapist’s perspective, hope is not simply a comforting idea. It is a clinical tool — one that plays a measurable and evidence-based role in recovery. In the UK, NHS data continues to show rising rates of comm

When people think about eating disorders, weight is often the first thing that comes to mind. However, experienced therapists know that weight alone does not determine the severity — or even the presence — of an eating disorder. In the UK, at least 1.25 million people are living with an eating disorder, according to Beat. Many do not appear “underweight” and may have a BMI within or above the so-called healthy range. This is why specialist assessments go far beyond the number

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the overlap between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This co-occurrence is sometimes referred to as AuDHD — a term used to describe individuals who display traits of both conditions. In the UK, studies estimate that about 1–2% of adults have a formal autism diagnosis and around 5% have ADHD. Research also suggests that up to 30–50% of autistic individuals may have co-occu

Body Mass Index (BMI) has long been used as a quick screening tool to assess weight categories. In the context of eating disorders (EDs), BMI is often referenced in diagnosis and treatment decisions. However, relying too heavily on BMI can be misleading — and in some cases, harmful. In the UK, eating disorders affect at least 1.25 million people , according to Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity. Yet many individuals struggle to access timely diagnosis and treatment, parti

Eating disorders don’t just affect the individual — they profoundly impact the people around them. Parents, carers, partners and families often carry an invisible weight while supporting a loved one with an eating disorder, yet this emotional labour is rarely acknowledged. During Eating Disorders Awareness Week, it’s vital to widen the conversation beyond diagnosis and treatment, and recognise the ongoing emotional, practical and psychological toll on those providing support.

Have you ever snapped at someone and wondered why you reacted so strongly? Or felt suddenly exhausted in the middle of a stressful day? Perhaps you’ve noticed moments when you feel calm and connected — and others when everything feels overwhelming. These shifts are not random. They reflect changes in your nervous system state. Understanding how to identify your nervous system state in real life can help you regulate stress, reduce anxiety, and respond more intentionally rathe

Eating Disorders Awareness Week is an important opportunity to reflect not just on how common eating disorders are, but on who is being missed by traditional models of understanding and treatment. One group that remains consistently overlooked is neurodivergent individuals, particularly those who are autistic or have ADHD. Research increasingly shows a strong overlap between eating disorders, autism and ADHD, yet many services still rely on frameworks that don’t fully accoun