Eating disorders are some of the most misunderstood mental health conditions out there. So many of the ideas we carry around about them — who they affect, what they "look like," how serious they really are — simply aren't true. And those myths can stop people getting help when they need it most. We're clearing up some of the most common misconceptions. Whether you're worried about yourself, supporting someone you love, or just want to understand more, here are the facts about

Have you ever noticed a new ache, pain, or sensation in your body and immediately worried that it might be something serious? If so, you're not alone. Health anxiety is a common condition that can leave people feeling trapped in a cycle of worry, checking, and seeking reassurance. Understanding how health anxiety works can be the first step towards breaking free from it. What Is Health Anxiety? Health anxiety occurs when a person becomes excessively worried about their health

When emotions feel overwhelming — for children and adults — connection can play an important role in helping the nervous system feel safe and settled again. Co-regulation is the process of calming and regulating emotions through supportive interaction with another person. Research shows that shared calming activities can help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation and strengthen relationships. Here are six simple, practical ways to support nervous system regulation toget

Exam season can be stressful for anyone, but for young people experiencing eating disorders or disordered eating, the pressure can feel even more overwhelming. Across the UK, students are balancing revision, high expectations and uncertainty about the future — all while trying to maintain their mental and physical wellbeing. Research shows that exam stress can increase anxiety, emotional overwhelm and changes in eating behaviours, particularly for those already vulnerable to

The teenage years can feel overwhelming — for both teens and parents. Mood swings, stress, emotional outbursts and increasing independence are all part of adolescent development, but understanding what’s happening beneath the surface can help caregivers respond with greater confidence and compassion. Research shows that adolescence is a major period of brain growth and emotional development. During this stage, teenagers are learning how to manage emotions, solve problems and

When we think about improving our health, fibre is often overlooked. Yet this simple nutrient plays a powerful role in both our physical wellbeing and our mental health. As we mark #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth (#MHAM), it’s worth understanding how something as small as increasing fibre in your diet can make a meaningful difference to how you feel, inside and out. What Is Fibre and Why Do We Need It? Fibre is a type of carbohydrate found in plant-based foods such as fruit, vege

With increasing awareness around mental wellbeing, many people are looking for practical, evidence-informed ways to support their mental health in everyday life. Insights from Jay Shetty — a former Vedic monk and host of the On Purpose podcast — highlight simple yet impactful habits that can be integrated into daily routines. 1. Practise self-acknowledgement We often direct gratitude outward, but rarely towards ourselves. Taking a moment each day to acknowledge your own effor

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