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

Stress is a natural part of being human. In short bursts, it can sharpen focus and help us respond to challenges. But when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can affect both mental and physical health. In the UK, stress-related difficulties are increasingly common, contributing to anxiety disorders, burnout, trauma responses, and physical health complaints. To understand why stress can feel so powerful — and sometimes so hard to control — it helps to understand how th

Feeling overwhelmed is a normal part of being a teenager — but for many young people today, emotions can feel bigger, louder, and harder to manage than ever before. Anxiety, anger, sadness, panic or shutdown can come on quickly and feel impossible to control, especially for teenagers with anxiety, autism, ADHD, eating disorders or phobias. The good news? There are simple, evidence-based strategies that genuinely help teenagers manage difficult emotions — and they don’t requir

Emotional numbness can feel confusing and unsettling. Many people describe it as feeling “flat”, detached, or disconnected from themselves and others. Joy feels muted. Sadness feels distant. Even anger or fear may seem blunted. While it can be distressing, emotional numbness is not a personal failure. It is often a protective response. In the UK, millions of people experience anxiety, depression, trauma-related difficulties, or chronic stress each year. Emotional disconnectio

Children’s mental health in the UK has reached a critical point. Recent NHS data shows that around 1 in 5 children and young people now experience a probable mental health disorder, a sharp rise compared to pre-pandemic levels. Anxiety, autism, ADHD, eating disorders and phobias are among the most common challenges affecting teenagers today — and demand for support has never been higher. At the same time, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) are under unprecede

By the third week of January, most New Year’s resolutions have already faded. This isn’t because people lack commitment. It’s because they attempt to move forward while dragging unresolved problems with them. Unproductive habits, draining commitments, and outdated ways of thinking don’t magically disappear on 1 January. They get carried forward — quietly undermining every new goal. If you want 2026 to stand apart, you need more than reflection. You need a systematic review  t

Why the New Year Can Trigger Anxiety The turn of the year often brings a mix of excitement, reflection, and expectation. For many people, it is a time to celebrate achievements, set resolutions, and look forward to the months ahead. However, it can also trigger anxiety, stress, or feelings of pressure. Social expectations, comparison with others, and the sense that “everything must change” overnight can make the New Year feel overwhelming rather than uplifting. Anxiety at thi

Why the Holidays Can Be Draining The festive season is often portrayed as a time of endless socialising, family gatherings and joyful celebrations. While this can be enjoyable for some, it can also feel exhausting for many, especially those who are sensitive to social overstimulation, introverted, or navigating recovery from mental health or eating challenges. The pressure to attend events, make conversation, and maintain appearances can leave people feeling depleted rather t

Why the Festive Season Can Be Challenging The festive season is often portrayed as a time of indulgence, family gatherings and celebration. For many, it is a joyful period full of shared meals, treats and traditions. Yet for people with a history of disordered eating, holidays can bring anxiety, guilt or increased preoccupation with food. Social expectations, family pressures and the abundance of celebratory food can feel overwhelming, making it harder to maintain a sense of

When the Festive Season Feels Difficult The festive season is often portrayed as a time of happiness, indulgence and constant togetherness. Images of celebration and shared traditions can create the sense that joy should come easily to everyone. For those in recovery from an eating disorder or mental health difficulties, however, this time of year can feel emotionally complex and overwhelming. Recovery does not pause for the holidays. Increased focus on food, disrupted routin

The Holidays Can Be Harder Than They Look For many people, the festive season is associated with joy, togetherness and celebration. However, for someone living with an eating disorder (ED), this time of year can feel overwhelming, triggering and emotionally exhausting. Festive periods often centre around food, social gatherings, comments about bodies or eating, and unspoken expectations to “just enjoy yourself”. While usually well-intentioned, these dynamics can leave someone

Bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two different mental health conditions, yet they can look surprisingly similar. Because some symptoms overlap, figuring out which one you’re dealing with can be challenging—even for professionals. Getting the right diagnosis, however, is key to choosing the right treatment and improving daily life. What Bipolar Disorder Looks Like People with bipolar disorder experience major mood shifts. These shifts us

Advice for parents supporting siblings Eating disorders can lead to huge changes within the family and affect day to day life for everyone. Meal times can become tense and ‘normal’ family activities such as trips out or holidays may be cancelled or become less enjoyable. Supporting siblings Parents may understandably direct a lot of their time and attention to the child with the eating disorder. Often siblings describe experiencing a wide range of feelings including confusion

The Promise and the Paradox Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming mental health care — from chatbots that offer crisis support to algorithms predicting emotional distress. But one question continues to divide experts and the public alike: Can AI ever truly replace face-to-face therapy? The short answer is no — but it can complement it powerfully. Where AI Excels AI tools can make mental health support more accessible, especially for people who face barriers suc

Rethinking the Narrative In recent years, awareness around neurodiversity  — including autism, ADHD, and other neurological differences — has grown significantly. However, an important area that still receives limited attention is the connection between neurodiversity and eating disorders. While eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) have long been viewed through a psychological and social lens, growing resear