Neurodiversity: Should We Really Treat Mental Health Difficulties the Same Between Autistic and Non-Autistic Children?

(999 words, 5-minute read) Think about your interactions with neurodiverse friends. Do you treat them differently compared to others? Are you more sensitive to their unique needs? Well, we would expect mental health services to meet these needs, but worryingly Continue reading Neurodiversity: Should We Really Treat Mental Health Difficulties the Same Between Autistic and Non-Autistic Children?

Inspiring equality: the impact of ethnicity on accessing psychological support for families with chronic health conditions

“There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling.” – Jimmy Neil Smith. I wanted to start with a story that inspired my own research on ethnicity and mental health. Since I was a child, my grandparents shared stories of Continue reading Inspiring equality: the impact of ethnicity on accessing psychological support for families with chronic health conditions

‘Living in Newham impacts your mental health’: Unveiling the dual impact on mental health of residing in a dangerous borough in London

What comes to mind when you think about children’s upbringing? For some young people, words like “violence” or “fear” might sadly resonate. Recent NHS statistics reveal a troubling trend: a significant increase in mental health issues among UK adolescents. In Continue reading ‘Living in Newham impacts your mental health’: Unveiling the dual impact on mental health of residing in a dangerous borough in London

Children and Young People with Eating Difficulties: How was their mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic?

When the Covid-19 pandemic started, its impact on mental health became a pressing concern, especially for vulnerable groups like Children and Young People (CYP). But what about the CYP battling disordered eating – a group of people who particularly struggle Continue reading Children and Young People with Eating Difficulties: How was their mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Physical Activity – A New Form of Treatment for Mental Health Conditions?

Exercise group with instructor.

“[Physical activity] is a real support to me whilst I am contending with depression and trying to emerge from it.” Have you ever gone on a walk and felt like all your problems have disappeared? There is some science to Continue reading Physical Activity – A New Form of Treatment for Mental Health Conditions?

Socrates and psychotherapists in artificial intelligence: evaluating state-of-the-art AIs’ ability in mastering mental health therapeutic technique

(Word count: 820, 3-minute read) Have you ever tried to ‘talk’ to ChatGPT, the latest generation of language-producing artificial intelligence? Are you seeking comfort and wondering if AIs could help you improve your mental health? Are you a therapist wondering about Continue reading Socrates and psychotherapists in artificial intelligence: evaluating state-of-the-art AIs’ ability in mastering mental health therapeutic technique

The power of digital data: Using AI to predict mental health states based on digital phenotyping

The famous Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus once said, “Prevention is better than cure.” This timeless wisdom resonates with us in our daily lives. We clean our rooms to avoid big clutters. We wear sunscreen to prevent getting sunburned. And we Continue reading The power of digital data: Using AI to predict mental health states based on digital phenotyping

Creative intervention: an alternative way to help the homeless?

There is no question that homelessness is one of the UK’s biggest social problems, and with the current cost of living crisis, the number of individuals experiencing homeless is only set to rise. Therefore, now more than ever it is Continue reading Creative intervention: an alternative way to help the homeless?

A Neglected Occupation – Healthcare Research Staff: What happened to their mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Imagine going into a hospital to ask for help, but there are no doctors or nursing staff there. You may think that would be outrageous, but the fact is NHS healthcare workers (HCWs) consistently left their jobs during the COVID-19 Continue reading A Neglected Occupation – Healthcare Research Staff: What happened to their mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic?

Finding COMFORT through Mindfulness: A tool for coping with Long COVID?

Remember the relief you felt when COVID-19 restrictions were lifted? Well, picture this: you’re out with your friends, but suddenly you can’t even walk for five minutes without feeling exhausted. Your heart is racing and you are breathing heavily. “my Continue reading Finding COMFORT through Mindfulness: A tool for coping with Long COVID?