It’s the start of Mental Health Awareness Week - an opportunity to raise awareness of issues surrounding mental health and advocate change. You are likely to know a few people in your life who are struggling with mental health issues - they may include you. But how do we need when we need more support than ourselves, and our closest family and friends, to start feeling better? Firstly, going to a therapist or a counsellor isn’t a sign of weakness - I would argue, instead, th

As a parent it can feel like walking through a minefield navigating your teen or young adult’s emotions. We know that a young person is more susceptible to stress and anxiety as their brain is still developing, but how do we know when our child may need professional support to manage their anxiety? Lack of early support The first line of support for most parents is typically an appointment with their child’s GP. The GP provides the vital referral mechanism to specialist ment

Your heart starts pumping rapidly, you find it hard to catch your breath, and you feel an intense sense of fear. Dizziness, feeling sick, chest pains, hot flushes, sweating, and fear of losing control or dying are other symptoms. The onset of these psychological and physical symptoms is called a panic attack. Whilst there may be no real danger around, your body is responding to ensure your survival, triggering a rush of adrenaline which causes various changes throughout the b

Many children and teenagers will feel excited about returning to school this September. But many will also understandably feel a whole range of emotions after a long period of lockdown due to Covid-19, with less structured time at home and more time spent in a small social bubble. These 6 tips are designed to help you navigate your child’s return to school. Please note the tips are not age-specific, so please adapt to what feels right for you and your family. Encourage your c