Anxiety and stress

Many UK adults struggle to get enough restful sleep, and it’s taking a toll on mental health. Sleep helps our brains process emotions, manage stress, and stay resilient—but poor or inconsistent rest can heighten anxiety, irritability, and emotional reactivity. Small, consistent changes in routine, environment, and mindset can improve sleep quality, supporting both mental wellbeing and everyday functioning.

Discover how boxing for mental health can boost wellbeing, reduce stress, and build confidence. From learning proper technique and defensive footwork to connecting with supportive communities, boxing offers a fun, structured way to release tension and improve mood. Initiatives like the NHS boxing gym highlight its therapeutic potential, showing that this empowering sport is for everyone, not just competitive athletes.

November is Men’s Mental Health Month — a time to open up the conversation about men and therapy. Despite high rates of distress and suicide, many men still hold back from seeking support. This article explores the stigma, cultural expectations, and quiet courage behind men’s experiences of therapy, offering an empathic, hopeful look at how talking can truly help.

Loneliness and social isolation affect millions in the UK, impacting mental health, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging. Humans are wired for connection, but modern life and social barriers — including for neurodivergent individuals — can make meaningful connection difficult. This article explores the emotional toll of isolation and offers practical tips to rebuild authentic, supportive relationships.

Burnout doesn’t always arrive with a bang—it creeps in quietly through skipped routines, comfort eating, and endless scrolling. Even as a counsellor, I’ve been there. Over time, I’ve learned to spot the signs early and respond with small, kind steps: listening to my body, leaning on loved ones, and getting outside. Burnout will happen again—life is hard—but it’s how we manage it, and how gently we treat ourselves, that really matters.

When life feels overwhelming, sometimes you just want to scream — and now, it turns out, that might actually help. Inspired by a recent Lorraine TV segment, this article explores the growing trend of “scream therapy”: why people are gathering to yell away their stress, what science says about it, and how you can try it safely (and sensibly) without alarming the neighbours.

We often say “I’m so OCD” about little quirks, but OCD is much more than tidiness. For the 1 in 100 people in the UK living with it, intrusive thoughts and compulsions can dominate daily life. Awareness begins with understanding the burden, listening without judgment, and recognising the power of compassion and support.

Growing up in the 90s, mental health wasn’t something we talked about. Reflecting now, I see how “everyday trauma”—from family challenges to personal setbacks—quietly shaped my wellbeing. This World Mental Health Day, I’m reflecting on access to support, both in times of crisis and in daily life, and how making mental health care more available to all can truly change lives.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s unsurprising that many people feel stressed or anxious on a regular basis. Work pressures, personal relationships, and the constant flow of information can sometimes feel overwhelming. I believe everyone deserves to feel calm and in control. Here are practical strategies to help you manage stress and anxiety and take back a sense of balance in your life.