Dealing with change

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.

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.

As a counsellor, I’ve walked alongside many people through their darkest moments—navigating heartbreak, trauma, and the deep, disorienting ache of loss. But in 2023, grief stopped being just something I helped others with. It became deeply personal.

Midlife can be a time of huge change. Career shifts, children not needing you as much or even leaving home, ageing parents, and health concerns can all leave you questioning who you are and what’s next. It can feel unsettling—but it can also be an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and a new sense of purpose.