Mental Health Blog Articles for Schools, Parents and Businesses

Depressed man lying on a psychiatrist's couch with speech bubbles: 'How do you feel?' and 'Why do you feel this way?'

World Health Organization’s Deinstitutionalization Initiative

Posted on: Sept. 19, 2026

The World Health Organization has been stressing the importance of deinstitutionalized mental health care for a while now. They have called on countries to adopt new models of service and mental health policy, thereby improving the overall standard of…

Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change

Posted on: Sept. 18, 2026

Our previous article in this series highlighted that the aim of this year’s World Mental Health Day campaign is to encourage meaningful changes within mental health systems. Implementation should be based on the lived experiences of those with mental…

World Mental Health Day 2026

Posted on: Sept. 17, 2026

The 10th October is World Mental Health Day 2026, with the aim of raising mental health awareness and supporting those suffering with mental health issues. This year’s theme is: ‘Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change’…

World Suicide Prevention Day 2026

Posted on: Sept. 9, 2026

World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 takes place on 10th September to promote suicide awareness and prevention. It is held annually and organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) with the…

Young man on bed with two thought bubbles - one contains a smiley face, the other contains a sad face

How Bipolar Disorder Identifies and How it Can Be Managed

Posted on: Oct. 9, 2023

In conjunction with World Mental Health Day 2023, this blog examines bipolar disorder, its symptoms and the help available for those with the disorder…

Depressed young man in bed in the middle of a sunny day

World Mental Health Day 2023: Mental Health is a Universal Human Right

Posted on: Sept. 20, 2023

World Mental Health Day is on 10th October and is organised by the World Federation of Mental Health in conjunction with WHO (World Health Organization). It occurs annually and is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health conditions…

Ship picking up migrants from a small boat

The Increasing Rates of Suicide among Migrants and Asylum Seekers

Posted on: Aug. 27, 2023

As part of World Suicide Prevention Day 2023, this blog will examine the increasingly troubling area of suicide among migrants and asylum seekers and the reasons behind it. Trying to explore the issue of suicide among the migrant and asylum seeker…

World Suicide Prevention Day 2023

Posted on: Aug. 10, 2023

World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 is a suicide awareness day which is held annually on 10th September. It is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) with the aim of promoting…

Man wearing a mask with an anxious expression

The Rise in Health Anxiety

Posted on: May 9, 2023

What is Health Anxiety? Health anxiety is a condition whereby an individual spends so much time worrying about their health and the possibility of becoming ill that it takes over their life. In the past it was referred to as hypochondria but it is now…

Common Reasons for Anxiety Today

Posted on: May 8, 2023

In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 and this year’s theme of ‘Anxiety’, this blog will discuss some common causes of anxiety. There are many factors that can lead to an increase in anxiety levels. Anxiety is one of the most common mental…

World Maternal Mental Health Day 2023

Posted on: May 2, 2023

Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time. However, there are certain times when things can be more difficult. Around a quarter of women experience mental health difficulties during pregnancy and up to a year after birth…

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week 2023

Posted on: May 1, 2023

Around the world, approximately 25% of pregnant women and new mothers experience some form of mental health issue. Very often, these women do not receive the support they need. Although pregnancy and childbirth are incredible experiences, they can be…

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023: Anxiety

Posted on: April 1, 2023

Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 (MHAW) will take place from 15–21 May and the theme is ‘Anxiety’. MHAW provides an opportunity to understand the symptoms of anxiety and look at ways of tackling the issue. Anxiety is a common mental health issue which…

Suicides in Treatment and Aftercare

Posted on: Sept. 7, 2022

Suicide is a significant health and social problem and those with any form of addiction are most at risk. Numerous studies have highlighted the link between addiction and suicide. It is well known that alcohol, and many other addictive substances, are…

Depressed boy at desk with social media notifications from laptop

The Increase in Pre-Teen and Teenage Suicide

Posted on: Aug. 31, 2022

In conjunction with World Suicide Prevention Day held on 10th September 2022, this blog examines the increase in pre-teen and teenage suicides. It is evident that the pandemic caused a rise in poor mental health conditions worldwide. However, these issues…

World Suicide Prevention Day 2022

Posted on: Aug. 30, 2022

World Suicide Prevention Day 2022 is an international event sponsored by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). It takes place each year on 10th September and aims to raise awareness of…

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

Posted on: May 12, 2022

This blog is part of the Mental Health Awareness Week series and examines symptoms associated with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This condition is often overlooked when discussing mental health conditions and many people are not even aware it exists…

How Does Depression Affect People?

Posted on: May 9, 2022

In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Week, this blog will look at the issue of depression including: symptoms of depression, causes of depression, suggestions for dealing with depression, Depression and loneliness often go hand-in-hand…

The Physical Effects of Stress

Posted on: April 21, 2022

As part of Mental Awareness Week 2022, we will look at the signs and effects of stress on the body. In particular, we will examine the physical effects of stress and will look at some ideas for managing stress…

Boy with thought bubble - chaotic thoughts

Generalised Anxiety Disorder After COVID

Posted on: April 20, 2022

Around the world, mental health issues are an ever-growing concern. Global issues such as the recent COVID pandemic, as well as the increased cost of living and worries about climate change have all had a negative impact on people’s mental health…

Coping with Loneliness

Posted on: March 25, 2022

The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2022 is loneliness. Many people would describe loneliness as being physically alone or in solitude, whereas loneliness is actually a state of mind. Therefore, loneliness is not about being on your own, it is about…

What is the Purpose of Mental Health Awareness Week?

Posted on: March 24, 2022

Every year, the Mental Health Foundation designates one week in May as Mental Health Awareness Week. It is an opportunity for people around the country to examine their own attitude towards mental health. This year MHAW will take place from 9–15 May…

World Suicide Prevention Day 2021

Posted on: Sept. 8, 2021

One in every 100 deaths worldwide is the result of suicide. This is a shocking figure and unfortunately, even in the 21st century, there is still a stigma attached to suicide. While many people are reluctant to talk about this issue, simply ignoring…

Time bomb with 39 seconds on digital display

COVID-20 — Coping with the Mental Health Time Bomb

Posted on: Oct. 14, 2020

As COVID-19 continues to throw new challenges at us every day, experts are warning of an impending mental health crisis following on the heels of the coronavirus, which they have dubbed ‘COVID-20’. These experts have warned that many countries are sitting…

How the Coronavirus Has Affected Mental Health

Posted on: Oct. 9, 2020

You do not need to go far today to be confronted with the current pandemic. Wearing a mask as a routine and the constant sanitising of hands and equipment is the new norm. It seems as if the news channels are reporting on COVID-19 on a loop and social…

ITV's Campaign for Mental Wellness

Posted on: Oct. 7, 2020

ITV is the oldest commercial network in the UK and was originally launched in 1955. In Britain it is a popular TV broadcaster and it distributes some of the most popular programmes on TV. ITV has recently made a five year commitment to promote mental…

An apple, lettuce, some carrots and a bunch of grapes

Orthorexia — When Healthy Eating Becomes Unhealthy

Posted on: Oct. 5, 2020

Orthorexia is a term that many will not be familiar with. It is not a commonly known eating disorder because it is a relatively new condition. A clear definition of orthorexia is that it is an eating disorder that involves an intense obsession with…

Freddie Flintoff: Living with Bulimia trailer thumbnail

Freddie Flintoff: Living with Bulimia — A Documentary Review

Posted on: Sept. 29, 2020

This article presents a review of the recently aired BBC1 documentary ‘Freddie Flintoff: Living with Bulimia’ (BBC1, 28th September 2020, 9pm). It was a harrowing report of a man in the public eye struggling with an eating disorder…

Man at a table looking worried and ignoring plate of food

Male Eating Disorders

Posted on: Sept. 28, 2020

A common misconception people have about eating disorders is that it only affects women. However, this is completely untrue. The rise in eating disorders among men is alarming. Between 10–20% of people diagnosed with bulimia or anorexia are male…

Depressed woman with head on pillow and a thought bubble that says 'COVID-19'

Was there an Increase in Suicides During the Lockdown?

Posted on: Sept. 8, 2020

It is a well known fact that social isolation can have a negative impact on emotional wellbeing. For this reason, there was an increase in mental health issues during the lockdown and many people sought medical help during this time. As individuals…

World Suicide Prevention Day 2020

Posted on: Sept. 3, 2020

World Suicide Prevention Day 2020 is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). The theme for the third year running is: ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’. The aim is to raise awareness of suicide and provide information…

Man lying on couch with a thought bubble containing an exclamation mark

The Increase in Male Suicides

Posted on: Sept. 3, 2020

Recently there has been an alarming increase in mental health problems across the board. Medical professionals are reporting an increase in individuals seeking help for anxiety & depression and other mental health disorders. Sadly, there has also been a…

Suicidal young person at desk with social media notifications from laptop

Suicide and Social Media

Posted on: July 11, 2019

The recent story of the death of the YouTuber ‘Etika’ to suicide has been truly shocking not only to his subscribers and fans but to the social media community as a whole. His tragic death, and the recent suicides of reality TV stars, has led to increased…

WHAT'S THE POINT OF EATING? written above a plate of food

How an Unhealthy Relationship with Food Can Lead to Eating Disorders

Posted on: June 12, 2019

We need food to survive — a fairly simple concept. However, the rapid rise in eating disorders indicates a fundamental problem whereby many people have a distorted relationship with food which leads to eating disorders. The definition of an eating…

stem4 promoting mental health awareness in Boots, London

Young People and Mental Health Awareness

Posted on: Nov. 23, 2018

According to a report by NHS Digital published in November 2018, mental health illnesses affect one in four older teenage girls aged 17–19, and one in eight people between the ages of 5 and 19 had a mental health disorder last year. Even more worrying…

Should We Stop Saying ‘Commit Suicide’?

Posted on: Sept. 10, 2018

The expression ‘commit suicide’ is often used when referring to people who take their own life. Along with many others we feel that this term should not be used as it implies a crime has been ‘committed’. Throughout our website and publications we use…

Why Are Males More Likely to Attempt Suicide than Females?

Posted on: Sept. 7, 2018

This blog examines the issue of male suicide. It compares male vs female suicide rates and discusses the issue of male depression and the link to suicide. We ask why suicide rates among men are so high, and what can be done about these distressing…

Shadowy figure standing on the edge of a train platform with an oncoming train

Is Self-Harm and Suicide Linked?

Posted on: Sept. 5, 2018

The number of individuals self-harming has rapidly increased in recent years. A recent study by The Children’s Society reported that one in four 14-year-old girls in the UK are self-harming. This statistic is alarming. However, we are investigating…

Mum standing at son's bedroom doorway while he's depressed at his desk

Suicide and How to Recognise the Signs

Posted on: Sept. 2, 2018

Why would someone attempt suicide and what are the signs of suicidal behaviour in an individual? These questions are the subject of this blog. A common expression synonymous with suicide is that it is a ‘permanent solution to a temporary problem’…

Young man lying on his bed with two thought bubbles — one contains a bottle of tablets, the other contains a sad face

Is There a Link Between Antidepressants and Suicidal Thoughts?

Posted on: Sept. 1, 2018

Antidepressants are regularly prescribed for depression and are also used to reduce the risk of suicide. However, there is mounting evidence that antidepressants can cause suicidal thoughts in a person who previously had no thoughts of suicide…

Depressed teenage boy looking at his laptop with a stressful thought bubble

Is There a Link Between Social Media and Suicide?

Posted on: Aug. 15, 2018

In recent years, the rise in teenage suicides has been shocking. Although the role social media plays in suicides is not totally transparent or clear-cut, recent studies have linked a rise in rates of anxiety and depression in teenagers to their use of…

World Suicide Prevention Day 2018

Posted on: Aug. 8, 2018

In the past 45 years there has been a 60% increase in suicide rates worldwide, and the total number of annual suicides stands at almost 1 million. It is therefore vital that nations focus on World Suicide Prevention Day 2018 and develop strategies to help…

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Posted on: May 19, 2018

The final blog for Mental Health Awareness Week 2018 examines the issue of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD. Many people have a narrow view of OCD and regard it as an odd, quirky condition where the sufferer is obsessed with constant cleaning or…

Coping with Panic Attacks

Posted on: May 18, 2018

The next blog in the series for Mental Health Awareness Week 2018 is highlighting the anguish of panic attacks. A panic attack is an intense reaction to fear. While an attack can be a one-off occurrence, in most cases the initial attack is the first of…

Depressed man lying in bed with the sun shining outside the window

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Posted on: May 17, 2018

In the fourth blog for Mental Health Awareness Week 2018 we are looking at the issue of seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is more than just a case of the winter blues. It is actually a type of mental health disorder…

Loneliness

Posted on: May 16, 2018

In our third blog for Mental Health Awareness Week 2018 we are covering the issue of loneliness. Loneliness may seem to be more of an emotional issue than a mental health condition. However, there is a big difference between being on your own…

Stressed woman at work juggling pieces of paper

Workplace Stress and Anxiety

Posted on: May 15, 2018

In the second of our Mental Health Awareness Week 2018 blogs we examine the growing problem of stress and anxiety in the workplace. A study by HR Review 2018 revealed that: ‘Nearly a third of UK businesses say that mental health is now a bigger issue…

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Posted on: May 14, 2018

During Mental Health Awareness Week 2018 we have produced a series of blogs which highlight the increase in mental health disorders and the impact this has on physical wellbeing. A key point to remember is that maintaining good mental health is…

Sad man at his desk with a thought bubble of depression

Unrealistic Expectations at Christmas

Posted on: Jan. 8, 2015

One aspect of Christmas which causes problems is that of unrealistic expectations. We are bombarded with images in the media of what the perfect Christmas looks like when, in reality, there is no such thing. We all want the ideal Christmas, and the…

Sad woman on her bed with her head on her pillow

Bereavement at Christmas

Posted on: Jan. 7, 2015

Many people associate certain times each year with a sad time in their life. This may be due to depression, loneliness, redundancy or the loss of a loved one. For those who are grieving because of the death of a loved one, Christmas can be a particularly…

Sad looking woman sitting on a chair with a Christmas tree in the background

Post-Christmas Blues

Posted on: Jan. 4, 2015

For some, Christmas is a depressing time of year and many people suffer from post-Christmas blues. Christmas can also be a time of great loneliness and the jollity surrounding the festive season can make loneliness particularly difficult to bear…

World Suicide Prevention Day 2014

Posted on: Sept. 8, 2014

According to the World Health Organisation, there are approximately one million suicides globally each year — this is one every 40 seconds. World Suicide Prevention Day is on 10th September 2014 and it is a day when all nations focus on worldwide action…

Depressed man at desk looking at laptop with a stressful thought bubble containing a question mark

Suicide Myths

Posted on: April 29, 2013

There are a number of myths related to suicide and many people find it difficult to separate fact from fiction. We will look at some of the most common misunderstandings…

A person with a bag full of personal things beside them putting items into a big bin with a sign saying 'UNWANTED CLOTHES'

The Warning Signs of Suicide

Posted on: June 15, 2012

One of the most devastating aspects of suicide is the feeling of helplessness. Could I have done something to prevent this tragedy? What were the signs that something was wrong? Should I have realised they were feeling this way…