Imposter Syndrome: The Silent Confidence Killer
Have you ever felt like a fraud, convinced that sooner or later, everyone will realise you don’t actually belong? That no matter how much you achieve, it’s all just luck or deception? If so, you’re not alone. This persistent self-doubt has a name—Imposter Syndrome—and it affects people across all walks of life, from students to CEOs. What Is Imposter Syndrome? Imposter Syndrome is the persistent belief that you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be, despite evidence of your success. It’s that gnawing voice in the back of your...
read moreWhy not me? By Jane McNeice
Life had always felt incredibly difficult. I often felt like an observer rather than a participant in this world, and that things were more challenging for me than for others. Despite this sense of knowing, I spent years de-validating my pain, chastising myself into an acceptance that everyone has challenging lives and my life was nothing special or worthy of more support than the next. On 22nd June 2021 at age 45 I learned that my experiences and feelings had been valid, and my life had in fact been more difficult than for most other people....
read more1 in 3 18-24-Year-Olds in the UK Regularly Experiencing Loneliness
A third of 18-24-year-olds are regularly experiencing loneliness*1 according to a new YouGov poll from Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) The data reveals that over half (52%) of UK adults are facing some form of loneliness2, with the figure rising to 7 in 10 (72%) for 18-24-year-olds3 CALM has released new online support resources on How to feel a little less alone, which includes guidance on coping with loneliness. Available at thecalmzone.net CALM Ambassadors Joe Marler and Shirley Ballas have teamed up with the charity to raise...
read moreUnderstanding Dyscalculia: When Numbers Feel Like a Foreign Language
Numbers are everywhere. From grocery shopping to planning a budget, they shape our daily lives in ways we often take for granted. But for individuals with dyscalculia, navigating the world of numbers can feel like deciphering an unfamiliar language—frustrating, confusing, and sometimes overwhelming. What is Dyscalculia? Dyscalculia is a specific learning difficulty (SLD) that affects a person’s ability to understand and work with numbers. It’s often described as “math dyslexia,” but this comparison does not fully capture its unique...
read moreEmbracing Neurodivergent Strengths: A Different Kind of Brilliance
In a world that often celebrates conformity, neurodivergent individuals shine in ways that challenge conventional thinking and enrich every field they touch. The unique cognitive styles of those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent traits aren’t just differences—they are powerful strengths that drive innovation, creativity, and deep insight. Pattern Recognition & Problem-Solving Many neurodivergent individuals possess an extraordinary ability to detect patterns and solve complex problems. Autistic thinkers often...
read moreAnticipatory Grief & Suicide – a type of grief no one talks about… (Anonymous Author)
Grief is a powerful human response, the pain equivalent to the love we feel for those we lose. It is deeply personal, without hierarchy, presents differently in everyone, and helps us to heal in its own unique way. Bereavement support identifies several types of grief: Normal or uncomplicated grief Complicated grief Disenfranchised grief Collective grief Anticipatory grief Ambiguous grief Absent grief Secondary grief Cumulative grief Traumatic grief The grief I wish to discuss is anticipatory grief, but not in the way we might typically...
read moreChallenging Mental Health & Addiction Myths This Mental Health Awareness Week
May is Mental Health Awareness Week is 12-18 May, and in a world grappling with conflict, climate anxiety, economic uncertainty, and widening social divides, mental health challenges are rising at an alarming rate. But for many, these challenges are compounded by systemic inequalities. People of colour, LGBTQI+ individuals, women, and immigrants are not only facing the stressors we all share — they are doing so while navigating discrimination, marginalisation, and often feeling unsafe in their daily lives. Ryan Eripse, Head of Clinical at The...
read morePremenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), by Jenny Potkins
After many years of going to many doctors, struggling with depression, and trying lots of different treatments including various antidepressants, the pill, CBT, doing exercise, my depression wasn’t getting any better and in fact it was getting worse to the point where I didn’t want to be here any more. I’d told my GP this for several years and she had tried her best to help me. I did mention on many occasions that my mood seemed to be related to my monthly cycle, but because my periods were regular, I was told it couldn’t be to do with my...
read moreRecovering from disordered eating – Jake’s story of hope
A young adult from Northern Ireland has shared their story of recovery from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa through a powerful and emotional video in a bid to inspire others to seek help. In the UK, at least 1.25 million people are living with an eating disorder – at least 1 in 50 people. From 24 February to 2 March its Eating Disorders Awareness Week and the theme is ‘anyone can be affected by an eating disorder’. Jake Ferguson (pictured left), now 26 and living in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland, struggled with disordered...
read moreAutistic and always feeling I am falling short, by Jane McNeice
We diagnose Autism via a pathologising medical model focussing on deficit and challenge. This need not be the case. I am yet to come across an Autistic person who does not amaze and exceed expectations. Autistics have amazing strengths, and many have something they are gifted in. In my own experience, this is inextricably linked to a common Autistic trait – special interest(s). The language around neurodivergence is continually up for debate. This is also true of the term ‘special interest’ where some prefer ‘intense interests’ ‘passionate...
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