(image: Emily Katy) Trigger warning: discussion of self harm/suicide attempts. I was so excited when I saw my online friend Emily Katy’s brand new book coming out! Emily was one of the first reviewers of my book Bring Me to Light and had taken photos of her reading it with her dog and some horses :). I followed her on social media and saw that she was writing her own memoir on what it was like to live as a teenager with undiagnosed autism and mental ill health. This review is not gifted or sponsored- I just wanted to read Emily’s story. I want to congratulate Emily and her team as this week i ..read more

Today is World Bipolar Day and its a day where we raise awareness globally about living with bipolar disorder and battling social stigma When I had my first depressive and manic episodes in 2004; I was a teenager and had no idea what was happening to me. I was helped not only by family support (my dad was diagnosed 4 years before me) but also by some amazing psychiatry health professionals (shout out to Dr Mark Berelowitz at the Royal Free and the team at the Priory North London). Bipolar changed my life as a young person in both good and difficult ways. It made me stronger; more resilient an ..read more

(image: Markus Spiske, Unsplash) Addictions are pervasive and challenging conditions, which often dictate thoughts, behaviours, and lifestyles. The journey from the clutches of addiction to the road of recovery is a complex process that requires a combination of medical, psychological, and social interventions. This exploration delves into the intricate dynamics of addiction, examining the factors that contribute to its grip and illuminating the multifaceted road to recovery. By understanding the complexities involved, we can better appreciate the resilience required to break free from addict ..read more

(image: Alexander Walton) In 2015, Alexander Walton had an idea. It was an emotional short story that he wrote, then placed in brightly coloured envelopes and randomly distributed across the city he lived in. Each one also contained a small gift: a symbol of hope. He called this project Find My Story and through the support and kindness of others, it expanded across the globe. Over the next five years there were three stories in total. Hundreds of volunteers. Thousands of envelopes. And an avalanche of profound and moving responses from people who had found one of these envelopes, and had the ..read more

(image: Samson Katt: Pexels) Most people know at least a bit about bipolar disorder. It has come into the mainstream more in recent years and many people have it. BPD treatment is available for those who want or need it. There are many clinics and doctors who are willing to help those who are showing signs of this disorder. If you have a bipolar disorder diagnosis or you know someone who has, there are some takeaways on treatment options about which you should know. More is Known About Bipolar Disorder than Ever Before First, it’s crucial to know that medical science has advanced to the point ..read more

(image: Alexander Dummer) Being a parent is challenging, but being a parent who is homebound can be incredibly isolating and stressful. With the added pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, homebound parents have been struggling with their mental health more than ever before. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are several mental health support strategies that parents can implement to help them cope with this challenging time and help them continue to provide their children with the love and care that they deserve. Prioritise Self-Care Self-care practices such as mindfulness, meditati ..read more

Please watch with care. It was an honour to record this alongside Bipolar UK CEO Simon Kitchen and expert police officer Ashley Brice, who helps people who are suicidal. On average, 1 person a day every day with bipolar dies by suicide. If you watch this, I hope you find it informative and helpful. Eleanor x ..read more

(Image: free image) The decision to seek help for alcohol use disorder is an important one. It takes courage to admit that you need assistance, and taking the first step toward recovery can feel like a daunting task. One of the early steps of recovery is an alcohol assessment centre, which can assess your condition, provide treatment recommendations, and connect you to ongoing support. However, navigating an assessment centre can be overwhelming, especially if you are feeling vulnerable or uncertain. In this post, we will discuss some tips for maintaining your mental well-being while navigati ..read more

(image: E Mandelstam) (image: Me aged 16/17 in Spain with friends) She sits nervously clutching her GHD straightened hair. Its meant to look poker straight but her curly waves never seem to look like Avril Lavigne’s hair. Except for that time when her friend tried to tame it for her with straighteners and an iron! She lives in a bedroom in the family home- half child, half adult, the wallpaper pink with pictures of little bo peep covered with music posters- Destiny’s Child (Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle in their Survivor jungle outfits peer down) and Joss Stone with her nose piercing. She look ..read more

(image: Ross Sneddon, Unsplash) Binge eating disorder (BED) is a severe eating disorder characterised by recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period. This disorder is associated with acute physical and psychological complications that can affect an individual’s quality of life. Recovering from binge eating disorder can be a challenging process, but with the right guidance and support, it can be achieved. This blog post will discuss five tips for successfully recovering from binge eating disorder. Seek Professional Help Recovering from binge eating disorder requires ..read more