Mental Health Blog

Self-harm is a complex and often misunderstood behaviour. It refers to deliberately hurting one’s own body as a way of coping with overwhelming emotions, distress, or feeling numb. For many people, self-harm is not about wanting to die, but about trying to manage feelings that feel too difficult to express or control in other ways. Self-harm can take many forms. These may include cutting or scratching the skin, burning, hitting oneself, pulling out hair, or interfering with wound healing. Some people may also misuse substances or engage in risky behaviours as a form of self-harm. While the behaviours can look different from person to person, the underlying reasons are often similar: a need for relief, expression, or a sense of control during emotional pain. A crucial and often misunderstood point is that self-harm is not the same as a suicide attempt. Although someone who self-harms may feel deeply distressed, many people use self-harm as a coping mechanism rather than an attempt to end their life. That said, self-harm should always be taken seriously, as it can increase risk over time and is a sign that someone needs support. Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to getting help. People who self-harm are often unfairly labelled as “attention-seeking” or told to “just stop”, which can lead to shame and secrecy. Fear of judgement can prevent individuals from opening up to friends, family, or professionals. This stigma can be especially strong for young people and for those who feel they are already misunderstood. Evidence shows how common self-harm is. Research suggests that around 1 in 5 young people in the UK report having self-harmed at some point, making it far more widespread than many realise. Studies also show that self-harm is strongly associated with anxiety and depression, highlighting the importance of early, compassionate intervention. So how can we help? Start by listening calmly and without judgement. You don’t need to fix the situation — offering empathy and taking someone’s feelings seriously can make a huge difference. Avoid giving ultimatums or focusing on stopping the behaviour immediately. Encouraging professional support, such as speaking to a GP or mental health service, can be a positive next step. By challenging stigma, sharing accurate information, and leading with kindness, we can create safer spaces for people to seek help. On 1st March 2026 join Self Harm Awareness Day #SHAD2026 and help everyone understand that support and recovery are possible, and no one should have to cope with distress alone.

A Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider) is someone trained to offer initial support to a person who may be experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. Much like physical first aid, the role is about helping in the moment — not providing long-term treatment. So, what does a Mental Health First Aider do? They l isten without judgement , offer reassurance, and take concerns seriously. They’re trained to recognise common signs of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, or distress, and to respond calmly and compassionately. A Mental Health First Aider can also encourage someone to seek appropriate professional help or support services and share useful information or resources when needed. Just as importantly, there are clear things a Mental Health First Aider does not do . They are NOT therapists, counsellors, or doctors. They don’t diagnose conditions, provide medical advice, or try to “fix” someone’s problems. They’re also not there to force help on anyone or act as a long-term support system. At its heart, mental health first aid is about being human — noticing when someone might be struggling, starting a supportive conversation, and helping them take the next step if they’re ready. Sometimes, knowing someone cares and is willing to listen can make all the difference. Join me on the next course .

The week of the 23rd February is the beginning of Eating Disorder Awareness Week. With that in mind, here's an overview of what eating disorders are and how to help. Understanding Eating Disorders: Compassion, Stigma, and Support Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Among the most common are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. While each looks different, they often share deep emotional pain, distress around food or body image, and a need for understanding rather than judgment. Anorexia nervosa is often marked by severe restriction of food, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image. People with anorexia may not recognise the seriousness of their condition, even when their health is at risk. Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge eating followed by behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives to compensate. These behaviours are often hidden and accompanied by shame. Binge eating disorder is characterized by recurring episodes of eating large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control, without compensatory behaviors. It is frequently misunderstood as a lack of willpower, which can deepen stigma. Stigma is one of the biggest barriers people with eating disorders face. Misconceptions like “you don’t look sick,” “just eat,” or “this is a choice” can prevent individuals from seeking help. Many people fear being judged, dismissed, or blamed, which can increase isolation and delay recovery. Weight stigma is especially harmful, as people in larger bodies are often overlooked or not taken seriously by healthcare providers. So how can we help? First, listen without judgment. You don’t need to fix the problem—being present and compassionate matters more than saying the perfect thing. Avoid commenting on appearance or food choices. Encourage professional support when appropriate, and remind the person that help is available and recovery is possible. If you’re concerned about someone’s safety, reaching out to a trusted professional or support service is an important step. Evidence shows just how widespread and serious these conditions are. Research indicates that around 9% of the global population will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, making them far more common than many people realise. Additionally, eating disorders have one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness, highlighting the importance of early support and intervention. By challenging stigma, sharing accurate information, and leading with empathy, we can create safer spaces for people to seek help and heal. Recovery is not linear, but no one should have to walk that path alone.

Who we are? The Association of Mental Health First Aiders has hundreds of thousands of members at its heart – all dedicated to helping workplaces and communities become more mentally healthy and productive every day. They do this through certified training with Mental Health First Aid England® , the social enterprise that founded this Association. MHFA England® is the country’s leading provider of quality mental health training and the national authority on mental health first aid. Once someone has trained as a Mental Health First Aider, also known as an MHFAider®, or as a Youth Mental Health First Aider, they are certified for three years. They’re also invited to become members of this Association, with access to exclusive support and benefits, once they have completed training with me. Grounded in experience Since 2007, MHFA England Instructor Members have trained more than a million people, reaching 1 in 40 adults in England so far. MHFA England’s evidence-based courses are proven to make a lasting difference to workplaces, individuals and society. Mental Health First Aiders develop the skills to spot the signs of a person experiencing poor mental health, and the confidence to start a conversation. They also learn about the tools to signpost them to appropriate support so that everyone can thrive. One community To deepen the positive impact MHFAiders and their Instructor Members are already making, the Association of Mental Health First Aiders brings us together in one diverse and inclusive community. It offers members exclusive access to a wide range of mental health first aid resources, from ongoing learning and qualifications to events and research. The aim is to connect and empower members to go even further in improving the nation’s wellbeing. But they won’t stop there. The community continues to grow and it's great to celebrate your achievements. How it's governed The Association of Mental Health First Aiders is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, and is a subsidiary of MHFA England. It’s led by MHFA England Chief Executive Sarah McIntosh. The Association’s board of Non-executive Directors is the same as MHFA England’s, and its Chair is Adah Parris.

There’s something wonderfully uplifting about a random act of kindness. No planning, no pressure — just a simple moment where you choose to make someone else’s day a little brighter. And the best part? That joy almost always makes you buzz too! Random acts of kindness can be tiny: a smile at a stranger, a genuine “thank you,” holding the door open, or sending a quick message to check in on someone. These moments may seem small, but they can have a huge impact. You never know what someone else is carrying, and that small gesture might be exactly what they need. Kindness is contagious. When someone experiences it, they’re more likely to pass it on, creating a ripple effect that spreads far beyond the original act. One thoughtful moment can quietly influence an entire day — or even a week. In busy workplaces and everyday life, kindness often gets overlooked, but it matters more than ever. A kind word during a stressful moment, patience when things go wrong, or recognition for effort can turn tension into connection. Best of all, you don’t need special skills or perfect timing. Kindness is available to all of us, every single day. So why not start now? Choose kindness — randomly, generously, and often. The world could use more of it, and you’ll feel better for it too. ✨ For some ideas check out this fab calendar

Suicide is a profoundly human issue that reaches into virtually every workplace — yet many organisations still feel unprepared to talk about it openly or respond safely when it affects their people. Recent research shows that suicide is far more common and far closer to all of us than many assume. In the UK in 2023, there were 7,055 deaths by suicide, averaging roughly 19 lives lost each day — and with ripple effects felt widely by friends, families and colleagues. But the impact of suicide isn’t limited to tragic loss. Studies suggest around 10% of suicides may be linked with work-related factors such as stress, job insecurity or bullying — highlighting that workplace conditions can intersect with wider stressors in people’s lives. Behind each loss are dozens of people directly or indirectly affected, including coworkers, supervisors and clients — all of whom may struggle with grief, guilt, confusion or trauma. Despite this reality, many employers feel uncertain about how to respond. Conversations about suicide are often avoided out of fear — fear of saying the wrong thing, fear of liability, or even fear that talking about suicide will encourage it. The evidence shows the opposite is true: compassionate, informed conversations can reduce feelings of isolation and encourage help-seeking. This might include BS 30480: Suicide and the Workplace — Intervention, prevention and support for people affected by suicide comes in. This new benchmark, published by the British Standards Institution, is the first British Standard to focus explicitly on suicide awareness in organisational settings. It provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to help organisations prepare for, respond to, and support people impacted by suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts. But suicide prevention isn’t just about formal standards or protocols — it’s a shared responsibility. You don’t need to be a mental health expert to make a difference. What matters is being ready to ask with care, listen without judgement, respond with empathy, and signpost to appropriate support when someone shows signs of distress. You have guessed it, that's what a Mental Health First Aider does! By normalising open conversations about suicide and equipping workplaces with practical tools and understanding, organisations can build environments where people feel seen, supported and safer — and where prevention truly becomes everyone’s business.

Workplaces are made up of people—and people think, learn, and work in wonderfully different ways. Yet for a long time, many organisations have been built around the idea that there’s only one “right” way to communicate, focus, socialise, or solve problems. That’s where supporting neurodivergence comes in—and why it’s so important. First things first: what is neurodivergence? Neurodivergence refers to natural differences in how people’s brains work. This includes, autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and Tourette syndrome. Neurodivergent people don’t need to be “fixed”—they simply experience and interact with the world differently. And those differences? They can be incredible strengths. Different brains bring fresh perspectives Neurodivergent employees often excel at things like creative problem-solving, pattern recognition, attention to detail, and innovative thinking. They may see solutions others miss or question assumptions that have gone unchallenged for years. When workplaces support neurodivergence, they unlock a wider range of ideas and approaches. That diversity of thought leads to better decision-making, more innovation, and stronger teams overall. Inclusion isn’t just kind—it’s smart Supporting neurodivergent employees isn’t only the right thing to do ethically; it also makes good business sense. Inclusive workplaces tend to have higher employee engagement, better retention, and a more positive culture. Simple adjustments—like flexible working hours, clear communication, quiet spaces, or allowing different ways to complete tasks—can make a huge difference. Often, these changes benefit everyone, not just neurodivergent staff. A supportive workplace reduces unnecessary barriers Many neurodivergent people face challenges at work not because they lack ability, but because environments aren’t designed with them in mind. Overstimulating offices, vague instructions, or unspoken social expectations can create stress and burnout. By proactively supporting neurodivergence, organisations remove these barriers and allow people to focus on what they do best—doing great work. Psychological safety helps everyone thrive When employees feel safe to be themselves at work, they’re more confident, productive, and engaged. Creating a culture where neurodivergent people feel understood and valued sends a powerful message: you belong here. That sense of belonging doesn’t stop with neurodivergent staff—it lifts morale and trust across the whole organisation. Supporting neurodivergence is an ongoing journey There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Supporting neurodivergent employees means listening, learning, and being open to change. It’s about asking questions, challenging outdated norms, and recognising that flexibility is a strength, not a weakness. Most importantly, it’s about seeing people as individuals—not labels. In summary Supporting neurodivergence in the workplace creates more inclusive, innovative, and human organisations. When we embrace different ways of thinking and working, everyone benefits—employees, teams, and businesses alike. Because the best workplaces aren’t built for “typical” minds—they’re built for real ones.

I am super excited to share i have qualified as a Neurodiversity Instructor with Thrive — a journey that has me bouncing with purpose, pride, and a deep sense of impact. Anyone who is Neurodivergent has so many strengths to offer but often these are missed, and it's been great to team up with Thrive who are intent on bringing this knowledge to all organisations worldwide. 🌟 What Is Thrive All About? Thrive is on a mission to change the way workplaces think about neurodiversity and mental health — moving away from outdated stigma toward genuine understanding and inclusion. Their vision? Helping one person at a time to not just survive, but thrive. Having completed their training — a programme built on lived experiences, real-world insights, and practical tools, I am excited to be able to share all their training with you. Watch out to new training opportunities coming in this spring.

I really want to give a shout out to this amazing organisation and their event: Brew Monday is Samaritans’ warm reminder that any day is a good day to connect with someone you care about. Instead of focusing on the idea of “Blue Monday,” Samaritans turns the third Monday in January into a celebration of connection—encouraging everyone to put the kettle on, share a cuppa, and have a real conversation. The message is simple: small talk can become meaningful talk, and a relaxed chat can make a genuine difference. Human connection doesn’t need to be complicated or dramatic—it can start with a mug, a moment, and a little time set aside to listen. Samaritans encourages us to reach out, especially if someone has been quieter than usual or hasn’t checked in for a while. A short message or an invitation for a catch-up can help someone feel valued and supported. Their downloadable Brew Monday resources make it easy for anyone to get involved and start conversations that matter. I want to help promote this brilliant organisation because they continue to highlight the power of listening, compassion, and everyday connection. Brew Monday is a lovely reminder that reaching out can happen any time, any day, and over any drink—as long as we’re talking, listening, and showing we care.