Welcome to my Blog area. I hope you find these articles of interest.
Three leading charities – Mind, Scope and Citizens Advice – have seen a big increase in demand following the government’s welfare green paper. People are
The Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP, announced the benefits reform Green Paper this week. The significant reforms to the welfare system, aiming to
Yesterday was International Women’s Day (IWD). It is celebrated every year on 8th March. It is a day dedicated to recognising achievements of women and advocating
In the BMJ, 22nd February 2025, May van Schalkwyk analysis of the gambling industry was correct, she said, “governments must act to prevent large scale avoidable
The UK is trapped in a “mental health crisis,” according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists, with demand for services soaring. This could be said
Despite accomplishments, many individuals struggle with persistent self-doubt and a fear of being exposed as a “fraud.” Understanding imposter syndrome can help us recognise it
Burnout is a state of chronic exhaustion caused by prolonged stress, leading to emotional depletion, detachment, and a decline in performance. The World Health Organization (WHO)
The Labour Party claimed that combatting poverty and defending the welfare state were their top priority. What do you believe now? With the recent ideas
Aging is an inevitable part of life. Growing older does not have to mean compromising on your quality of life. A healthy old age is
As you would anticipate this time of year there are increasing respiratory infections. Some people are nervous about the human metapneumovirus and that it may
Loneliness is not the same as being alone. Some people are content with little social contact and others may find that lonely. Some people experience
There will be many people publicising their fabulous achievements in 2024. I believe there are many amazing people who have managed great things. However, please
Who was Brian Thompson, the US healthcare insurance chief executive who was shot and killed in Manhattan? He had been receiving threats relating to medical
The importance of flu vaccinations is to be considered especially for those at risk of severe illness or complications of a flu illness. Flu can
A social activation movement is a grassroots or global initiatives aimed at creating awareness, sparking dialogue, and inspiring action. These movements often begin with a
Assisted dying, is complex and contentious. While proponents argue it offers a compassionate option for those suffering unbearable pain, opponents raise serious ethical concerns. The UK
Every November men grow moustaches for charities raising money for men’s health, including men’s mental health which requires urgent attention. Here is why.. Four in
Natural disasters—like hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, and floods—leave physical destruction that is visible and immediate. However, they also deeply affect mental well-being, creating a hidden aftermath that
What does the money raised in the budget mean to health and how will the tax rises affect those working in health and social care?
The UK budget is on 30th October 2024. The Nuffield Trust has said, the NHS requires an uplift of 3.6% just to stand still. The
England has not banned smacking whereas it has been in Scotland and Wales. It was banned in Scotland on 7th November 2020 and 21st March 2022 in
Pilgrimage has been an essential part of human culture, transcending geographical, religious, and cultural boundaries. The pilgrimage is a profound spiritual practice that offers numerous
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October. This year’s theme set by the WHO and World Federation of Mental Health is workplace
The political party conference season is upon us now. It is an opportunity to rally supporters, showcase policies, and stake their claim as the best
Last Tuesday, 10th September was World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), a day dedicated to raising awareness about suicide and promoting actions that can help prevent it.
There are many recent developments in depression treatment. Depression is a prevalent and challenging mental health disorder. Globally, it affects millions of people. Although traditional
What is your understanding of personalised medicine? This is where treatments are tailored to the persons unique genetic makeup, also accounting for environmental and lifestyle
Suicide in female doctors is a significant and concerning issue that has gained increasing attention. Studies and reports indicate that female doctors have a higher rate
You know that I am keen for all of us to invest in young people, they are our future. With the A level results last
Mushrooms have been a part of the human diet for thousands of years. Their unique flavours and textures and health benefits is why they continue
Dementia is a variety of conditions characterised by cognitive decline, (impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with daily activities) leading to
The Opening Ceremony, to Friday’s Olympic Games, had a theme of peace. This is not new. The concept of the Olympic truce dates to ancient
An increasing number of adults are being diagnosed and treated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Historically it was viewed as a childhood condition. Now,
For those who do not like Mondays!
Today marks the end of Alcohol Awareness Week Alcohol has an impact on our families, communities, and healthcare systems. This week is to try and increase awareness
The General Election is on Thursday 4th July 2024. There is no legal requirement for early general elections to take place on a Thursday. By default,
This week, 24th to 30th June, marks Deafblind Awareness Week in the UK. It is a chance to learn more about deafblindness, the experiences of people who live with it, and
Nearly 90% of school pupil absences are due to poor mental health. The mental health of young people has deteriorated since the pandemic. Headteachers site
This week on 6th June it will be 80 years since D-Day. The operation involved over 150,000 troops from allied nations. Its aim was to establish
Why is getting out and meeting people good for you? There can be isolation with virtual working and socialising. The importance of face-to-face can be underestimated.
Today is the last day of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024. The week is dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and promoting better mental health
Two months ago, The Mental State of the World in 2023, was published. We are all concerned and interested about this following the pandemic, lockdowns
This annual campaign is prominent in the USA but less so here. We, in the UK, have Mental Health Awareness Week, beginning on 13th May 2024.
This week I attended the Royal College of Psychiatrists “Better Data, Better Care” conference. The college has many audits covering many aspects including management of
The arrival of a baby is often celebrated as a joyous occasion. But for some new parents, this time can be overshadowed by feelings of
The NHS is prohibited from selling patient data for commercial gain. The focus is on using patient data securely to improve healthcare. However, when it
Today is World Health Day. It is observed annually on April 7th a global health awareness day celebrated under the auspices of the World Health
Yesterday was World Bipolar Day, this day was chosen as it was Vincent van Gogh’s birthday and he was posthumously diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder.
Synthetic Opiate Painkillers The United Nations has warned of a world-wide problem with accidental overdoses of synthetic opiates, and the UK is the second nation
Celebrating International Women’s Day Friday was International Women’s Day. This is celebrated annually on March 8th. It is dedicated to honouring the achievements and contributions of
Young People’s Education and Mental Health Outcomes This week The Resolution Foundation concluded that to improve the lives of young people there should be more
Peace or chaos? I recall someone telling me how embarrassed she was taking foreign dignitaries round the Houses of Parliament, particularly the House of Commons.
Mental Health at University Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and as awareness grows, the need for effective mental health care provision
Children’s Mental Health Week and shortage of ADHD medication As the Children’s mental health week finishes a topical subject is ADHD and its management. For
Xanomeline-trospium, a new treatment for schizophrenia The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted a New Drug Application (NDA) for KarXT (xanomeline-trospium) for the
UK is at risk of becoming a “burnt-out nation” A YouGov poll of 2,060 adults, 1,132 workers, found 35% had high or extreme pressures at
A Ray of Hope for Depression? There is research on the potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics in the treatment of depression. Traditionally associated recreational use,
Keeping your New Year’s resolutions It is Sunday 14th January 2024, and many will have not maintained their New Year’s Resolutions. Why is this? We can
NHS future funding Private firms are looking for opportunities to invest in the NHS. If this occurs, how do we ensure that the quality and
As the year draws to a close…. There will be lots of people who will or have celebrated their successes this year and others who
