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Silhouetted soldiers walking along a ridge with their reflections in the water below during the First World War.

History and philosophy of mental health

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One woman’s six-word mantra that has helped to calm millions

Ahead of her time, yet largely ignored by psychiatry, Claire Weekes taught millions of readers how to overcome anxiety

by Judith Hoare

A painting of people in top hats and formal attire walking in a dimly lit street at night with buildings in the background.

Anxiety

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Anxiety isn’t a pathology. It drives us to push back the unknown

‘I’m anxious, therefore I enquire.’ Anxiety isn’t a problem to be solved; it drives philosophical enquiry and makes us human

by Samir Chopra

Students in an exam; a young woman in the foreground covers her mouth with her hand in worry.

Anxiety

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Set yourself free by developing a growth mindset toward anxiety

Everyone feels anxious in moments of not knowing. It’s your beliefs about anxiety that influence what you do next

by Hans Schroder

A black pug lies on a wooden stool, looking directly at the camera with a tired expression.

Anxiety

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It’s not always good to let it all out: the perils of over-sighing

‘Take a deep breath,’ we’re often told when emotions surge. But what if sighing isn’t always helpful?

by Elke Vlemincx

A person and two children stand on shore promenade, surrounded by seagulls, with a large water fountain and cityscape in the background.

Mental health

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Many people not only survive mental illness – they thrive

For people with depression, anxiety and other conditions, reaching high wellbeing – not just recovery – is a real possibility

by Jonathan Rottenberg & Andrew Devendorf

The lower half of a person riding a bicycle on a sunlit road casting a distinct shadow. The image has a warm, glowing effect.

Psychiatric medication

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Benzos calmed my anxiety, but my memory became a deep fog

With anxiety levels rising during the pandemic, a corresponding rush on benzodiazepine use could have a huge toll on memory

by Alex Smith

Painting of a heron perched on a branch against a gold background. The bird is depicted in fine detail with white feathers and a green beak, while the branch is rendered in dark, bold strokes. Traditional Asian calligraphy with red seals is present in the lower right corner.

Difficult emotions

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What to do when you’re feeling upset about being disliked

It’s an unavoidable part of life. Here are some tried and tested ways to get more comfortable with someone not liking you

by Ahona Guha

Person wearing sunglasses in partial shadow, resting hand on chin, with sunlight and striped top visible.

Anxiety

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How to tell whether you’re being careful or giving in to anxiety

It’s not always easy to tell what’s a sensible safeguard, and what’s an anxiety-fuelling habit. A few questions can help

by Jemma Todd, Amelia Scott, Rachel Menzies & Louise Sharpe

Child meeting characters in costumes outside a theme park building while a parent stands nearby, clear sky.

Worry and rumination

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Worry is an unhelpful friend and a shoddy fortune-teller

Worry is emotionally distressing, messes with our thinking, and makes us miss out on the things that matter. Dump it fast

by Lucas LaFreniere

Man in a yellow jacket opening a door from inside a room with blinds on the window, light streaming in through the open door.

Anxiety

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What to do when your urge for reassurance has gone too far

The need for constant reassurance can show up like a persistent itch. Follow these steps for a more lasting peace of mind

by Matt Huston

A historical portrait of a severe woman in Victorian attire, seated with a bonnet on the table beside her, in an ornate fold frame.

Anxiety

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After many false starts, this might be the true age of anxiety

If anxiety is more common than ever, it’s also more treatable. But excessive nervousness wasn’t always taken so seriously

by Jason Schnittker

People in an airport terminal, some carrying luggage and looking up at departure boards. Busy environment with natural light from large windows.

Resilience and flexibility

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Why some people are at higher risk of ‘stress contagion’

Our stress levels don’t rise and fall in isolation. Grasping the social side of stress could help us manage it better

by Shihan Li