Perspectives and controversies

Disorders and difficulties Therapies and practical advice Perspectives and controversies

Evaluating therapies History and philosophy of mental health History of psychology and psychiatry Law and mental health Mental health across cultures Mind-body interactions Socioeconomics of mental health Stigma and taboo Therapeutic relationships

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A blurred black cat jumps on dirt ground in the foreground, with a distant statue of Pope John Paul II with arms outstretched against the sky in the background

Values and beliefs

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Cultural taboos arise from a basic feature of the human mind

Unquestioned community rules on marriage, dining and even black cats often stem from our hunger to explain random events

by Kevin (Ze) Hong

Photo of two people sitting at a wooden table each holding a mug, with a blurred outdoor background.

Psychotherapy

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Think someone should see a therapist? Here’s how to bring it up

Your suggestion could be invaluable, and it doesn’t need to be perfect. These steps will help you get a caring message across

by Kathryn Gordon

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Food and drink

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How to maintain a healthy gut

With a few lifestyle and dietary changes, you can protect your gut microbiome, boost your immunity and improve your mood

by Vincent Ho

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Anxiety

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Self-honesty is crucial, life is weird – a tale of wisdom gained via panic attacks

Directed by Samira Mian

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Difficult emotions

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Feeling nothing can be as devastating as feeling too much

Emotional ‘emptiness’ is a damaging, underexplored phenomenon. Better understanding it could help steer people to fulfilment

by Christopher J Hopwood

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Psychiatry

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What a psychiatric diagnosis means – and what it doesn’t mean

With stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental health, it’s vital to know the benefits and limits of a formal diagnosis

by Awais Aftab

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Psychotherapy

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How to get ready for therapy

Whatever brings you to a therapist’s office, taking these proactive steps as you begin can help you make the most of it

by Rochelle Frank

Illustration of a nurse pouring a drink for a seated man at a table with flowers and a book.

Cultural diversity

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What we lose by being overly scientific about healthcare

Empirical studies tell us about treatment outcomes, but they overlook the cultural dynamics that can help us feel better

by Ana Todorović

Houses at night with a crescent moon in a clear blue sky, one house has an illuminated window, tree silhouettes frame the scene.

Bipolar disorder

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Our internal clocks could be key for preserving mental health

Circadian rhythms often seem ‘out of time’ in bipolar disorder. Scientists are exploring what goes wrong and how to help

by Jacob Crouse

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Emerging therapies

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How to know if hypnosis is for you

Even experts can be confused about clinical hypnosis. So here’s all you need to help decide if you might benefit from it

by Eric Spiegel