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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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

an anoymous figure is welcomed in to a warm coloured therapists room

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

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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

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

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

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The body and physical health

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Menopause was a French invention at a time of revolution

French doctors of the 1800s had a vested interest in pathologising women’s ageing, as do many commercial entities today

by Alison M Downham Moore

Daniel Kahneman standing on a balcony, arms crossed, with New York City skyline and buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.

Thinkers and theories

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Why I’ll never forget the day I met Daniel Kahneman for lunch

He was an octogenarian Nobel-winning psychologist, I was a nervous 20-something film producer. Here’s what struck me most

by Namir Khaliq

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Mind-body interactions

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How to trust your body

Your heart, lungs, abdomen and gut are trying to tell you something. Learning to tune in can significantly boost your health

by Saga Briggs