mental illness
This Is What It's Like Being Addicted to Laxatives
Laxative abuse is a common manifestation of eating disorders that we rarely talk about. But with the pills so easy to buy and become addicted to, and increasing numbers of young people using them, it's about time we started.
What It's Like to Have a Suicidal Best Friend
I am frustrated that her medications don't work, the doctors can't seem to help her, and neither can I.
Hostgator M. Dotcom's Struggle to Regain His Face After Selling It to Internet Companies
Plagued by poverty and mental illness, William Gibby sold his face to internet companies. Now he's trying to get it back.
You Have No Idea What the Term 'Depressed' Really Means Until It Devours You
"Depression" was a just a word to me before, like "sandals" or "matinée". Now, I get a pang in my chest whenever I hear it and the memories of desperate, dark sadness flicker behind my eyes.
Why Mental Health Disorders Emerge in Your Early Twenties
Is the appearance of mental illness in young people a matter of environment or biology?
The Life, Death and Possible Resurrection of the Asylum
Half a century ago, state mental hospitals closed after a series of horrific abuses – but in the aftermath, many mentally ill people were forced onto the streets or into jails. Now some are arguing it's time to bring these institutions back.
Being Mindful of the Language Surrounding Mental Health Isn't 'PC Gone Mad' – It's Basic Humanity
Considering the tabloid headlines surrounding Andreas Lubitz's depression, how far have we really come since the Sun's infamous "Bonkers Bruno" splash in the way we publicly acknowledge mental illness?
How It Actually Feels to Live with Severe Anxiety
My anxiety disorder can make me feel like I'm trapped in a cyclone of negative thoughts and fear. But like many mental health conditions, with the right treatment and techniques, life is very liveable.
What It's Like Recovering from a Suicide Attempt
More people below the age of 35 die from suicide in this country than any other reason. This is what it's like to reach a point where death seems like the only rational option, but also how the experience can be a catalyst for recovery.
The 'Hidden' Illness of Post-Natal Depression
Over 250,000 new mothers experience perinatal mental illness each year in Britain. So why did I find it so hard to get help?
How Do You Help Someone You Love When They're Depressed?
One in five of us will experience depression in our lifetime – here are some tips on how to help someone when they are unwell.
Where Did My OCD Come From?
There's always been a big part of me that wanted to believe that OCD is genetic, that my mum's DNA – rather than her behaviour – gave me OCD. But I've realised that pointing the finger isn't that important when you want to get well.