The Mental Elf
@thementalelf.bsky.social
🌤️ Hello, I’m the Mental Elf!
🌳 Follow me to keep up to date with the latest reliable #MentalHealthResearch.
🗓️ Live reporting from #DigitalYouth on Nov 13th
🍄 Do you need some #ElfHelp? https://elfi.sh/help
🔗 https://linktr.ee/thementalelf
🌳 Follow me to keep up to date with the latest reliable #MentalHealthResearch.
🗓️ Live reporting from #DigitalYouth on Nov 13th
🍄 Do you need some #ElfHelp? https://elfi.sh/help
🔗 https://linktr.ee/thementalelf
Pinned
Young people describe some online mental health content as 'dangerous' – but what makes other content helpful?
✅ What helps & hinders youth mental health content use
✅ Tips for creating engaging content
✅ Youth-led solutions from researchers & young people
#SocialMedia #YouthMentalHealth
🧵 THREAD
✅ What helps & hinders youth mental health content use
✅ Tips for creating engaging content
✅ Youth-led solutions from researchers & young people
#SocialMedia #YouthMentalHealth
🧵 THREAD
Reposted by The Mental Elf
🚨NEW @NCISH_UK STUDY🚨
NCISH has been commissioned to examine the transition process from CAMHS to AMHS. This can be a high-risk period for patients. To better understand this risk, we are asking patients, carers and clinicians to share their experiences of mental health services via online survey
NCISH has been commissioned to examine the transition process from CAMHS to AMHS. This can be a high-risk period for patients. To better understand this risk, we are asking patients, carers and clinicians to share their experiences of mental health services via online survey
January 8, 2026 at 10:22 AM
🚨NEW @NCISH_UK STUDY🚨
NCISH has been commissioned to examine the transition process from CAMHS to AMHS. This can be a high-risk period for patients. To better understand this risk, we are asking patients, carers and clinicians to share their experiences of mental health services via online survey
NCISH has been commissioned to examine the transition process from CAMHS to AMHS. This can be a high-risk period for patients. To better understand this risk, we are asking patients, carers and clinicians to share their experiences of mental health services via online survey
Barriers to disclosure included shame, guilt and general distrust. Many found it difficult to talk about their experiences, reflecting the time they grew up in where sexuality was taboo.
Healthcare professionals need trauma-informed routine enquiry.
Read the blog: buff.ly/HRJnaKt
Healthcare professionals need trauma-informed routine enquiry.
Read the blog: buff.ly/HRJnaKt
Mental health impacts of sexual violence in older adults: a qualitative study
Sophie Carlisle covers a qualitative study finding that older adults do not associate their mental health difficulties with previous sexual violence.
buff.ly
January 9, 2026 at 11:41 AM
Barriers to disclosure included shame, guilt and general distrust. Many found it difficult to talk about their experiences, reflecting the time they grew up in where sexuality was taboo.
Healthcare professionals need trauma-informed routine enquiry.
Read the blog: buff.ly/HRJnaKt
Healthcare professionals need trauma-informed routine enquiry.
Read the blog: buff.ly/HRJnaKt
This qualitative study interviewed 15 older adults (70+) about their experiences.
Despite reporting anxiety, guilt and shame, most didn't connect these to their trauma.
Despite reporting anxiety, guilt and shame, most didn't connect these to their trauma.
January 9, 2026 at 11:41 AM
This qualitative study interviewed 15 older adults (70+) about their experiences.
Despite reporting anxiety, guilt and shame, most didn't connect these to their trauma.
Despite reporting anxiety, guilt and shame, most didn't connect these to their trauma.
Sexual violence in older adults is under-researched, yet approximately 30-35% of women and 10-27% of men experience it in their lifetime 😔
#MentalHealth #SexualViolence #OlderAdults #Trauma
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #SexualViolence #OlderAdults #Trauma
🧵 THREAD
January 9, 2026 at 11:41 AM
Sexual violence in older adults is under-researched, yet approximately 30-35% of women and 10-27% of men experience it in their lifetime 😔
#MentalHealth #SexualViolence #OlderAdults #Trauma
🧵 THREAD
#MentalHealth #SexualViolence #OlderAdults #Trauma
🧵 THREAD
👉 Want to join this vibrant community?
Visit bigspd.org.uk
Follow @bigspd.bsky.social
#BIGSPD25 #BIGSPD26 #MentalHealth #Recovery #Coproduction #PersonalityDisorder #TraumaInformed
Visit bigspd.org.uk
Follow @bigspd.bsky.social
#BIGSPD25 #BIGSPD26 #MentalHealth #Recovery #Coproduction #PersonalityDisorder #TraumaInformed
HOME
BIGSPD was formed in 1999 as a forum for networking in the field of personality disorder. This began as a small annual conference, predominantly for clinicians but has evolved significantly over the…
bigspd.org.uk
January 8, 2026 at 8:15 AM
👉 Want to join this vibrant community?
Visit bigspd.org.uk
Follow @bigspd.bsky.social
#BIGSPD25 #BIGSPD26 #MentalHealth #Recovery #Coproduction #PersonalityDisorder #TraumaInformed
Visit bigspd.org.uk
Follow @bigspd.bsky.social
#BIGSPD25 #BIGSPD26 #MentalHealth #Recovery #Coproduction #PersonalityDisorder #TraumaInformed
Hear from practitioners, researchers, and advocates about how BIGSPD brings together diverse voices across health, criminal justice, and lived experience to shift thinking around personality disorder.
@garylamph.bsky.social @danwarrender.bsky.social @bigspd.bsky.social
@garylamph.bsky.social @danwarrender.bsky.social @bigspd.bsky.social
January 8, 2026 at 8:15 AM
Hear from practitioners, researchers, and advocates about how BIGSPD brings together diverse voices across health, criminal justice, and lived experience to shift thinking around personality disorder.
@garylamph.bsky.social @danwarrender.bsky.social @bigspd.bsky.social
@garylamph.bsky.social @danwarrender.bsky.social @bigspd.bsky.social
🎬 New 'personality disorders' video series alert!
Starting today, we're sharing 6 videos from @bigspd.bsky.social's 2025 conference in Liverpool - one every Thursday morning.
First up: Why does this community matter?
buff.ly/O28Ji4Q
Starting today, we're sharing 6 videos from @bigspd.bsky.social's 2025 conference in Liverpool - one every Thursday morning.
First up: Why does this community matter?
buff.ly/O28Ji4Q
Join BIGSPD - the British and Irish Group for the Study of 'Personality Disorders'
Exploring Diversity and Inclusion at the BIGSPD Conference 2025
00:00 Gary Lamph - Introduction to the Conference Highlights
00:29 Claire Wiles - The Importance of Diverse Perspectives
01:03 Dan…
youtu.be
January 8, 2026 at 8:15 AM
🎬 New 'personality disorders' video series alert!
Starting today, we're sharing 6 videos from @bigspd.bsky.social's 2025 conference in Liverpool - one every Thursday morning.
First up: Why does this community matter?
buff.ly/O28Ji4Q
Starting today, we're sharing 6 videos from @bigspd.bsky.social's 2025 conference in Liverpool - one every Thursday morning.
First up: Why does this community matter?
buff.ly/O28Ji4Q
The study is limited - it describes patterns but doesn't differentiate between self-harm, sensory regulation and communication.
Future research needs a more nuanced approach to avoid over-pathologising all headbanging as self-injury.
Read: buff.ly/yqQB3iJ
#MentalHealth #SelfHarm #EUPD
Future research needs a more nuanced approach to avoid over-pathologising all headbanging as self-injury.
Read: buff.ly/yqQB3iJ
#MentalHealth #SelfHarm #EUPD
January 8, 2026 at 7:41 AM
The study is limited - it describes patterns but doesn't differentiate between self-harm, sensory regulation and communication.
Future research needs a more nuanced approach to avoid over-pathologising all headbanging as self-injury.
Read: buff.ly/yqQB3iJ
#MentalHealth #SelfHarm #EUPD
Future research needs a more nuanced approach to avoid over-pathologising all headbanging as self-injury.
Read: buff.ly/yqQB3iJ
#MentalHealth #SelfHarm #EUPD
When harmful items are restricted in secure wards, people may turn to headbanging as self-injury 😔
This 5-year study of 421 patients found headbanging was most common in younger females with EUPD.
Most incidents were rated as low harm, but the study doesn't explore why it happens.
🧵 THREAD
This 5-year study of 421 patients found headbanging was most common in younger females with EUPD.
Most incidents were rated as low harm, but the study doesn't explore why it happens.
🧵 THREAD
January 8, 2026 at 7:41 AM
When harmful items are restricted in secure wards, people may turn to headbanging as self-injury 😔
This 5-year study of 421 patients found headbanging was most common in younger females with EUPD.
Most incidents were rated as low harm, but the study doesn't explore why it happens.
🧵 THREAD
This 5-year study of 421 patients found headbanging was most common in younger females with EUPD.
Most incidents were rated as low harm, but the study doesn't explore why it happens.
🧵 THREAD
This challenges the "bad habits" narrative. People may use these behaviours to manage intense emotions, shame or fears of abandonment.
The cross-sectional design means we can't establish causation, but it opens important questions for treatment.
Read: buff.ly/rc49sFr
The cross-sectional design means we can't establish causation, but it opens important questions for treatment.
Read: buff.ly/rc49sFr
What lies beneath hair-pulling and skin-picking behaviours? The role of early maladaptive schemas - National Elf Service
Are hair-pulling and skin-picking disorders linked to deeper beliefs formed in childhood? This study found that early maladaptive schemas were common across trichotillomania, skin-picking and OCD,…
buff.ly
January 7, 2026 at 9:29 AM
This challenges the "bad habits" narrative. People may use these behaviours to manage intense emotions, shame or fears of abandonment.
The cross-sectional design means we can't establish causation, but it opens important questions for treatment.
Read: buff.ly/rc49sFr
The cross-sectional design means we can't establish causation, but it opens important questions for treatment.
Read: buff.ly/rc49sFr
Are hair-pulling and skin-picking linked to deeper beliefs from childhood? 🤔
This study of 283 adults found early maladaptive schemas were elevated across trichotillomania, skin-picking and OCD.
#MentalHealth #Trichotillomania #SkinPicking #OCD #BodyFocusedRepetitiveBehaviours
🧵 THREAD
This study of 283 adults found early maladaptive schemas were elevated across trichotillomania, skin-picking and OCD.
#MentalHealth #Trichotillomania #SkinPicking #OCD #BodyFocusedRepetitiveBehaviours
🧵 THREAD
January 7, 2026 at 9:29 AM
Are hair-pulling and skin-picking linked to deeper beliefs from childhood? 🤔
This study of 283 adults found early maladaptive schemas were elevated across trichotillomania, skin-picking and OCD.
#MentalHealth #Trichotillomania #SkinPicking #OCD #BodyFocusedRepetitiveBehaviours
🧵 THREAD
This study of 283 adults found early maladaptive schemas were elevated across trichotillomania, skin-picking and OCD.
#MentalHealth #Trichotillomania #SkinPicking #OCD #BodyFocusedRepetitiveBehaviours
🧵 THREAD
How should professionals respond when young people turn to TikTok for DIY mental health support?
Discover practical insights in our expert webinar!
19 Jan | 1-2pm | FREE
Learn what really works (and what doesn't) in online mental health content ⬇️
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wtf-this-i...
Discover practical insights in our expert webinar!
19 Jan | 1-2pm | FREE
Learn what really works (and what doesn't) in online mental health content ⬇️
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wtf-this-i...
"WTF, this is so dangerous!" Social media influencers & youth mental health
Join our event and hear youth-led insights on what good and bad mental health communication looks like online.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
January 6, 2026 at 1:41 PM
How should professionals respond when young people turn to TikTok for DIY mental health support?
Discover practical insights in our expert webinar!
19 Jan | 1-2pm | FREE
Learn what really works (and what doesn't) in online mental health content ⬇️
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wtf-this-i...
Discover practical insights in our expert webinar!
19 Jan | 1-2pm | FREE
Learn what really works (and what doesn't) in online mental health content ⬇️
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wtf-this-i...
Young people describe some online mental health content as 'dangerous' – but what makes other content helpful?
✅ What helps & hinders youth mental health content use
✅ Tips for creating engaging content
✅ Youth-led solutions from researchers & young people
#SocialMedia #YouthMentalHealth
🧵 THREAD
✅ What helps & hinders youth mental health content use
✅ Tips for creating engaging content
✅ Youth-led solutions from researchers & young people
#SocialMedia #YouthMentalHealth
🧵 THREAD
January 6, 2026 at 1:41 PM
Young people describe some online mental health content as 'dangerous' – but what makes other content helpful?
✅ What helps & hinders youth mental health content use
✅ Tips for creating engaging content
✅ Youth-led solutions from researchers & young people
#SocialMedia #YouthMentalHealth
🧵 THREAD
✅ What helps & hinders youth mental health content use
✅ Tips for creating engaging content
✅ Youth-led solutions from researchers & young people
#SocialMedia #YouthMentalHealth
🧵 THREAD
Surprisingly, no differences were found for gambling or exercise addiction between ADHD and control groups.
The findings are preliminary and can't establish causation. More diverse, robust studies are needed.
Read: buff.ly/70t71fF
The findings are preliminary and can't establish causation. More diverse, robust studies are needed.
Read: buff.ly/70t71fF
ADHD and behavioural addictions: exploring impulsivity, compulsivity and internet use
Do people with ADHD have higher rates of behavioural addictions? This study found increased impulsivity, compulsivity and problematic internet use.
buff.ly
January 6, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Surprisingly, no differences were found for gambling or exercise addiction between ADHD and control groups.
The findings are preliminary and can't establish causation. More diverse, robust studies are needed.
Read: buff.ly/70t71fF
The findings are preliminary and can't establish causation. More diverse, robust studies are needed.
Read: buff.ly/70t71fF
Do people with ADHD have higher rates of behavioural addictions? 🤔
This small study found those with ADHD had increased impulsivity, compulsivity & problematic internet use.
However, the study was correlational & lacked diversity.
#MentalHealth #ADHD #BehaviouralAddiction #InternetUse
🧵 THREAD
This small study found those with ADHD had increased impulsivity, compulsivity & problematic internet use.
However, the study was correlational & lacked diversity.
#MentalHealth #ADHD #BehaviouralAddiction #InternetUse
🧵 THREAD
January 6, 2026 at 11:34 AM
Do people with ADHD have higher rates of behavioural addictions? 🤔
This small study found those with ADHD had increased impulsivity, compulsivity & problematic internet use.
However, the study was correlational & lacked diversity.
#MentalHealth #ADHD #BehaviouralAddiction #InternetUse
🧵 THREAD
This small study found those with ADHD had increased impulsivity, compulsivity & problematic internet use.
However, the study was correlational & lacked diversity.
#MentalHealth #ADHD #BehaviouralAddiction #InternetUse
🧵 THREAD
"WTF, this is so dangerous!"
Social media influencers & youth mental health
Sin up now for our free webinar on Mon 19th January.
buff.ly/qK5NPOP
Social media influencers & youth mental health
Sin up now for our free webinar on Mon 19th January.
buff.ly/qK5NPOP
"WTF, this is so dangerous!" Social media influencers & youth mental health
Join our event and hear youth-led insights on what good and bad mental health communication looks like online.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 8:25 PM
"WTF, this is so dangerous!"
Social media influencers & youth mental health
Sin up now for our free webinar on Mon 19th January.
buff.ly/qK5NPOP
Social media influencers & youth mental health
Sin up now for our free webinar on Mon 19th January.
buff.ly/qK5NPOP
The interventions (Board Relay, Zonal Observations, and Life Skills activities) were simple but effective, co-produced with staff and service users.
However, without a control group, it's difficult to determine whether other factors contributed to improvements.
Read the blog: buff.ly/ZsPQIeD
However, without a control group, it's difficult to determine whether other factors contributed to improvements.
Read the blog: buff.ly/ZsPQIeD
Who's got the obs sheets? Can QI methods reduce violence and restrictive practices on inpatient mental health wards? - National Elf Service
This large-scale quality improvement project across 55 mental health wards tested Board Relay, Zonal Observations, and Life Skills activities to improve therapeutic engagement. Results showed…
buff.ly
January 5, 2026 at 10:29 AM
The interventions (Board Relay, Zonal Observations, and Life Skills activities) were simple but effective, co-produced with staff and service users.
However, without a control group, it's difficult to determine whether other factors contributed to improvements.
Read the blog: buff.ly/ZsPQIeD
However, without a control group, it's difficult to determine whether other factors contributed to improvements.
Read the blog: buff.ly/ZsPQIeD
"Who's got the obs sheets?" Sound familiar? 👀
This QI project tested 3 interventions across 55 mental health wards.
Results:
🌟 violence down 23-60%,
🌟 restrictive practices down 16-38%,
🌟 staff sickness down 16%.
#MentalHealth #InpatientCare #QualityImprovement #RestrictivePractices
🧵 THREAD
This QI project tested 3 interventions across 55 mental health wards.
Results:
🌟 violence down 23-60%,
🌟 restrictive practices down 16-38%,
🌟 staff sickness down 16%.
#MentalHealth #InpatientCare #QualityImprovement #RestrictivePractices
🧵 THREAD
January 5, 2026 at 10:29 AM
"Who's got the obs sheets?" Sound familiar? 👀
This QI project tested 3 interventions across 55 mental health wards.
Results:
🌟 violence down 23-60%,
🌟 restrictive practices down 16-38%,
🌟 staff sickness down 16%.
#MentalHealth #InpatientCare #QualityImprovement #RestrictivePractices
🧵 THREAD
This QI project tested 3 interventions across 55 mental health wards.
Results:
🌟 violence down 23-60%,
🌟 restrictive practices down 16-38%,
🌟 staff sickness down 16%.
#MentalHealth #InpatientCare #QualityImprovement #RestrictivePractices
🧵 THREAD
We invite school staff and mental health practitioners to join the UCL @resetproject.bsky.social team for a webinar exploring insights and practical tips from ReSET, a new preventative, group-based mental health intervention for adolescents delivered in school settings.
December 19, 2025 at 3:37 PM
We invite school staff and mental health practitioners to join the UCL @resetproject.bsky.social team for a webinar exploring insights and practical tips from ReSET, a new preventative, group-based mental health intervention for adolescents delivered in school settings.
🗓️ When? Wednesday 21st January
🕞 Time: 3.30-4.45pm
🗣️ Speakers: Professor Essi Viding, Professor Pasco Fearon, Dr Dr Alex Lloyd
🌳 Hosted by The Mental Elf - André Tomlin
🕞 Time: 3.30-4.45pm
🗣️ Speakers: Professor Essi Viding, Professor Pasco Fearon, Dr Dr Alex Lloyd
🌳 Hosted by The Mental Elf - André Tomlin
December 19, 2025 at 3:37 PM
🗓️ When? Wednesday 21st January
🕞 Time: 3.30-4.45pm
🗣️ Speakers: Professor Essi Viding, Professor Pasco Fearon, Dr Dr Alex Lloyd
🌳 Hosted by The Mental Elf - André Tomlin
🕞 Time: 3.30-4.45pm
🗣️ Speakers: Professor Essi Viding, Professor Pasco Fearon, Dr Dr Alex Lloyd
🌳 Hosted by The Mental Elf - André Tomlin
Unlock the potential of school-based mental health support! ReSET Webinar
Discover insights and practical tips from a new preventative school-based mental health programme
🎟️ Get your FREE ticket NOW! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unlock-the...
Discover insights and practical tips from a new preventative school-based mental health programme
🎟️ Get your FREE ticket NOW! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unlock-the...
Unlock the potential of school-based mental health support! ReSET Webinar
Discover insights and practical tips from a new preventative school-based mental health programme
www.eventbrite.co.uk
December 19, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Unlock the potential of school-based mental health support! ReSET Webinar
Discover insights and practical tips from a new preventative school-based mental health programme
🎟️ Get your FREE ticket NOW! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unlock-the...
Discover insights and practical tips from a new preventative school-based mental health programme
🎟️ Get your FREE ticket NOW! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/unlock-the...
🎟️ Tickets are FREE but get yours FAST to avoid disappointment!
Speakers include:
🌟 Eva Asiedu-Addo
🌟 Kadra Abdinasir
🌟 Ahmed Ezzat
🌟 Kaz ChuFoon
🌟 Ruth Page
🌟 Michael Larkin
#YouthMentalHealth #SocialMedia #Influencers #Misinformation #Communication
Speakers include:
🌟 Eva Asiedu-Addo
🌟 Kadra Abdinasir
🌟 Ahmed Ezzat
🌟 Kaz ChuFoon
🌟 Ruth Page
🌟 Michael Larkin
#YouthMentalHealth #SocialMedia #Influencers #Misinformation #Communication
December 18, 2025 at 3:24 PM
🎟️ Tickets are FREE but get yours FAST to avoid disappointment!
Speakers include:
🌟 Eva Asiedu-Addo
🌟 Kadra Abdinasir
🌟 Ahmed Ezzat
🌟 Kaz ChuFoon
🌟 Ruth Page
🌟 Michael Larkin
#YouthMentalHealth #SocialMedia #Influencers #Misinformation #Communication
Speakers include:
🌟 Eva Asiedu-Addo
🌟 Kadra Abdinasir
🌟 Ahmed Ezzat
🌟 Kaz ChuFoon
🌟 Ruth Page
🌟 Michael Larkin
#YouthMentalHealth #SocialMedia #Influencers #Misinformation #Communication
What does 😎 GOOD and 😨 BAD mental health communication look like online?
We're having a webinar to discuss this with young people, social media influencers and scientists. It'll be fascinating and fun. Why not come along and learn!?
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wtf-this-i...
We're having a webinar to discuss this with young people, social media influencers and scientists. It'll be fascinating and fun. Why not come along and learn!?
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wtf-this-i...
"WTF, this is so dangerous!" Social media influencers & youth mental health
Join our event and hear youth-led insights on what good and bad mental health communication looks like online.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
December 18, 2025 at 3:24 PM
What does 😎 GOOD and 😨 BAD mental health communication look like online?
We're having a webinar to discuss this with young people, social media influencers and scientists. It'll be fascinating and fun. Why not come along and learn!?
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wtf-this-i...
We're having a webinar to discuss this with young people, social media influencers and scientists. It'll be fascinating and fun. Why not come along and learn!?
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wtf-this-i...
Key finding: 60% of depression cases occurred in people with no affected close relatives.
Family history matters, but most people who develop mental health conditions have no affected relatives. Genetics, environment, and life experiences all play a role.
Read the blog: buff.ly/u6BpgpR
Family history matters, but most people who develop mental health conditions have no affected relatives. Genetics, environment, and life experiences all play a role.
Read the blog: buff.ly/u6BpgpR
December 18, 2025 at 7:41 AM
Key finding: 60% of depression cases occurred in people with no affected close relatives.
Family history matters, but most people who develop mental health conditions have no affected relatives. Genetics, environment, and life experiences all play a role.
Read the blog: buff.ly/u6BpgpR
Family history matters, but most people who develop mental health conditions have no affected relatives. Genetics, environment, and life experiences all play a role.
Read the blog: buff.ly/u6BpgpR