If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
UK: Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7)

How you can help?
• Check in with friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
• Listen with empathy, without judgment.
• Share resources and encourage professional support.
• Remind people they are not alone.

Talking about suicide does not cause it. But silence and stigma can make things harder.

Professor Rory O’Connor (University of Glasgow) explains:

“Evidence shows asking someone if they’re suicidal can protect them. They feel listened to, and hopefully less trapped. Their feelings are validated, and they know that somebody cares about them. Reaching out can save a life’’

One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that you shouldn’t ask someone if they’re suicidal.

They enjoyed talks by Key Note speakers including Sarah Dominguez on 'transdiagnostic' approach to treating trauma and Alessandra Minnelli talked through fascinating studies into epigenetic changes (genes) from the early trauma.

EMDR stands of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing and is treatment for trauma that uses
'bilateral stimulation' (often side to side eye movements) to help us to process traumatic events.

Pride is a celebration of the resilience, history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. But it is a movement that came out of a protest for better treatment, and we must use this opportunity to highlight challenges many still face; especially when it comes to mental health. #pride #pridemonth

Sadly, 56 years on over half of LGBTQ+ people have experienced depression, three in five have experienced anxiety and one in eight aged 18-24 have attempted to end their life.

The origins are rooted in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when marches started in response to a police raid on a gay bar, The Stonewall Inn in New York. The protests ignited a movement for LGBTQ+ rights and liberation, and the Pride Marches continue to this day.

They opened up to her and her outstanding report was of invaluable assistance to the Court.”

Wonderful testimonial from a client received today.

It is more helpful to look at the levels and areas of help an individual may need.
#autismawarenessmonth #autismawareness

To be 'low functioning' can be stigmatising and dismissive of an individual's unique strengths and abilities. To be 'high functioning' can minimise the support they receive and overlook their challenges.

'High' and 'low' functioning labels oversimplify the diverse and unique experiences and abilities of individuals with autism.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
(DSM-5) instead categorises autism based on the level of support required.

The terms "high functioning" and “low functioning" autism are often used to describe the perceived level of support an autistic person might need, however they are not a medical term.

It's worth noting that Hans Asperger, the researcher the term was named after, has a controversial history, which has added to the move away from the label. Using "Autism Spectrum Disorder" is more inclusive and aligns with current medical and scientific standards.

#autismawarenessmonth

This shift was made to reflect the understanding that autism exists on a spectrum rather than as distinct conditions.
It is still widely used and some people prefer to identify as having Asperger's.