Understanding Mental Health: Why It Matters What is mental health? Mental health is a vital part of overall wellbeing. It includes our emotional, psychological, and social health, and it affects how we think, feel, and act. Good mental health helps us cope with everyday stresses, build relationships, and make healthy choices. Like physical health, mental health changes throughout life and requires ongoing care and attention. Everyone experiences periods of stress, uncertainty, or low mood, maintaining good mental health means recognising these changes and seeking support when needed. This year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Mental health is a universal human right,” highlights that access to mental health care and support should not depend on where someone lives, their background, or their income. Everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and understood. Why this conversation matters In the UK, around one in four people experience a mental health problem each year, and one in six report experiencing symptoms such as anxiety or depression in any given week. Yet many still wait months, sometimes years, for support. Although awareness has grown, stigma and silence persist. Many of us still believe we should “just cope,” even when we’re overwhelmed and because mental health is invisible, it’s often the first thing that may be overlooked. Mental health affects everyone. It’s the quiet foundation beneath our daily lives, the thoughts that shape our mornings, the sense of connection that makes us feel human. Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away, it simply makes life heavier to carry. Mental health is not about being happy all the time Good mental health isn’t the same as constant positivity. It’s the ability to feel, fully and safely, even when emotions are uncomfortable. It’s being able to recover from setbacks and hold onto hope during difficult times. We may have moments when life feels too much, when the pressure to hold everything together becomes exhausting. These moments don’t mean we’re failing, they mean we’re human. Research shows that almost 60% of UK adults say their mental health has worsened over the past five years, with stress, loneliness, and financial pressure among the leading causes. These figures remind us that behind every number is a person doing their best to get through the day, often silently. What helps Looking after mental health doesn’t always require big, dramatic changes. Often, it begins with the smallest acts of care, the ones that gently reconnect us with ourselves: · Taking a few deep breaths before reacting. · Talking honestly with someone you trust. · Spending time outdoors or moving your body. · Saying no when you need to rest. · Speaking kindly to yourself, even when it feels unnatural. These small actions might not fix everything, but they create breathing space, a reminder that we have agency, and that we’re not defined by struggle alone. Everyone deserves support At Positive Talk, we believe mental health care is a right, not a privilege. Everyone should have access to spaces where they can be heard without judgment and supported with compassion. Therapy is one way to create that space, a place to slow down, make sense of what’s happening inside, and begin to heal. Support doesn’t always start in a therapy room. Sometimes it starts with a friend asking, “How are you really?” or someone admitting, “I’m not okay.” Every conversation helps to dismantle stigma and build a culture where care is normal, not exceptional. Reach out for support This World Mental Health Day, we invite you to take a moment to check in with yourself. How are you, truly? What might you need today: rest, connection, or perhaps a little compassion for yourself? And if things feel heavy right now, please don’t face it alone. Reach out a friend, a GP, or a therapist at Positive Talk. Support is available, and you deserve it.  Created by Priyanka, Integrative Therapist (MSc, MNCPS Accred.)on behalf of Positive Talk

ADHD: What It Is, and What support is available 1. What is ADHD? ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, organisation,. It’s not a sign of laziness, bad parenting, or lack of effort. ADHD affects the way the brain regulates focus, energy, and emotions, which means people may find it harder to manage time, stay organised, or complete tasks, even when they want to. There are three main types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive impulsive and combined. Symptoms can look different from person to person, some may struggle with concentration or forgetfulness, while others feel constantly “on the go.” ADHD is not just a childhood condition. It often continues into adulthood, though it can present differently at different ages. 2. How common is ADHD in the UK? ADHD is much more common than most people realise, and many people remain undiagnosed. · In England alone, around 2.5 million people are estimated to have ADHD, including 741,000 children and young people. · As of 2025, more than 500,000 people are on NHS waiting lists for an ADHD assessment. · Among adults, around 14% show signs of ADHD on screening tests, yet fewer than 2% have a formal diagnosis. · GP records suggest that only about 1 in 9 people with ADHD are currently diagnosed. These numbers show a huge gap between how many people have ADHD and how many actually receive help or support. 3. Why ADHD often goes unnoticed ADHD can be difficult to recognise because it doesn’t always appear the same in everyone. Some people are very outwardly energetic or impulsive; others appear quiet and distracted. Many learn to mask their symptoms, working harder than others to keep up or hiding their struggles due to fear of judgement. There are also common myths that prevent people from seeking help, such as: · “ADHD is just bad behaviour.” · “It only affects children.” · “You can’t have ADHD if you did well at school.” ADHD can affect anyone, regardless of IQ or background. It’s about how the brain processes information and manages focus, not about effort or ability. 4. What ADHD can look like day to day ADHD can affect many areas of life. Someone might: · Forget appointments or lose things often. · Struggle to start or finish tasks, especially if they’re repetitive. · Feel restless, talk quickly, or interrupt without meaning to. · Experience emotional ups and downs. · Find time management, budgeting, or organising daily life especially draining. These challenges can lead to frustration, low confidence, or burnout, especially when people don’t yet know why things feel harder for them. But ADHD also comes with strengths. Many people with ADHD are creative, quick thinkers, good problem solvers, and passionate about the things they care about. With understanding and the right tools, those strengths can shine. 5. Why early recognition matters Without support, ADHD can contribute to difficulties at school, work, or in relationships. It’s also linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Recognising ADHD early can prevent years of unnecessary struggle. At the moment, though, many people wait months, sometimes years , for an assessment. This can be discouraging, but it’s important to remember that support doesn’t have to wait for a diagnosis. 6. What can help you · Therapy or coaching to help with organisation, focus, emotional regulation, and self-understanding. · Medication prescribed by specialists, which can help balance attention and energy levels. · Routine and structure, such as clear plans, reminders, and breaking tasks into smaller steps. · Lifestyle support, regular sleep, physical activity, and balanced nutrition. · Community or workplace adjustments, such as flexible deadlines or quiet spaces. Even small changes can ease pressure and restore confidence. 7. ADHD affects adults, too Many adults reach their 20s, 30s, or 40s before being diagnosed, often after noticing ongoing challenges like disorganisation, burnout, or difficulty managing emotions. For some, a diagnosis brings relief a new understanding of why things have always felt harder than they “should.” Awareness is key. The more people understand what ADHD looks like in adults, especially as many may mask symptoms, the more likely they are to recognise when something deeper is going on. 8. Reaching out for support  If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. ADHD is common, and help is available. You can speak to your GP about an assessment or connect with us for guidance and resources. At Positive Talk, we work with many clients who are exploring or living with ADHD. Therapy can help you understand your mind better, develop strategies that fit you, and rebuild confidence.