Blog
Lifting the lid on the UK’s mental health crisis
Rates of mental illness in England have been steadily rising since the turn of this century. The number of people with a common mental health condition, such as anxiety and depression, seeking treatment rose from 23.1 per cent in 2000 to 39.4 per cent in 2014. That’s an increase of more than two thirds.
The one skill we all need to improve emotional wellbeing
Flexibility – it’s a vital part of our physical health. It allows us to move our body in different directions with ease. But actually, we now know that flexibility of the mind is also an essential part of good mental health.
Practise makes perfect: developing psychological flexibility
Dr Steven Hayes, the founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), has identified 10 core skills that can help us all adapt to life’s challenges and build resilience. By building these into our daily lives, we can start to see positive change.
I’d like some therapy but which one do I choose?
If you’ve decided you’d like to try some therapy, you may be feeling confused by the different options out there. It can seem like a minefield. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy lists more than 30 different types of therapy – so where do you start?
The (not so) secret ingredient of a happy life
What makes a good life? If you think it's fame and money, you're not alone—but according to a landmark study spanning over eight decades, you'd be mistaken. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on human happiness, reveals that the key to a fulfilling life isn't wealth or celebrity. It's something much more accessible: meaningful relationships.
New project explores AI as a tool for identifying mental health conditions
Can AI accurately detect the symptoms of mental health conditions? And could this be used to improve support for people who are affected by them? This is the focus of a new collaborative research project between Spicy Minds and the University of Bristol.
Talking therapy: what’s stopping you? How AI solutions might help
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall wellbeing, but many people face obstacles when trying to access the support they need. While traditional talking therapy is a proven method of improving mental health, it’s not always easy to get started.
Digital talking therapy: does it work?
There has been an explosion of digital mental health interventions in recent years driven, in part, by the Covid pandemic alongside greater pressures on the health system which has made it harder to access traditional routes to support. However, finding information on their effectiveness isn’t easy.
Autism: to assess or not to assess? That is the question
Deciding whether to pursue an autism assessment for your child can be a difficult decision. Here we explore some of the benefits of opting to assess.
What type of therapist do I need?
If you’re looking to speak with a professional mental health specialist, working out what you need can be tricky.
Why would I want to talk to a robot?
The idea of digital talking therapy can feel quite alien to begin with. Talking about our worries and feelings without a genuine human interaction is a new experience for most and one that many are sceptical of.