Fat phobia has been everywhere lately in conversations about health, beauty standards, and self-worth, but it’s more than just a passing topic. At its core, fat phobia is a deeply rooted fear or bias against people based on body size. It’s a force that affects everyone, from those who face overt discrimination to those who quietly turn society’s negative views inwards. When fat phobia is internalised, it can cause people to dislike or even hate themselves simply because of their size, leading to all sorts of mental health challenges. Let’s dive into what fat phobia is, why it exists, and how it impacts our self-esteem, mental health, and lives.

ADHD—Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder—is certainly in the spotlight at the moment. Articles, social media posts, and personal stories are filling our feeds, bringing much-needed attention to a condition that many people have struggled to have recognised. For those who’ve faced years of misunderstanding or misdiagnosis, this rise in awareness is promising. But for others who are seeing symptoms of ADHD discussed for the first time, it can also lead to confusion, self-diagnosis, and questions: “Could this be me?” or “Does my loved one have ADHD?”

Let’s take a look at why this growing visibility is both helpful and challenging, and how to navigate questions around ADHD assessment in a responsible, supportive way.

The journey to understanding one’s mental health is rarely straightforward. For many, it involves navigating multiple diagnoses at once, each with its own set of challenges and treatments. Anxiety might walk hand-in-hand with depression, or ADHD could coexist with mood disorders, creating layers of complexity in understanding and managing what’s going on beneath the surface.