As the end of the year approaches, many of us feel a familiar sense of anticipation. The New Year promises fresh starts, clean slates, and the opportunity to become the best version of ourselves. But with these feelings of hope come the pressures of New Year’s resolutions. This tradition, while well-intentioned, often sets us up for disappointment, self-criticism, and feelings of failure. While resolutions may seem harmless, there’s mounting evidence that they may, in fact, be more harmful than helpful for our mental well-being. Let’s unpack why.

The holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. Yet for many, it brings an unwelcome sense of loneliness—a quiet ache magnified by festive surroundings. When the world feels wrapped in togetherness, loneliness can feel sharper, more pronounced, and, at times, isolating. But there are ways to navigate this season with resilience, compassion, and perhaps even find moments of peace and connection.

For those living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), intrusive thoughts can feel overwhelming, disruptive, and even all-consuming. These thoughts are often distressing, sparking a range of emotional responses like fear, shame, or confusion. But what makes these thoughts especially debilitating is a mental process known as “fusion,” where the mind becomes so attached to a thought that it feels indistinguishable from reality.

When it comes to managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the treatment for OCD, invites individuals to confront their fears directly, resist their compulsions, and, in doing so, gradually lessen the hold OCD has over their lives. However, success in ERP hinges on a crucial ingredient: consistency.

Friendships are one of life’s most treasured bonds, yet they’re often overlooked when we think about what makes life meaningful. For some, friends are as close as family, deeply rooted in shared history and mutual support. For others, friendships come and go, changing with life’s seasons, their impermanence no less enriching. So, is there a special value in long-term friendships, or do friendships of any duration serve just as well in the journey of life?

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.