When it comes to mental health, the word recovery gets used a lot — but it can mean very different things depending on who you ask. Some people imagine recovery as being cured, as if anxiety, OCD, depression or trauma can be completely erased. Others see recovery as something more fluid: learning to live well, even with the challenges that might still show up from time to time.

This is a phrase I’ve heard from several clients lately, often alongside a new word they’ve picked up on podcasts or articles: limerence. Though first coined in the 1970s, limerence is making a comeback in both research and clinical conversations.

“It’s okay, I spoke to ChatGPT about it this morning and feel so much better.”

When we think about decision making, it’s tempting to picture a careful, logical process: weighing up the pros and cons, analysing the risks, and calmly choosing the best option. Many of us pride ourselves on being “rational” and try to push emotions out of the equation.

But psychology and neuroscience tell us something quite different: emotions are not barriers to good decisions, they are essential to them. Without emotions, we would struggle to make even the simplest choices.

Perfectionism is often praised in our culture. Job interviews reward “perfectionist” as a strength, schools admire students who push for flawless results, and many people wear the label with pride. But behind the polished surface, perfectionism carries hidden costs that can quietly erode mental health, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

The co-occurrence of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is increasingly recognised in clinical settings. While these two conditions may appear distinct at first glance, they share deeper psychological mechanisms that can blur diagnostic boundaries and complicate treatment. For individuals, families, and clinicians alike, recognising how these disorders interact is crucial to providing effective support.