News, Research & Ideas

As Labour positions itself as the harbinger of change and renewal in its 2024 manifesto, a critical oversight threatens to undermine its vision for a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system. While the manifesto admirably outlines plans to enhance mental health services and integrate healthcare provision, it conspicuously neglects the fragmented and underfunded landscape of […]

First Impressions: A Warm Welcome in the Midst of a Storm Upon my initial visit to the homeless hub, I was immediately struck by the palpable sense of warmth and empathy exuded by the staff. As I approached the entrance, I could see a queue of individuals braving the harsh elements, waiting patiently for the […]

In the heart of storytelling lies the power to evoke empathy, inspire change, and illuminate the often unseen struggles many face. My upcoming book, “Through the Cracks: A Journey Through Mental Health and Substance Use Struggles,” aims to do just that. This narrative embarks on the poignant journey of Danny, whose life is marred by […]

Hey there! If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know I’m pretty passionate about a topic that’s both close to my heart and critical in the world of healthcare: the intricate dance between mental health and addiction. It’s not just two areas overlapping; it’s a complex tangle where understanding and action need to go hand […]

In my journey as a mental health social worker, I’ve encountered many facets of human resilience and vulnerability. Yet, nothing quite prepared me for the profound lessons I would learn at a local food bank. Amidst the quiet walls of this sanctuary, I witnessed a vivid tapestry of life – stories of struggle, strength, and the indomitable human spirit. From the retired teacher turned volunteer, offering more than just food but a listening ear and hope, to the hardworking indiv

In the complex world of addiction, where the battle against substances is often silent but fierce, words are not just tools of communication; they are architects of our reality. The terms we choose to describe the experiences of individuals with addiction challenges can either illuminate their journey towards recovery or cast a shadow of stigma and misunderstanding. In this exploration, we embark on a journey through the intricate labyrinth of language, dissecting two particu

Introduction: In the tapestry of human experience, the intricate dance between suffering and solace has long been choreographed with substances as partners. This is not a new partner in our waltz of life; it’s a relationship as old as history itself. But why do we turn to such partners? The self-medication hypothesis (SMH) offers one […]

Language is a curious thing, isn’t it? It acts as both a window and a wall in human communication. Through words, we can peer into people’s deepest beliefs, seeing the cultural, historical, and personal foundations that shape them. But here’s the kicker: language doesn’t just reflect our thoughts; it actively shapes them. Words are far […]

The Indispensable Role of Social Workers in Mental Health Crises There is a misconception in mental health services when referring to the role of a social worker. For many, the role of a social worker in mental health services is to address the individual’s economic and housing needs. This is a misconception. The reality is […]

Since the work of Emil Kraepelin, the concept of mental illness has dominated western society. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in diagnosed mental health conditions, with around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents now being labeled with a disorder. However, the more that psychiatric theory and practice are promoted, the […]

Throughout the course of human history, societal norms and values have shaped the way we view ourselves and interact with the world around us. One such societal norm, deeply rooted in Western cultures, is individualism—the idea that emphasizes the moral worth of an individual over a community or collective group. While individualism fosters personal freedom, […]

In 1979, Margaret Thatcher was elected prime minister of the United Kingdom. Thatcher’s neoliberal ideas helped her win the election, and she promptly decimated the welfare state and changed British culture from collectivism to individualism in the years that followed. Thatcher’s acceptance speech after her election provided clear evidence of this: I think we have […]

Since the work of Emil Kraepelin, mental health or illness has dominated western society. The last decade has seen a 13% increase in mental health and substance use conditions, with around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents being given a mental health condition. In fact, the more that psychiatric theory and practice are promoted, […]

Here are a few thoughts as i progress through my thesis.

Reflecting on the start of the PhD, i was very much focused on what some may see as the medical model or a positivist stance. Terms like dual diagnosis and substance misuse/abuse were floating around my head constantly. I adopted the conventional way of looking at people with co-existing mental health and substance use difficulties, […]

“It’s not about what you write, it’s about who you write it for” I had planned to start a blog several years ago. In fact, I created one. But unfortunately, I paid the fees and then forgot all about it in the midst of doing a PhD. So, the initial purpose of a blog was […]