For many young people, starting university is a major milestone, an exciting leap toward independence, discovery, and growth. But what often goes unspoken is the undercurrent of loneliness and isolation that can accompany this transition. It could be described as the quiet sadness that creeps in when the excitement wears off (yet you don’t say anything, because you’re supposed to being loving it).

Anxiety is a universal human experience. We all worry about the future, our health, our relationships, or our responsibilities from time to time. But for some, worry becomes a constant companion—an inescapable cycle of overthinking, doubt, and distress. This is the world of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), two conditions that share striking similarities yet operate in distinct ways.

For most people, the thought of vomiting is unpleasant. But for those with emetophobia—the intense fear of vomiting—it is more than just an aversion. It is a relentless, all-consuming anxiety that dictates daily life, leading to avoidance, compulsive behaviours, and a constant need for control.

Blending families is one of the most deeply human endeavours—and also one of the most complicated. Unlike fairy tales or family movies where everyone magically bonds over dinner and laughter, real-life blended families are built slowly, with lots of small moments, awkwardness, trial and error, and patient love.

Break-ups can be brutal. Even when they’re necessary, mutual, or a long time coming, they can still leave you feeling disoriented, fragile, and emotionally exhausted. If you’ve recently gone through a break-up, it might feel like the emotional rug has been pulled out from under you. Everything from your routine to your sense of identity might feel up in the air. And that’s okay. It’s not just about the loss of a relationship—it’s the loss of a future you imagined, of shared rituals and private jokes, of a version of life that now feels out of reach.

What if I just pushed this person onto the tracks? What if I didn’t lock the door and everything gets stolen? Did I just hit someone with my car? What if I just stabbed someone? Did I feel something strange walking past that school? What if I’m a pedophile? These are intrusive thoughts. Sudden, unwanted, and often distressing mental images, impulses, or questions that pop into our minds without warning. Coming out of the blue, they can be really anxiety-inducing. But here’s the thing, they are simply thoughts. They don’t reflect who you are and what you truly want to do. In fact, they’re a normal part of being a thinking human, and according to the research, almost everyone gets them!