World Suicide Prevention Day 2026: Finding Hope

(image: Pan MacMillan)

Trigger warning: discussion of suicidal thoughts.

This World Suicide Prevention Day , I share an extract from my story in The Book Of Hope: 101 Voices in Overcoming Adversity by my friends Jonny Benjamin MBE and Britt Pfluger. You can see the full video of me reading from the book on my social media channels.

Living with bipolar 1 from the age of 16 meant living with deep depressions, of which suicidal thoughts were a part. Being able to safely share these with family and psychiatrists in the past saved my life and helped me hold on in the dark moments of bipolar episodes. I am not alone in feeling this way- millions are struggling now, today. Medication, therapy and support keep me well.

So today I read from my essay in this very special book to tell you- ‘You will feel the sun and smell the rain again, even after suicidal depressions when you lay in bed wanting to disappear. ‘

Please reach for help when you start getting these thoughts and hold on- a better day is coming. Helpline numbers including Samaritans at 116 123 are available if you need to talk and feel in crisis.

I also know the devastation of losing a loved one to suicide and conversely, to help people through these thoughts. Their stories are not my own so I am not sharing them today but I hope that today and every day we focus on suicide prevention and support for all who are struggling.

Love,

Eleanor x

Shana Tova- Happy New Jewish Year This Rosh Hashana To Our Readers!

(image: Pexels)

Shana Tova U’Metuka, a happy and sweet new Jewish year to everyone celebrating and marking Rosh Hashana this weekend. Rosh Hashana is an important Jewish festival where we gather with family and friends, pray at synagogue or home and reflect on our relationship with G-d and what we need to change in the coming year ahead. It’s also time to ask for things, to dream and to plan- oh and to eat honey cake or apple and honey for a sweet year too!

This year has had many blessings but also many difficult moments that I will reveal at the right time. So, I pray for a happy, healthy, sweet, prosperous, joyous New Year with all dreams manifesting if meant to be. I am grateful to still be running this blog after a decade and to be able to share my thoughts and emotions here. I am grateful for all my blessings- 2016 me who set up this blog would not quite have believed what happened in the past 10 years!

Thank you all for reading this blog and for supporting it. We are here to help people feel less alone, to promote recovery and healing and good treatment for all who live with mental illness or are in remission from episodes.

If you are struggling with your mental health this Rosh Hashana (or feeling at risk of harm)-to save your life, please reach out to mental health services or helplines like Samaritans (116 123)

Shana Tova and Love always,

Eleanor

It’s World Suicide Prevention Month- You Deserve To Stay.

(Image: E Segall Mandelstam)

It’s World Suicide Prevention Month.🩵💜

Many people die every day and every hour from suicide in the UK and globally. 7000 lives lost a year on average in the UK to suicide and 75% of these are men according to research by CALM charity.

Taking their own lives is often the only way they can see to end their own deep pain and suffering- whether as a result of trauma, mental health issues and life circumstances (abuse, addiction, divorce, parenting struggles being just a few).

If you feel suicidal or very low, please tell a trusted person or if in the UK call Samaritans on 116 123.

You are never alone and deserve to stay.

Love,

Eleanor

A Free Mental Health Toolkit: Introducing Tough Minds by Michael Mander

(Image: Tough Minds/ Michael Mander)

If you’ve ever tried to get mental health support, you’ll know that it can feel like watching a game of ping-pong. You call one service, and they refer you to another. They point you to a helpline, which suggests a group. And at the end of it all is the bottom of a waiting list.

There’s a big shortage of mental health support out there. Whether you’re one of the millions struggling with a severe mental health illness, or simply going through a difficult time in your life, it’s never been harder to find care.

It’s not good enough, and everyone deserves access to the support they need – whether that’s a therapist, a diagnosis, a helpline, a support group. 

But the truth is that no service, however good, can give us everything we need, all of the time. The toughest moments in life don’t wait for a therapy appointment. There will always be moments where you’re on your own with it.

That gap is what I built Tough Minds for.

Tough Minds is a completely free, online toolkit to help you go from a difficult moment into a lighter one. There are breathing exercises, guided meditations, an urge-surfing timer, and calming soundscapes to help you relax or decompress. 

These are exactly the sort of exercises that a therapist or counsellor might recommend you try – but the ones that are so hard to remember at 2am when you’re in a crisis, or when you’re trying to fight off a difficult urge, or when you just need five minutes to breathe before a job interview. 

That’s why Tough Minds has no sign-up, no app to download, nothing to pay for, no ads. Whenever you need it, you can just go to Tough Minds.

(image: Mediensturmer: Unsplash)

Building emotional resilience

Those in-the-moment tools are only half of the reason I created Tough Minds. The other half is about building the underlying skills that can make those difficult moments less frequent and less severe.

We are less likely to be taught how to look after our mental health in school – and that’s a problem. We only ever learn how to look after our minds once we hit a crisis point – which is a bit like taking your first driving lesson when you’re already halfway round the M25 (UK motorway).

It doesn’t have to work that way.

Building Emotional Resilience

Tough Minds also has tools, games and exercises to help you build emotional resilience – the sort of skills you might learn in therapy. There are skills that help people manage emotionally difficult moments and even help with some mental illnesses. Skills like having a wide vocabulary for your own emotions, or knowing how to catch and reframe a spiralling thought before it takes hold.

These are skills like any other – they can be built so they’re there when you need them. That’s the part of Tough Minds I’m most excited to keep building: to improve and steady mental health.

None of this is about pretending that a website or an app can do the job of real support services, or the human-to-human support that so many of us benefit from. 

However, what Tough Minds can do is help all of us take care of ourselves. Not instead of support, but around it: when you’re on a waiting list, the days between sessions, the stretch of life after a course of treatment ends, and for the times life is just a little hard. 

If that sounds useful to you, you can find Tough Minds at toughminds.org. It’s free, and it’s there whenever you need it.

Michael Mander, founder of Tough Minds

How Stress And Anxiety Affect Daily Life And When It May Be Time To Seek Professional Help.

(image: Arif Riyanto: Unsplash)

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes persistent or overwhelming, it can have a significant impact on emotional wellbeing, physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life. Many people experience periods of increased stress due to work responsibilities, family obligations, financial concerns, health issues, or major life changes. While occasional stress is expected, chronic stress and anxiety can gradually interfere with daily functioning and make even simple tasks feel difficult.

One of the most common signs that stress is becoming problematic is when it begins affecting sleep. People may struggle to fall asleep, wake frequently throughout the night, or wake up feeling exhausted despite getting several hours of rest. Poor sleep often contributes to increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and reduced productivity during the day. Over time, this cycle can become difficult to break without addressing the underlying causes.

Anxiety can also present itself in many different ways. Some individuals experience constant worrying or racing thoughts that are difficult to control. Others notice physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, rapid heartbeat, stomach discomfort, sweating, or feelings of restlessness. These physical symptoms are real and can significantly impact daily life, even when there is no immediate danger or threat present.

Another important sign of ongoing anxiety is avoiding situations that once felt comfortable. Someone may begin declining social invitations, avoiding public places, postponing important decisions, or putting off responsibilities because they feel overwhelmed. While avoidance may provide temporary relief, it often strengthens anxiety over time and makes returning to normal activities increasingly difficult.

Stress and anxiety frequently affect workplace performance as well. Individuals may find themselves struggling to stay focused during meetings, completing projects more slowly than usual, or feeling mentally exhausted by routine responsibilities. Decision-making may become more difficult, and confidence can gradually decrease. These challenges are common and should not be viewed as personal weaknesses but rather as potential indicators that additional support could be beneficial.

Relationships can also be impacted. Increased stress may cause someone to become more withdrawn, impatient, or emotionally reactive. Misunderstandings with spouses, family members, friends, or coworkers may occur more frequently. Loved ones often notice changes in mood before the individual fully recognizes them. Open communication and early intervention can help prevent these difficulties from becoming more serious.

(image: Unsplash)

Healthy coping strategies play an important role in managing everyday stress. Regular physical activity has consistently been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms by releasing natural chemicals that promote emotional well-being. Even moderate activities such as walking, cycling, or yoga can provide meaningful benefits when performed consistently.

Maintaining healthy sleep habits is equally important. Going to bed and waking up at consistent times, limiting caffeine later in the day, reducing screen time before bedtime, and creating a relaxing evening routine may improve sleep quality. Nutrition also contributes to mental wellness, as balanced meals help support stable energy levels and brain function throughout the day.

Mindfulness techniques, deep breathing exercises, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce the body’s stress response. Many individuals also benefit from journaling, spending time outdoors, engaging in hobbies, or maintaining meaningful social connections with supportive friends and family members.

However, self care alone is not always enough. When symptoms persist for several weeks, interfere with work or relationships, or significantly reduce quality of life, speaking with a qualified mental health professional can be an important next step. A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation helps identify contributing factors and allows treatment recommendations to be tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances.

Modern psychiatric care often includes a combination of approaches. Depending on a person’s needs, treatment may involve psychotherapy, medication management, lifestyle recommendations, or collaboration with therapists and primary care physicians. Every treatment plan should be individualized, with ongoing monitoring to ensure that progress continues and adjustments are made when necessary.

Seeking help early can often prevent symptoms from becoming more severe. Mental health conditions are highly treatable, and many individuals experience substantial improvement with appropriate care. Reaching out for professional guidance demonstrates strength and a commitment to long-term health rather than weakness.

If you or someone you care about has been struggling with persistent anxiety, chronic stress, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, or emotional challenges that interfere with daily life, consulting a Carmel IN psychiatrist can provide valuable guidance, accurate diagnosis, and personalised treatment options designed to help restore emotional wellness and improve overall quality of life.

Understanding The Different Types Of Bipolar Disorder.

(image: Michelle Henderson, Unsplash)

Bipolar disorder is often misunderstood as simply experiencing occasional mood swings. In reality, it is a complex mental health condition that exists on a spectrum, with several distinct types that affect individuals in different ways. Formerly known as manic depression, bipolar disorder involves extreme shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. These are not ordinary ups and downs—they are episodes that can last for days, weeks, or longer, and they can significantly disrupt a person’s life, relationships, and sense of self.

Understanding the different types of bipolar disorder is the first step toward recognition, appropriate treatment, and long-term stability. Whether you are seeking answers for yourself or a loved one, clarity about these diagnoses can open the door to compassionate care and effective support. This article explores the three primary types of bipolar disorder—Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder—and highlights the importance of comprehensive recovery pathways.

Bipolar I Disorder

Bipolar I disorder is defined by the presence of at least one manic episode that lasts for at least seven days, or by manic symptoms so severe that immediate hospital care is required. Mania is more than just feeling unusually happy or energetic. During a manic episode, individuals may experience a distorted sense of well-being, racing thoughts, rapid speech, a decreased need for sleep, and impulsive or risky behaviors such as excessive spending or unwise decisions. In some cases, mania can cause a break from reality, known as psychosis.

Depressive episodes often accompany Bipolar I, typically lasting at least two weeks. These episodes can be profound and debilitating, involving deep sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, and difficulty concentrating. The manic episodes of Bipolar I can be severe and even dangerous, making this form of the disorder particularly challenging for both the individual and their support network.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder is sometimes mistakenly viewed as a milder version of Bipolar I, but it is a distinct diagnosis with its own set of challenges. It is characterised by at least one

major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode, but never a full manic episode. Hypomania is a less extreme form of mania that does not cause the same level of impairment in social or occupational functioning and does not involve psychosis.

While hypomanic episodes may feel productive or even pleasant, they are still part of a pattern that can be destabilizing. The depressive episodes in Bipolar II, however, can be lengthy and severe. In fact, individuals with Bipolar II often seek help during depressive phases and may be misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder if hypomanic episodes go unrecognized. This makes accurate diagnosis essential for effective treatment.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder, or cyclothymia, is often described as a milder but more chronic form of bipolar disorder. It involves numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that last for at least two years in adults (or one year in children and adolescents), but these symptoms do not meet the full criteria for a hypomanic or major depressive episode.

For someone with cyclothymia, mood instability is a constant presence. The mood swings occur for at least half of the time during the two-year period, with no more than two consecutive months of stable mood. As one psychiatrist describes it, “It may seem like you’re just going through a string of good days and a string of bad days. But the mood shifts keep going, and there’s little neutral time in between”. While the symptoms are less severe than in Bipolar I or II, the persistent nature of cyclothymia can still significantly impact relationships, work, and overall quality of life.

The Importance of Bipolar Disorder Rehabilitation

Receiving a diagnosis is an important milestone, but it is only the beginning of the journey. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management. This is where bipolar disorder rehabilitation becomes essential. Rehabilitation goes beyond simply taking medication—it encompasses a holistic approach to rebuilding functioning, enhancing quality of life, and preventing relapse.

Evidence-based psychological interventions play a critical role in recovery. Approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) have shown promise in helping individuals develop emotional regulation skills, improve social functioning, and manage symptoms. Group-based programs and community re-entry initiatives can also support individuals in transitioning from inpatient settings to more independent living, enhancing medication adherence and global functioning.

Rehabilitation is not about “fixing” someone—it is about empowering individuals to live meaningful lives alongside their condition. With the right combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and social support, many people with bipolar disorder achieve stability and pursue their goals. The path may look different for everyone, but recovery is not only possible—it is the expectation.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the different types of bipolar disorder is vital for recognising the unique experiences of those affected. Bipolar I involves full manic episodes that can be severe and require hospitalisation. Bipolar II features hypomanic episodes alongside often-prolonged depression. Cyclothymic disorder is a chronic pattern of milder mood swings that persist over years. Each type requires a tailored approach to treatment and support.

If you or someone you love is navigating a bipolar disorder diagnosis, remember that you are not alone. Accurate diagnosis, compassionate care, and comprehensive rehabilitation can transform lives. Reach out to mental health professionals, build a support network, and take each step at your own pace. Understanding is the foundation—and from there, healing can begin.

This article is by Alpha Healing Center in India.

Top 10 Actions To Support Good Mental Health And Find Support- Mental Health Awareness Week 2026

(image: Mental Health Foundation)

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week (with the Mental Health Foundation) and this year’s theme is Take Action for good mental health- for yourself or a loved one and for the wider community. They say, “we’re asking people to join us in taking action to support good mental health. Even small actions can help us feel hopeful and less powerless. And while our individual actions matter, when we come together we are even more powerful.”

Real change happens when we take action. Here’s some Top 10 tips from the Mental Health Foundation of simple actions to support good mental health, lift your mood and improve your ability to cope with life:

  1. Plan something to look forward to– Making plans for things we enjoy can increase our sense of hope, which is important for our mental health. It could be a plan to sit down with a cup of tea and take a quiet five minutes, or a long-term plan for an ambitious trip. Whether it’s a big or small goal, the important thing is to plan it.

2. Eat Well- One of the simplest ways to improve mental health is by eating a healthy, balanced diet. Not only can it support your emotional health, but introducing small habits, such as staying hydrated or having fruit snacks, can help make changes stick easier.

3. Get closer to nature- Spending time in nature can boost your mood, lessen stress, and help you concentrate.

4. Get good sleep- Good quality sleep helps your brain work better, lifts your mood, and is good for your overall health.

5. Get Creative– Spending time on creative activities is a great way to help ease stress and anxiety. Carve out some time to listen to music, paint, sing, or do whatever you enjoy most.

6. Move regularly- Being active can boost your mood and raise your self-esteem. It’s also an effective stress management technique. Whether you go for a walk, do some yoga, or vigorously clean the kitchen, it all counts.

7. Try Mindfulness- Being fully aware in the present moment can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges. Aim to notice the colour of the sky, the sound of leaves, or the feeling of your feet on the ground.

8. Friends- Having good relationships with others can help you feel like you belong, allow you to share experiences, and receive emotional support. It’s a great reason to have a catch-up with a friend on the phone.

9. Be Kind to yourself– Bad days happen to everyone. If you’re having a tough time, remember to treat yourself with kindness and understanding. You’re doing the best you can.

10. Talk things over with someone you trust- It can take a lot of courage to tell someone else how we’re feeling or what we’re finding hard. Just talking things through with a person we trust can feel like a relief and make us feel less alone.

(Source for Top 10 tips: Mental Health Foundation)

There are times when some of the above will be or feel too much, for example if facing a deep depression or a serious episode of mental illness. In these cases, the most important thing is to reach for help from your doctor or therapist (or both) and get referred in to mental health services to see a psychiatrist. Practising self care such as eating, sleeping and taking prescribed medication as well as simple things like showering and getting dressed can make a big difference on a day to day basis.

Remember that you are not alone and that you have so much to give and offer to the world. Take small achievable actions and reach for help and support from a trusted place, charity or helpline.

Support lines in the UK:

First port of call if a new referral (not already known) is to call 111 or request an urgent GP appointment

  • call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
  • if you’re under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline – the number will not appear on your phone bill
  • There are other specialist organisations if needed for specific communities.

(Image: Mental Health Foundation)

‘Halyn Has Schizophrenia And That’s OK’: New Book by Matthew Johnstone And Lauren Kennedy West

(Image: Matthew Johnstone/ Robinson)

The latest book from authors Matthew Johnstone and Lauren Kennedy West has hit the shelves today and it has such an important message to share. Described as an ‘illustrated journey through understanding, acceptance and living well.’ the book tells Halyn’s story of understanding and accepting her schizophrenia diagnosis.

The publisher says, ‘ Schizophrenia is complex disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves, with symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. It affects 1 in 300 people, and more than 24 million globally. It is a serious condition but can be managed effectively with early intervention, ongoing treatment and compassionate support.

This book is for anyone seeking to understand their diagnosis, or for friends and family hoping to support their loved one with schizophrenia. Through humorous and moving illustrations, it shows that it is possible to live a happy and fulfilling life with this condition, and promotes clarity, honesty and caring for those living with mental illness.

The book is beautifully illustrated with special added extras like the change in colour on Halyn’s T shirt when she is having symptoms (red) and when she feels well, her shirt is blue and there is little bird of hope present. This encourages the reader to see Halyn as a full person with hope and remission and not just a person with a mental illness. Halyn is 26 and she lives with her partner Johann and Chalky Boy, the world’s laziest cat.

The book describes how schizophrenia impacts Halyn on a day to day basis but also says, ‘I have to be a little more vigilant and work a little bit harder at my state of wellbeing than most…but I manage quite well.’. Halyn says, ‘I accept that I may have to live my life a little differently but thats OK’.

(Image: Matthew Johnstone/ Robinson)

This book will go a long way to helping people living with schizophrenia and their loved ones be seen and heard. As someone living with bipolar disorder, I also found the book very inspiring and uplifting, with a hopeful take on what can often be so difficult. It doesn’t shy away from the realities of schizophrenia but explains them through the illustrations and language, in an accessible, clear and powerful way.

Halyn Has Schizophrenia And That’s OK‘ is out now, published by Robinson (Hachette) in good bookshops. With thanks to Little Brown and Robinson for the gifted book.

(Image: Matthew Johnstone/ Robinson)

About the authors


Matthew Johnstone 
has written and illustrated several bestselling mental health and wellbeing titles such as I Had a Black Dog. Matthew’s company Drawn from Experience develops creative/educational programmes, illustrations and videos on understanding mental health and resilience for schools, communities, eHealth and the workplace.


Lauren Kennedy West lives with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, and brings a unique perspective to mental health advocacy. With experience both as a social worker within the mental health care system and as a patient navigating its challenges, Lauren reaches millions through her YouTube channel, Living Well After Schizophrenia.

Celebrating A Decade Of Be Ur Own Light Blog- 10 Years!

On 1st March 2016, I wrote my very first blog about my mental health struggles with bipolar disorder and anxiety. For me, it was an outlet to share with friends and family what I was experiencing after one of the worst bipolar episodes I had faced and after hospitalisation in 2014. I didn’t realise that this traumatic time in my life, would also cause my mental health to dip and struggle further as I developed PTSD symptoms (panic attacks) and sat on a 2 year waiting list for NHS therapy. Professional support was not coming easily during this time, and so this blog became not only a therapeutic outlet but a place to connect with others going through similar things. And to explain to those who had never experienced mental illness, exactly what it can do but just how you can support those experiencing it.

Part of me can’t fully believe that I have been blogging consistently for 10 years. There have been times where I have wanted to give up but this little blog has been my saviour and in truth, helped me to launch a writing career that I did not expect and am so grateful for. It has also helped others to share their mental health stories and products, been a platform for mental health campaigns and charities and I am super proud of the impact we have had. One of our biggest accolades is being a Top 10 UK mental health blog by Vuelio every year since 2018- which means we are having a positive impact and reach!

The blog has published over 800 posts, with hundreds of thousands of views! It is read on every continent with a particularly large readership in the USA (as well as UK and other countries). We have covered so many topics- bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, pre and post natal depression, OCD, BPD, eating disorders, psychosis, mania, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, trichotillomania, addictions (drug, alcohol, gambling), body dysmorphia and mental health topics like child mental health, work stress, emotional burnout, relationships, domestic and sexual abuse, homelessness. We have shared about wellness products and worked with inspiring health and lifestyle brands.

The blog inspired me to share my own story far and wide – writing for mental health charities Mind, Rethink, Time to Change, Bipolar UK, No Panic, SANE and Metro.co.uk, The Telegraph, Happiful, Glamour, Jewish News, Huff Post. Featured in Cosmopolitan, Elle, Yahoo News and other publications. Thank you particularly to the editors at the publications for sharing my story and believing in my mission! This also led to me writing my book ‘Bring me to Light’ which was published in 2019 by Trigger and remains one of my proudest achievements. I then released my children’s book ‘Arabella and the Worry Cloud’ and had some writing featured in ‘The Book of Hope’ by my friends Jonny Benjamin MBE and Britt Pfluger (an amazing experience!). In 2017-18, I was also involved with setting up the Jami mental health shabbat in my community and spoke in several synagogues and at a community festival Limmud with my Dad, about our journey with bipolar. The same year that I started this blog (2016), I also met my now husband, who supports me through all of my writing and mental health work.

As I look back over the past 10 years, to where we were in 2016 with mental health stigma, I am proud to have played a small part in changing the landscape and narrative online around mental illness, particularly bipolar disorder and psychosis. We have many followers on social media platforms and continue to share about mental health and well being and be a resource for all those who need it, so they never feel alone.

(image: Ineffable Living)

Thank you to every single contributor (and every reader) to Be Ur Own Light Blog 2016-2026. Your words and belief in our mission to end the stigma around mental illness have meant the world to me. I hope going forward I can continue to share more real stories, more important information on care and treatment and campaign for better care.

There is still a way to go. NHS waiting lists are too long and care is under funded, leading to not enough beds. Mental health stigma online (and sometimes offline) sadly still remains high. As a society, although we have improved, we still need to fully understand mental health conditions and separate them from the person themselves. I am optimistic that things can and will change.

To everyone reading this going through a period of mental ill health or living with a chronic mental illness, I see you and you are never alone. As a blog community, we can come together to empower each other, so no one ever feels invisible and I hope that I can continue to write too.

Thank you, from my heart, for the past 10 years! Here’s to many more years,

Love and gratitude always,

Eleanor

x

WiseUp Launches Groundbreaking Digital Detox Journal For Young People As UK Debates Social Media Safety Policy.

(image: WiseUp)

WiseUp Team Building, the multi award winning, UK Youth wellbeing and resilience organisation, has launched WiseUp to Switching Off – a guided programme designed to help young people and families build healthier relationships with screens and technology.

This launch comes at a time when children’s digital wellbeing is at the centre of national discussion, with the UK government recently consulting on measures inspired by Australia’s ban on social media for under-16s as part of wider online safety reforms.

With evidence mounting globally – recent World Health Organization data shows that rates of problematic social media behaviour among adolescents increased from 7% to 11% between 2018 and 2022 and that more than one in ten teenagers may struggle to control their use and experience negative consequences such as disrupted sleep and lower wellbeing – WiseUp’s journal is positioned as a practical alternative to purely restrictive approaches.

A significant proportion of young people report a negative impact on mental health from digital and social media use; a UK Digital Youth Index indicates that approximately 17% of young people aged 8–25 say their internet and digital device use harms their mental health, with the prevalence rising among older teens equating to around 2.5 million young people across the UK.

Richard Wise, CEO of WiseUp, said: “We created WiseUp to Switching Off, a digital detox guide, because families, teachers and young people are increasingly telling us they want positive and practical tools – not more tech bans – to make sense of their digital lives. Screens are now woven into education friendships and culture but when usage becomes compulsive it can undermine sleep focus and emotional wellbeing. Our journal helps young people become aware of their patterns reflect on their experiences and make incremental sustainable changes.

He continued: “Screens themselves aren’t the problem – but the way they pull young people in can be. When scrolling becomes a coping mechanism, when anxiety, loneliness or pressure drive screen use the impact on wellbeing can be profound. WiseUp to Switching Off exists to break that cycle. It gives young people permission to pause, space to breathe and the tools to reconnect with themselves and the world around them — while empowering schools and parents to put wellbeing back at the centre of everyday life.”

(image: Izzy Park: Unsplash)

The WiseUp to Switching Off digital journal combines evidence-based education about technology and the brain, practical habit-building tools, daily reflection prompts and offline challenges designed to improve focus sleep and connection with others. It is intended for use both at home and in educational settings complementing Personal Social Health and Economic (PSHE) learning.

Parents and wellbeing leads in schools have reported that the journal has helped young people reduce conflict over screens. It has also improved sleep routines and helped them rediscover offline interests, reinforcing WiseUp’s belief that self-directed change (rather than coercive restriction) is both sustainable and empowering.

WiseUp encourages parents, teachers, practitioners and policymakers to explore the journal and join the ongoing effort to support a balanced digital future for young people. To download your free copy visit the WiseUp website.

(image: WiseUp)