Matt Haig: ‘I wanted to end it all, but surviving and thriving is the lesson I pass on’
At 24, he wanted to kill himself. Now a novelist, he teaches the readers of his books – and his children – how to get through when the future looks bleak
Why prescribing playlists for people with dementia is on the money
As a GP, I know that funding is key if social prescribing is to work, writes Ann Robinson
Genetic link between obesity and depression uncovered, say scientists
Having genetic variants linked to high BMI can lead to mental health issues, study finds
Studying your dreams: Bradley Cooper swears by it. Would trying it unleash my creativity?
What is ‘dream study’, the new trend sweeping the creative world? I attended a class to find out
Why are we surprised that therapy has its downsides?
Some degree of distress just proves the process is working
Loneliness is a modern illness of the body, not just the mind
Healthcare that is preventive rather than reactive is key if this epidemic is to be tackled effectively, says academic Fay Bound Alberti
‘Gardening has probably saved my life’: one thriving Glasgow community
At this vital community space in Govan, locals are mucking in for the good of everyone’s health
Why a daily bath helps beat depression – and how to have a good one
According to researchers, a regular warm bath can have a greater effect on mood than physical exercise. Here’s how to enjoy the plunge, even if you prefer a shower
Is gratitude the secret of happiness? I spent a month finding out
It has become a hugely popular concept in positive psychology and self-help, but is feeling grateful really a panacea? One writer sets aside her scepticism and opens up her gratitude journal
‘I feel I might die any waking moment’: can I escape the grip of PTSD?
Years after a violent attack left me with post-traumatic stress disorder, I needed to calm my racing mind
Four steps to a younger, smarter brain
Evidence suggests memory decline can be slowed and even reversed by adopting a few healthy lifestyle habits
The lost art of concentration: being distracted in a digital world
We check our phones every 12 minutes, often just after waking up. Always-on behaviour is harmful to long-term mental health, and we need to learn to the hit the pause button
Mind games: a mental workout to help keep your brain sharp
Lifestyle habits matter when it comes to brain health, and the rewards of increased mental stimulation can be seen in a very short space of time
Food for thought: the smart way to better brain health
The human brain is made of food, so what we eat and drink affects our ability to keep a healthy, alert and active mind
How to focus – tips from a Cambridge don, London cabbie and others
Even the smartest people sometimes struggle to stay in the zone. What tricks do they use to get back on track?