How the ‘thigh gap’ became the latest pressure point on a woman’s self-image
Once, only models were determined to make sure that their legs didn't touch. Now it has become a widespread, harmful – and often unachievable – obsession
Mental health counselling on NHS will be a right, says Burnham
Shadow health secretary highlights cuts and 'biggest unaddressed health challenge' as he pledges Labour solution
Can going freelance help manage depression?
Some people embrace the flexibility and freedom, but there's also the isolation and insecurity to contend with
Loneliness is an inevitable result of Britain’s economic model
Aditya Chakrabortty: The health secretary is wrong on who loneliness affects and wrong on what causes it
New play focuses on spectre of suicide in Northern Ireland post-Troubles
Pearse Elliott drama Man in the Moon inspired by real events tackles taboo subject in republican west Belfast, writes Henry McDonald
Number of university students seeking counselling rises 33%
Demand for counselling services on campuses in the UK has risen by a third since 2008 according to a new investigation.
Understanding anxiety and mental health stigma
Pete Etchells: On the one hand, anxiety is a serious and debilitating disorder. On the other, it can be a useful evolutionary response to threat. Understanding how anxiety works might help to destigmatise mental health issues
Dealing with homesickness is part of freshers’ week
More than half of university students experience homesickness, so you're not alone if you're missing home
Should I be more emotional?
Some studies have found that a positive mental attitude and not bottling up feelings can lead to a longer life, but the evidence is not conclusive
Why buffaloes and crickets help us relax
Richard Vine: Prince William has admitted that the sounds of African animals help him chill out. But not all creatures have the same effect on everyone. So what would your choice be?
World Suicide Prevention Day: what the government could do to help
Tom Riddington: Suicide rates are on the rise, due to the recession and an increasingly divided society – which means it is a dangerous time for NHS mental health services to to be so badly underfunded
Ellen Forney: a graphic memoir of bipolar disorder
John Crace: For years cartoonist Ellen Forney struggled to find effective treatment for her condition. Now she has created Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo & Me, a deeply personal hand-drawn book that details her experiences
A glass of wine a day may be good for mental health, Spanish study finds
Researchers find people who drink two to seven glasses of wine a week are less prone to depression
Pure OCD: a rude awakening
You mentally undress your friends, Tony Blair, the lollipop lady. Your thoughts are X-rated. You wonder if you're a paedophile – or just losing your mind. Rose Bretécher describes the nightmare – and dark comedy – of living with pure OCD