Eating Disorders, Therapy & Self-Care Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Eating Disorders, Therapy & Self-Care Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

Understanding Eating Disorders: Signs, Support, and What Helps

Eating disorders are often misunderstood. Many people assume they are only about food or weight, but they are usually much more complex.

They don’t always look obvious, and they can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. You might notice changes in eating patterns, mood, or behaviour before anything else.

With this in mind, how can you recognise an eating disorder, and what kind of support is available?

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Trauma & PTSD, Adult Mental Health Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Trauma & PTSD, Adult Mental Health Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

Trauma With a ‘Small t’: Have I Experienced Trauma?

When you hear the word trauma’, you might imagine extreme, life-threatening events—things like war, assault, natural disasters, or major accidents. These events cause what some people call ‘Large T trauma’ or clinical trauma.

If you are reading this blog post, you may be questioning how your experiences of less catastrophic circumstances have caused such distress.

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Autism, The Assessment Process, ADHD & Autism Assessments Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Autism, The Assessment Process, ADHD & Autism Assessments Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

I Think I’m Autistic, But....

Many people assume autism always looks a certain way, but the reality is much more complex.

If you've ever wondered whether you might be autistic but felt like you didn’t fit the mould, you’re not alone. In fact, taking the autism criteria literally may be due to rigid thinking – an autistic trait in itself!

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Parenting Support, Adult Mental Health Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Parenting Support, Adult Mental Health Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

Parenting and Mental Health: Confronting the Challenges of Parenthood

Parenthood can be both rewarding and overwhelming. The mental health of parents plays a crucial role in their well-being and, ultimately, in the emotional and psychological development of their children. It’s vital to ensure your home is supported by addressing mental health challenges as they arise during parenting.

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Couples & Intimacy, Relationships & Family Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Couples & Intimacy, Relationships & Family Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

A Guide to Navigating Challenges in Intimate Relationships

The quality of intimate relationships is widely recognized as a strong predictor of both physical and mental health and overall well-being.

While healthy intimate partnerships can be satisfying and supportive, all relationships are complex and present with challenges that can either strengthen or strain your connection. Conflict is a normal part of relationships, but left unresolved it can create emotional distance and resentment.

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Anxiety & Stress, Therapy & Self-Care Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Anxiety & Stress, Therapy & Self-Care Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

How a Psychologist Can Help You Manage Anxiety

Did you know that anxiety disorders affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, making them the most common mental health issue?

Everyone feels anxious from time to time, but for people with anxiety disorders, fear and worry can become overwhelming and constant. These intense feelings often come with physical tension and other symptoms that impact behaviour and thinking.

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Neurodiversity, ADHD & Autism Assessments Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Neurodiversity, ADHD & Autism Assessments Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

Are ADHD and Autism Similar?

You may have heard that up to 50-70% of people or 38% of children with autism spectrum disorder also have ADHD. It is also believed that the symptoms of autism and ADHD overlap.

While it’s true that these conditions often co-exist and can present similarly, the reasons behind the symptoms can differ depending on whether an individual has ADHD, autism, or both (often referred to as AuDHD).

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Adult Mental Health, Relationships & Family Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Adult Mental Health, Relationships & Family Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

How Mental Health and Social Relationships Shape Each Other

Friendships and partnerships provide a foundation of support, security and solidarity.

They can also help you to explore your own beliefs, and provide an outlet to share your feelings. Whether with family, friends, or partners, the quality of your connections can significantly influence your emotional and psychological well-being. Healthy relationships provide support, reduce stress, and contribute to a sense of belonging and purpose.

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ADHD, Relationships & Family Kerstin Anderson-Ridge ADHD, Relationships & Family Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

Navigating Relationships with ADHD: A Guide for Parents, Partners and Friends

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can significantly affect relationships of all kinds.

ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, which can challenge everyday interactions. Understanding these dynamics can assist friends, partners and family members in developing stronger, more harmonious relationships with those who have ADHD.

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Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

Dealing with Family Problems

Family connection is important for the development of identity and security and ideally it can provide a sense of belonging, support and love. However, within the intricate network of family relationships, conflicts and issues can arise, testing the strength and durability of these bonds. From disagreements over finances to feeling unsupported with major life decisions, every family has its challenges.

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Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

How Anxiety Impacts Relationships

Anxiety is more than just a personal struggle; it can significantly influence the way one perceives, builds and maintains social connections. Whether the relationship is familial, romantic or platonic, anxiety can add many challenges to relationships.

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Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

Adult Autism Assessments: What to Expect

If you or a loved one is considering an autism assessment for an autism diagnosis but feeling overwhelmed about where to start, this guide is here to provide clarity on the process and what you can anticipate.

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Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

Breaking the Silence: Men’s Mental Health

In recent years, the importance of mental health is gaining widespread recognition. However, many men are hesitant to talk about mental well-being. This reluctance is deeply rooted in societal expectations, gender norms, and the healthcare system.

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Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

Beyond Grades: The Role of Learning Assessments for Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia

As a parent, you want the best for your child's education and overall well-being.

Sometimes, you may notice that your child is facing challenges in certain areas of learning, like reading, writing, or maths. These difficulties may be signs of specific learning disorders such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, or Dyscalculia. It’s easy to become alarmed when this happens but you are not alone in this journey.

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Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

ADHD: Where to Start

Have you noticed more people around you speaking about ADHD or seen ADHD related content popping up on social media? You’re not alone – ADHD seems to have come into the spotlight recently, and it’s helping more people to understand what this development disorder looks like.

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Kerstin Anderson-Ridge Kerstin Anderson-Ridge

How Depression Affects the Brain

Depression (Major Depressive Disorder) is a common and serious mood disorder that negatively affects the way someone feels, thinks and behaves. While we all get a case of the blues or feel sad or moody from time to time, depression isn’t something that can be easily snapped out of. People with depression experience these feelings intensely, sometimes without apparent reason, for weeks, months or even years.

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