In an age of unprecedented connectivity, the “loneliness epidemic” stands as one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Despite the advances in technology and communication, which have brought the world closer in some ways, loneliness has become a global phenomenon. It profoundly influences mental health, physical well-being, and social cohesion.

Having occasional anxiety is a common and normal part of life. The reality is life is tricky and it throws unexpected and difficult curve balls at us. We all worry about things at different times, such as a new situation, relationships, family members, big decisions, money or health.

The holiday season is a complex mix of emotions—a time of celebration that can simultaneously bring profound joy and significant psychological challenges. This guide explores the complex landscape of holiday stress, offering evidence-based strategies to foster mental resilience and genuine connection.

Mental health is shaped by a wide range of factors, which can make it challenging to know where to begin when someone we care about is struggling. Te Whare Tapa Whā, which translates to the four-sided house, was developed by Sir Mason Durie (1984) as a model for understanding Māori health.

Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a pivotal role in leadership, shaping how individuals manage their own emotions and respond to the emotions of others in the workplace. Defined by Daniel Goleman as “the capacity for recognising our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships” (1998), the term was originally created by psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer in 1990.

Those of us on the autism spectrum have differences compared to non-autistic people in how we communicate with and interact with others, and how we go about our routines and interests. In a world that doesn’t always “get” autism, this may feel overwhelming or cause challenges in our day-to-day lives.