Great expectations: ‘The quest for perfection has cannibalised my identity’
Perfectionism is associated with a long list of psychological disorders, the problem is notoriously hard to treat and it’s on the rise
What the therapist heard: ‘What would you do if your client behaved like a dog?’
After 20 years in practice, a therapist reflects on the conversations he’s had, surprising lessons learned, and the power of silence to soothe the soul
How to be hopeful: Lisa Taddeo on the thumb injury that cheered her up
After losing eight people she loved deeply in a decade, the author of Three Women was feeling hopeless. But there came a surprising respite from her hypochondria
How to be hopeful: Jung Chang on the moment she knew Mao’s China would become less brutal
The author reflects on an inspiring photograph taken soon after her parents were released from Mao Zedong’s labour camps
Boys born underweight ‘more likely to have infertility problems’
Experts say men have a higher risk of reproduction issues if born below average size
Sugar rush: how dates went from rare luxury to healthfood sensation
Once an occasional treat in the UK, dates are now a staple of ‘healthy’ eating. But can something that is 80% sugar really be good for us?
Am I happier because I’m thinner, or thinner because I’m happier?
Looking in the mirror, I feel happy with my new body shape. But that’s not what body positivity taught me to do
How can you conquer ordinary, everyday sadness? Think of it as a person
New research suggests anthropomorphising your emotions can help you control them. But how do you actually go about it?
Record number of over-45s giving birth in England
More than 2,000 women aged 45 and older had babies last year, ONS figures show
Once-a-month contraceptive pill developed by scientists
Gelatine capsule could prevent unplanned pregnancies caused by errors in daily pill use