Reading this recent article got me thinking about how important humour can be as a coping response. We do live in extraordinary political, cultural and social times. You'd be excused for thinking at times, that, the apocalypse is nigh. You may not be as catastrophic a thinker as this, but many of us at the least will be experiencing a degree of anxiety about President Trump and other world events. I think the Brits do black humour better than most. I love satire, and in recen

I'm very proud to be involved professionally in this brand new initiative, launched at Hampden Park, Glasgow at the end of August. A colleague within the initiative, Dr John MacLean (pictured above), spearheaded the launch. John is the Scotland team doctor, and a vastly experienced sports medic. The 'Support in Sport' programme for professional football in Scotland has been in development for over a year. It has been an amazing opportunity for me to work alongside a dedicated

How commonly do we turn to drink to help us with our problems? I'm sure many readers will be able to relate to this on some level. From the cheeky glass of wine to take the edge off a rough day at work, or the binge that gets you through difficult emotional upheaval, to full blown alcoholism seeking continually to obliterate thoughts and feelings, booze is a ubiquitous drug in our society. Universally accepted and encouraged, the dividing line between being a pleasurable soci

A powerful clip. The theme of the black dog captures the essence of depression. People who have suffered with depression often talk about an inability to connect, or for others to understand. I am sure this short video will resonate, but also give hope. #depression #health #wellbeing #emotion

I watched events unfold in Paris last week with a combination of dismay, disgust and horror. I’m sure we all did. There was a surreal quality to the footage of the Charlie Hebdo attacks, and the ensuing manhunts, hostage scenarios and ultimate carnage. An attack on free speech, twenty people dead, religious tensions exacerbated - and all in a country I love, with a culture I respect and admire, and in a city I visited only a few weeks ago. On a level I have found the whole

Today, October 10th 2014, is World Mental Health Day. This is an annual event to raise awareness, promote effective treatments, and reduce the stigma of talking about the conditions associated with mental health. I have worked within the field my whole career, so this is a cause particularly close to me. Every year, 1 in 4 of us In the UK will experience a mental health problem of some description. When you stop to think about it, that is a dizzying statistic. The conseque

It's been a rollercoaster – and with unprecedented levels of political engagement, the psychological impact will be huge. Guardian article by Karen McVeigh, Sept 18th 2014 Waking up on Friday morning, for millions of Scots, will produce the kind of mixture of gut wrenching anxiety tinged with excitement normally felt among football fans before an important game. Then there will be a range of emotions from euphoria on one side to anger and bitter disappointment on the other. T

These are historic times for Scotland, and the people of the United Kingdom. Depending on our views, opinions and beliefs, we will be variously watching the outcome of Thursday’s independence referendum with a mixture of hope or dread, optimism or pessimism, confidence or anxiety. And although some in the UK may be indifferent, few would argue that this process has been anything less than a hugely engaging, invigorating and interesting time for Scottish (and British) politic

This morning, I was deeply saddened to read about the death of the US comedian and actor, Robin Williams, in an apparent suicide. I was aware that Williams has had his personal issues, but not to the extent that he would take his own life. It is probably true to say that the personality traits that made him famous in the first place have played a role in his decline, behaviour and frame of mind. This is a tragedy for his family, and he will be sorely missed by legions of f

‘Wow’, is all I can say. I, like most of the rest of the football watching public, have been completely blown away by the match, team performances, and overall result in the World Cup semi-final last night between Brazil and Germany. Destruction. Annihilation. Humiliation. In the context of international football, and historically what we know and believe about the grand order of things, the script was well and truly ripped up. Just, wow. In hindsight, I have been a littl