Offering support for…
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Anxiety can feel like your mind is racing while your body braces for impact, even when there’s no clear danger. It’s the body’s natural way of responding to stress or perceived threat, but when these feelings become persistent, overwhelming, or start interfering with daily life, they may signal an anxiety disorder rather than everyday nerves.
What anxiety can feel like:
In your mind: relentless worry, a sense of dread, difficulty focusing, or feeling detached from reality
In your body: a pounding heart, tense muscles, dizziness, stomach discomfort, or disrupted sleep
In your actions: steering clear of certain situations, seeking repeated reassurance, or withdrawing from friends and family
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family-focused interventions, and, where appropriate, medication management. Research shows that combining therapeutic support with psychiatric expertise gives children and adolescents the best chance of regaining confidence and reducing anxiety symptoms. -
Depression isn’t just about feeling sad, it’s a deep, persistent low that can make even everyday tasks feel exhausting. It shapes how you think, how you feel, and how you move through the world. Depression can appear differently for each person, but there are some common experiences.
What depression can feel like:
In your mind: emptiness, hopelessness, irritability, or constant negative thoughts
In your body: unshakable fatigue, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, or unexplained aches and pains
In your actions: pulling away from friends and family, losing interest in activities, or struggling to keep up with responsibilities
Depression is treatable, and recovery is absolutely possible. You are not alone in this: millions of people experience depression, and with the right support many go on to rediscover hope and joy.
How Neale Health can help:
We offer consultant-led care combining evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), family therapy, and, where appropriate, medication management. Research consistently shows that early, structured intervention improves recovery rates and reduces the chance of relapse in young people experiencing depression. -
Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is a complex and often misunderstood eating disorder. Unlike anorexia or bulimia, ARFID isn’t about body image or weight concerns. Instead, it often arises from sensory sensitivities, fear of negative consequences, or a general lack of interest in food.
What ARFID can feel like:
In your mind: lack of interest in eating, intense worry about eating, fear of choking or vomiting, or a strong aversion to trying new foods
In your body: feeling full quickly, experiencing nutritional deficiencies, or needing supplements
In your actions: limiting yourself to a very narrow range of “safe” foods, avoiding meals, or struggling in social situations involving food
ARFID can significantly affect physical health, emotional wellbeing, and social life. Children may experience growth challenges, face low energy or anxiety around eating with others.
How ARFID can develop:
Sensory sensitivities (often linked to neurodivergence)
Traumatic or negative experiences with food, such as choking
Anxiety disorders or naturally low appetite
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led, multidisciplinary approach combines specialist psychiatric assessment with input from psychologists and psychotherapists. Evidence supports tailored interventions, including exposure-based therapy and nutritional rehabilitation, to help young people expand their diet safely, reduce anxiety around eating, and improve overall health. -
Homesickness is a deeply human experience, a longing for the people, places, and routines that make us feel safe and at ease. Whether you’ve moved across the world or just down the road, that sense of loss can feel unexpectedly intense.
What homesickness can feel like:
In your mind: constant thoughts of home, worry, sadness, or irritability
In your body: fatigue, headaches, changes in sleep or appetite
In your actions: withdrawing from social activities, frequently reaching out to loved ones, or avoiding new experiences
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team offers evidence-based support to help young people manage adjustment challenges and reduce anxiety. Techniques such as cognitive behavioural strategies, coping skills training, and family support have been shown to ease homesickness and improve resilience during transitions. -
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than liking things neat or double-checking the light switch; it’s a serious mental health condition that can deeply affect daily life. OCD involves a cycle of obsessions and compulsions that can feel relentless and distressing.
What OCD can feel like:
In your mind: intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety, such as fears of contamination, harm, or things being “not right”
In your body: tension, restlessness, or physical discomfort linked to anxiety
In your actions: repetitive behaviors like excessive checking, cleaning, counting, or seeking reassurance to temporarily reduce anxiety
Even though compulsions may bring short-term relief, they often reinforce anxiety and make the cycle harder to break.
What OCD is not:
It’s not just being tidy or perfectionistic
It’s not a personality quirk or something people can “snap out of”
It’s not rare. OCD affects people of all ages, often beginning in childhood
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team uses evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP), family support, and, where appropriate, medication. Research shows that structured ERP interventions significantly reduce OCD symptoms in children and adolescents, helping them regain control and improve quality of life. -
Anger management isn’t about suppressing anger; it’s about understanding it, expressing it constructively, and preventing it from taking over your life. Anger is a natural emotion, but when it becomes chronic, explosive, or misdirected, it can affect relationships, health, and self-esteem.
What anger can feel like:
In your mind: irritability, resentment, feeling out of control, or humiliated
In your body: racing heart, tense muscles, flushed face, or clenched fists
In your actions: shouting, withdrawing, breaking things, or self-harming
Why anger happens:
Anger often masks deeper feelings such as fear, hurt, or frustration. Common triggers include:Stress or feeling overwhelmed
Unresolved trauma or mental health challenges
Experiences of injustice or feeling unheard
Learned responses from family or environment
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led, team-based approach uses evidence-based techniques like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), emotion regulation strategies, and family support to help young people identify triggers, manage responses, and express anger safely. Research shows that structured anger management interventions can improve emotional regulation and reduce conflicts at home and school. -
Trauma is a deeply personal and often invisible wound. It’s not only about what happened, but how your mind and body responded when the experience overwhelmed your ability to cope.
What trauma can feel like:
In your mind: anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, numbness, intrusive thoughts, or flashbacks
In your body: fatigue, insomnia, chronic pain, digestive issues, or tension
In your actions: avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional outbursts, or withdrawal from relationships
What causes trauma:
Trauma can result from a single distressing event, such as an accident, assault, or sudden loss, or from repeated exposure to harm, neglect, or discrimination. Witnessing trauma or living in a threatening environment can also have lasting effects.Some people may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), while others experience complex trauma from prolonged or repeated events. Recovery doesn’t mean forgetting, it means reclaiming control, safety, and connection in your life.
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based trauma-informed care, including talking therapies and family support. Research demonstrates that structured, specialist interventions can reduce trauma symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and strengthen resilience in children and adolescents. -
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that go far beyond food. They’re deeply connected to emotions, identity, and coping strategies. Eating disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and are often misunderstood or overlooked.
What eating disorders can feel like:
In your mind: obsessive thoughts about weight, shape, or “clean” eating, and constant worry about food or body image
In your body: fatigue, dizziness, digestive problems, or other physical effects of restricted or disordered eating
In your actions: restricting food, bingeing, purging, avoiding meals or social situations involving food, or following strict eating rituals
These behaviours often act as a coping mechanism, helping the person feel control or manage distress, even if they aren’t fully aware of it.
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based support, including specialist psychiatric assessment, therapy, and collaboration with dietitians. Research shows that early, structured interventions, such as family-based therapy (FBT), cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and nutritional rehabilitation, significantly improve recovery outcomes for children and adolescents with eating disorders. -
Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is a very common eating disorder, yet it’s often misunderstood. It’s not about occasional overeating, it’s a serious mental health condition involving recurring episodes of consuming large amounts of food, often rapidly and in secret, accompanied by shame, guilt, or distress.
What BED can feel like:
In your mind: persistent urges to overeat, feelings of shame or guilt, and distress about food or weight
In your body: eating until uncomfortably full, discomfort from rapid or excessive eating
In your actions: eating quickly, eating alone due to embarrassment, or attempting restrictive behaviors between binges
Unlike bulimia, BED does not involve regular purging behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise, though some may restrict food between episodes.
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team offers evidence-based support for BED, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and family-focused interventions where appropriate. Research shows that structured therapeutic approaches significantly reduce binge episodes, improve emotional regulation, and support healthier relationships with food. -
Selective Mutism (SM) is an often misunderstood anxiety disorder. It’s not about being stubborn or shy, it’s the inability to speak in certain social situations, even though the child can speak comfortably in other settings.
What selective mutism can feel like:
In your mind: intense fear or anxiety about speaking in specific situations, worry about being judged, or feeling trapped
In your body: tension, frozen posture, trembling, or avoidance of eye contact
In your actions: whispering, avoiding speaking, or withdrawing from social interactions
Selective Mutism usually appears in early childhood, often between ages 2 and 4, as children start interacting outside the home. The silence is involuntary and distressing, not a choice. Early intervention is key, with treatment focused on reducing anxiety and gradually building communication confidence.
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led approach combines evidence-based therapies, including graded exposure, behavioural interventions, and family support. Research shows that early, structured intervention can significantly reduce anxiety, increase speaking confidence, and improve social participation in children with selective mutism. -
Health anxiety, sometimes known as hypochondria, is a form of anxiety where worry about illness becomes overwhelming. It’s not just being cautious, it’s a persistent fear that can dominate thoughts, behaviours, and daily life.
What health anxiety can feel like:
In your mind: constant worry about developing illness, misinterpreting normal sensations as serious problems, or intrusive thoughts about health
In your body: physical symptoms caused by anxiety itself, such as chest tightness, dizziness, or stomach discomfort
In your actions: frequent checking of the body, seeking reassurance from doctors, friends, or online sources, or avoiding anything that reminds you of illness
The cycle of health anxiety:
You notice a symptom (real or imagined)
You interpret it as dangerous
You seek reassurance or obsessively research
You feel temporary relief
The anxiety returns, often stronger
This loop can be exhausting and isolating.
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) tailored for health anxiety. Research demonstrates that CBT can reduce health-related worries, break the reassurance-seeking cycle, and improve daily functioning in children and adolescents. -
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most often appearing in autumn and winter when daylight hours decrease. Some people also experience symptoms in summer, though this is less common.
What SAD can feel like:
In your mind: persistent low mood, irritability, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, or difficulty concentrating
In your body: fatigue, excessive sleepiness, trouble waking up, and changes in appetite or weight (often craving carbohydrates)
In your actions: withdrawing from usual activities, reducing social engagement, or struggling to maintain routines
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and lifestyle guidance. Research shows that combining therapy with structured light exposure and routine management can significantly reduce seasonal depressive symptoms and improve functioning in children and adolescents. -
Medically Unexplained Symptoms (MUS) are persistent physical symptoms that don’t have a clear medical cause, even after thorough testing. They are surprisingly common, and up to half of symptoms seen in primary care may fall into this category.
What MUS can feel like:
In your mind: worry about health, frustration at not having answers, anxiety about symptoms worsening
In your body: muscle or joint pain, headaches or migraines, fatigue, dizziness, chest discomfort, gastrointestinal issues, or neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness
In your actions: repeated medical appointments, frequent symptom monitoring, or avoiding activities due to physical discomfort
These symptoms are real and distressing, not imagined or “all in the head.”
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team uses a holistic, evidence-based approach to MUS, focusing on symptom management, coping strategies, and improving daily functioning. Research shows that interventions combining psychological support with structured lifestyle and behavioural strategies can reduce distress and improve quality of life for children and adolescents experiencing MUS. -
Schizophrenia is a serious, long-term mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It’s often misunderstood, it’s not a “split personality”. Schizophrenia is a form of psychosis, meaning people may struggle to distinguish between what is real and what is not.
What schizophrenia can feel like:
In your mind: hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things), delusions (strong beliefs not based in reality), disorganised thinking, or trouble concentrating
In your body: unusual or erratic movements, agitation, or reduced energy
In your actions: social withdrawal, difficulty initiating tasks, or reduced emotional expression
Symptoms are often grouped as:
Positive symptoms: experiences added to normal function, like hallucinations, delusions, disorganised speech or behaviour
Negative symptoms: functions reduced or lost, such as motivation, social engagement, or emotional expression
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides comprehensive, evidence-based care, including psychiatric assessment, therapy, and medication management. Research demonstrates that early, structured intervention combining psychosocial support and medication improves symptom management, daily functioning, and long-term outcomes for children and adolescents experiencing psychosis. -
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person experiences the world, communicates, and interacts with others. It’s called a “spectrum” because it presents differently in every individual. Some may need daily support, while others live independently and thrive in their own way.
What autism can feel like:
In your mind: difficulty interpreting social cues, body language, or tone of voice; intense focus on specific interests
In your body: heightened or reduced sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or smells; repetitive movements like hand-flapping or rocking
In your actions: strong adherence to routines, rituals, or structured patterns; social withdrawal or challenges initiating interactions
Diagnosis & support:
Signs often appear in early childhood, but a diagnosis can happen at any age. Support may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural interventions, educational accommodations, and peer or community networks. There is no “cure,” but with understanding and support, autistic people can lead fulfilling, independent lives.How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team offers specialist diagnostic assessments, tailored education and understanding for young people and their families, individualised care plans, and collaboration with a wide range of professionals to support communication, sensory needs, and daily functioning. Evidence shows that early and tailored interventions improve social skills, adaptive functioning, and overall wellbeing for children and adolescents with ASD. -
Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder marked by an intense, irrational fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. Unlike everyday fears, phobias can be debilitating, often leading people to go to great lengths to avoid the trigger, even when they know it’s harmless.
What phobias can feel like:
In your mind: overwhelming fear that is out of proportion to actual danger, intrusive thoughts about the feared object or situation
In your body: dizziness, nausea, sweating, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, trembling, or panic attacks
In your actions: avoiding the feared object or situation, limiting daily activities, or feeling trapped by the fear
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team uses evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure-based interventions. Research shows that structured, gradual exposure to the feared object or situation can significantly reduce phobic anxiety and improve daily functioning in children and adolescents. -
An emotional outburst, sometimes referred to as a ‘meltdown’, is a sudden, intense expression of feelings such as anger, frustration, or sadness that can feel overwhelming and out of proportion to the situation. It’s not just “losing your temper”, it’s like your emotional system has hit overload and spills out all at once.
What an emotional outburst can feel like:
In your mind: racing thoughts, frustration, or feeling unable to control emotions
In your body: shaking, sweating, rapid heartbeat, or tense muscles
In your actions: yelling, crying, storming off, slamming doors or objects, shutting down emotionally, or walking away mid-conversation
You can’t always prevent an outburst, but you can build tools to manage them more effectively.
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team can help you understand why the emotional outbursts happen in the first place, and identify whether there is anything else underlying this problem. We offer evidence-based strategies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), emotion regulation skills, and family support to help children and adolescents recognise triggers, reduce intensity, and respond to strong emotions safely. Research shows that structured interventions improve emotional control and reduce the frequency and impact of outbursts. -
Attachment disorder refers to conditions where a person struggles to form healthy emotional bonds, often due to early trauma, neglect, or inconsistent caregiving. These difficulties can deeply affect relationships, emotional regulation, and trust.
What attachment disorder can feel like:
In your mind: difficulty trusting others, anxiety about separation or rejection, and intense emotional reactions
In your body: tension, restlessness, or physical signs of stress in social situations
In your actions: social withdrawal, inappropriate clinginess, challenges forming relationships, or in severe cases, manipulative or aggressive behavior
Types in children:
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD): the child rarely seeks comfort or responds to it; may appear withdrawn or listless
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED): the child is overly friendly with strangers, lacking typical social boundaries
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led, trauma-informed approach combines therapy, family support, and enablement of consistent caregiving strategies. Evidence shows that early, structured interventions improve emotional regulation, social relationships, and the ability to form secure attachments in children and adolescents. -
Stress is your body’s natural response to pressure or challenge. It kicks in when you’re racing a deadline, stuck in traffic, or facing something emotionally intense. A little stress can sharpen focus, but chronic or overwhelming stress can affect your mind, body, and mood.
What stress can feel like:
In your mind: racing thoughts, indecision, forgetfulness, feeling overwhelmed or anxious
In your body: headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues, fatigue
In your actions: changes in sleep or eating habits, social withdrawal, or irritability
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based strategies to manage stress, including cognitive-behavioural approaches, mindfulness techniques, and emotion regulation skills. Research shows that structured interventions can reduce physiological and psychological symptoms of stress and improve overall wellbeing in children and adolescents. -
Divorce and separation can deeply affect a child’s mental health, but the way it’s handled makes all the difference. Children may feel confused, angry, or anxious when family structures change, yet with the right support, they can adapt and thrive.
What it can feel like:
In your mind: worry, sadness, confusion, or anxiety about the future
In your body: stomachaches, headaches, sleep disturbances, or fatigue
In your actions: withdrawal from friends or activities, irritability, clinginess, or acting out
These reactions are normal, but if they persist or intensify, they may signal deeper distress.
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based support for children navigating family changes. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, emotion regulation strategies, and family-focused interventions can help children process emotions, improve coping skills, and maintain healthy relationships during and after separation.
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Gender dysphoria describes the distress or discomfort someone feels when their gender identity (their internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere in between) doesn’t align with the sex they were assigned at birth. It’s not about confusion; it’s a deep, persistent feeling that something doesn’t fit. While not all transgender or non-binary people experience gender dysphoria, for those who do, it can be emotionally intense and affect daily life.
What gender dysphoria can feel like:
In your mind: anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, or a persistent sense of mismatch between identity and assigned sex
In your body: discomfort with physical characteristics such as voice, body shape, or facial hair
In your actions: social withdrawal, self-neglect, or a strong desire to change name, pronouns, clothing, or appearance
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based, gender-affirming support, including psychological assessment, therapy, and guidance for families. Research shows that supportive, affirming interventions can reduce distress, improve mental health, and enhance wellbeing for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria. -
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where someone becomes intensely preoccupied with perceived flaws in their appearance, flaws that are often minor or invisible to others. It’s not vanity; it’s a form of obsessive anxiety that can seriously affect daily life.
What BDD can feel like:
In your mind: constant worry about a specific body part, intrusive thoughts, or comparison to others
In your body: tension, distress in social situations, or compulsive checking behaviors
In your actions: repeatedly checking mirrors or avoiding them, seeking reassurance, excessive grooming, or skin picking
What causes it:
BDD likely arises from a combination of factors:Genetics: family history of BDD, OCD, or depression
Brain chemistry: imbalances in serotonin
Environmental factors: bullying, trauma, or societal pressures regarding appearance
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) specifically adapted for BDD, exposure and response prevention (ERP), and family support. Research shows that structured, specialist treatment can reduce obsessive thoughts, improve coping strategies, and enhance daily functioning for children and adolescents with BDD. -
Bereavement is the experience of losing someone important and the emotional journey that follows. It’s deeply personal and often painful. Whether it’s a partner, parent, friend, or even a pet, grief can feel overwhelming, sometimes crashing like a tidal wave, sometimes quietly tugging at you.
What grief can feel like:
In your mind: shock, disbelief, guilt, regret, or fluctuating emotions
In your body: fatigue, sleep problems, aches, or other physical symptoms
In your actions: crying, withdrawing, seeking comfort, or feeling unable to engage with daily life
There’s no “right” way to grieve — some people cry constantly, others feel numb for weeks. Some want to talk, others retreat inward. All responses are valid.
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team offers evidence-based support for children and adolescents coping with loss. Interventions such as grief-focused therapy, psychotherapy, and family support can help process emotions, improve coping strategies, and rebuild daily functioning after bereavement. -
Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is more than shyness. It’s a persistent, overwhelming fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social situations. For many, it starts in the teenage years and can affect friendships, school, and later work life.
What social anxiety can feel like:
In your mind: excessive worry before, during, or after social interactions; fear of being judged or humiliated
In your body: nausea, trembling, sweating, racing heart, or blushing
In your actions: avoiding group conversations, public speaking, or eating in front of others; withdrawing from social situations
What causes it:
Genetics: family history of anxiety disorders
Negative experiences: bullying, rejection, or humiliation
Personality traits: naturally introverted or sensitive
Brain chemistry: imbalances in serotonin or overactive fear responses
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy tailored for social anxiety. Research shows that structured interventions significantly reduce anxiety, improve confidence, and enhance social functioning in children and adolescents. -
Self-harm in children and young people is often a sign that they’re struggling to cope with intense emotions or situations. It’s not about seeking attention; it’s a way to express pain when words feel impossible.
Why children might self-harm:
In your mind: depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling “not good enough,” or emotional overwhelm
In your body: using physical pain to cope with intense emotions, a temporary sense of control or relief
In your actions: cutting, burning, scratching, or other forms of self-injury; withdrawal from friends or family; risky behaviors
Common triggers:
Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or eating disorders
Bullying or social isolation
Family conflict, grief, or trauma
Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
Feeling numb or overwhelmed
Warning signs to watch for:
Unexplained cuts, bruises, burns, or bite marks
Wearing long sleeves in warm weather
Mood swings, anger outbursts, or risky behavior
Blood-stained clothing or hidden sharp objects
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based support, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) skills, and family guidance. Research demonstrates that structured interventions reduce self-harm behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and enhance coping strategies for children and adolescents. -
Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically begins in childhood and is characterised by motor and vocal tics: sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that are involuntary.
What Tourette syndrome can feel like:
In your mind: anxiety or frustration about tics, difficulty focusing, or feeling self-conscious
In your body: motor tics such as blinking, shrugging, facial twitches, or jerking movements; vocal tics like throat clearing, sniffing, grunting, or repeating words
In your actions: tics that may change over time, can be triggered by stress, excitement, or fatigue, and may interfere with school, social life, or daily routines
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team offers evidence-based support including behavioural therapies, alongside psychological support for co-occurring conditions, as many people with Tourette syndrome also experience ADHD, OCD, or anxiety/mood disorders. Research shows that tailored interventions can reduce tic severity, improve coping strategies, and enhance daily functioning in children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome. -
Sensory sensitivities refer to how intensely someone experiences input from their senses: sound, light, touch, taste, and smell. Some people are hypersensitive, meaning they experience sensations more strongly (e.g., loud noises may feel unbearable), while others are hyposensitive, meaning they may not notice sensory input as much and may seek stronger stimulation.
What sensory sensitivities can feel like:
In your mind: feeling distracted, anxious, or frustrated by sensory input
In your body: discomfort or overstimulation from sights, sounds, textures, tastes, or smells
In your actions: avoiding certain environments, seeking or avoiding particular sensory experiences
Hypersensitivity (over-responsive) examples:
Bright lights may feel blinding
Background noise can be overwhelming
Certain textures or fabrics may feel irritating
Strong smells or tastes might cause discomfort
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides assessment and tailored support for sensory sensitivities, including occupational therapy strategies, sensory integration techniques, and environmental adaptations. Research shows that structured interventions can reduce distress, improve daily functioning, and support emotional regulation in children and adolescents with heightened or reduced sensory responses. -
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain processes attention, activity levels, and impulse control. It’s not about intelligence or effort; it’s about how the brain is wired to respond to the world.
What ADHD can feel like:
In your mind: easily distracted, forgetful, racing thoughts, difficulty following instructions or organising tasks
In your body: restlessness, fidgeting, difficulty staying seated or quiet
In your actions: interrupting, blurting out answers, acting without thinking, struggling with routines
ADHD can also bring strengths:
Creativity and out-of-the-box thinking
High energy and enthusiasm
Hyperfocus on topics of interest
Quick decision-making in fast-paced environments
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides comprehensive ADHD diagnostic assessments and personalised treatment plans. Support can include:Therapy (CBT, coaching, psychoeducation)
Lifestyle strategies (routines, reminders, exercise)
Medication
Evidence shows that combined approaches improve attention, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and daily performance for children and adolescents with ADHD.
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Adjustment disorder, sometimes called stress response syndrome, is a psychological condition triggered by a significant life change or stressful event. It’s not about the event itself being traumatic, but how intensely someone reacts to it.
What adjustment disorder can feel like:
In your mind: sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed
In your body: trouble sleeping, fatigue, or physical tension
In your actions: withdrawing from social activities, struggling at work or school, or in some cases, thoughts of self-harm
Common triggers:
School changes
Parental conflict or separation
Moving to a new place
Illness or injury
Other major life transitions
Symptoms typically begin within three months of the stressor and interfere with daily life, but the good news is that adjustment disorder is highly treatable.
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based support including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), coping skills training, and family guidance. Research shows that timely interventions can reduce emotional distress, improve coping, and restore functioning in children and adolescents experiencing adjustment difficulties. -
Exam stress can have a serious impact on children’s mental health, especially when pressure builds from school, family, peers, and even social media.
What exam stress can feel like:
In your mind: anxiety, low mood, loss of confidence, fear of failure or disappointing others
In your body: trouble sleeping, headaches, stomach aches, or physical tension
In your actions: withdrawal from enjoyable activities, feeling numb or unmotivated, or in severe cases, self-harm or suicidal thoughts
Who’s most at risk:
Children with special educational needs or existing mental health challenges
High achievers feeling pressure to maintain top performance
Those with perfectionist tendencies or facing intense parental expectations
Even primary school pupils, though stress tends to intensify in secondary school during GCSEs and A-levels
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team offers evidence-based support for exam stress, including cognitive-behavioural strategies, mindfulness techniques, and coping skills tailored for children and adolescents. Research demonstrates that structured interventions can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and help students manage pressure effectively while protecting their mental wellbeing. -
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders, but also one of the most misunderstood. It’s not just a rough night; it’s a persistent pattern of sleep difficulties that affects your ability to function during the day.
What insomnia can feel like:
In your mind: racing thoughts, worry, anxiety, or irritability
In your body: difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking, early morning awakenings, fatigue, or low energy
In your actions: daytime sleepiness, poor concentration, mood changes, or reduced engagement with activities
Common causes:
Stress, anxiety, depression
Autism or ADHD
Poor sleep habits (irregular bedtime, screen use before bed)
Medical conditions (e.g. chronic pain, asthma, diabetes)
Environmental factors (noise, light, uncomfortable bedding)
Lifestyle habits (e.g. caffeine, alcohol)
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team offers evidence-based interventions for insomnia, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, relaxation and sleep hygiene strategies, and guidance for managing co-occurring mental health conditions. We also offer medication, where appropriate. Research shows these approaches can improve sleep quality, reduce daytime fatigue, and enhance overall wellbeing for children and adolescents. -
Trichotillomania, often called hair-pulling disorder, is a mental health condition where someone feels an irresistible urge to pull out their own hair. It’s classified as a body-focused repetitive behaviour and often begins in childhood or adolescence.
What it can feel like:
In your mind: rising tension, anxiety, or boredom before pulling; relief or satisfaction immediately after; guilt or shame afterward
In your body: scalp soreness, tender or inflamed skin, or digestive issues if hair is swallowed
In your actions: pulling hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes; hiding bald patches with hats, scarves, or makeup
Why it happens:
Trichotillomania isn’t about “bad habits” or a lack of willpower. It often involves a combination of genetics, brain chemistry, and learned coping mechanisms, triggered by stress, boredom, or overwhelming emotions.How Neale Health can help:
The good news is that trichotillomania is treatable. Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based interventions tailored for children and adolescents with trichotillomania. This includes cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), habit-reversal training, and guidance for families to manage triggers at home. Research shows these approaches can significantly reduce hair-pulling behaviors, improve coping strategies and self-esteem, and support emotional wellbeing. -
School refusal, also known as Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), occurs when a child or young person consistently struggles to attend school due to emotional distress. It’s not about being defiant or lazy; it’s often rooted in anxiety, trauma, or unmet needs.
What it can feel like:
In your mind: worry, dread, or fear about school; feeling overwhelmed or unsafe
In your body: stomach aches, headaches, fatigue, or panic symptoms
In your actions: tearfulness, refusing to leave home, leaving school mid-day, aggression, or shutdowns
Common causes:
Bullying or friendship difficulties
Academic pressure or learning challenges
Sensory overload or neurodivergence (e.g., autism, ADHD)
Family stress, bereavement, or illness
Feeling unsafe or unsupported in the school environment
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based support for children and adolescents experiencing school refusal. This may include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), anxiety management strategies, family guidance, and liaison with schools to create tailored reintegration plans. Research shows these approaches can reduce school avoidance, improve coping skills, and support emotional wellbeing and academic engagement. -
At Neale Health, we provide direct liaison with schools (and other educational settings) as an integral part of a child or adolescent’s mental health care. Supporting a child’s wellbeing isn’t just about therapy or medication; it’s about ensuring that their emotional, social, and educational needs are understood and supported across all environments.
Why school liaison matters:
Helps schools understand a child’s mental health needs and triggers
Ensures classroom and pastoral support align with therapeutic goals
Reduces stress, anxiety, or misunderstandings that can impact learning and social development
Strengthens collaboration between parents, clinicians, and educators for a consistent, holistic approach
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team actively communicates with schools to provide tailored recommendations, care plans, and ongoing support. Evidence shows that structured school liaison improves emotional wellbeing, reduces school-related anxiety, and helps children achieve their full potential academically and socially as part of a coordinated mental health plan. -
Bulimia nervosa is a serious mental health condition and eating disorder characterised by a cycle of binge eating followed by purging. Purging can involve vomiting, laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise. It affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, and often goes unnoticed because many individuals do not lose or gain weight.
What it can feel like:
In your mind: obsession with body image, guilt, shame, anxiety, mood swings
In your body: digestive issues, fatigue, dizziness, irregular periods, tooth decay, sore throat, bloating
In your actions: secretive bingeing, purging behaviors, restrictive eating, or compulsive exercise
The cycle of bulimia:
Bingeing: eating large amounts of food quickly, often in secret, feeling out of control
Purging: trying to compensate through unhealthy methods
Emotional aftermath: guilt, shame, and distress, which can reinforce the cycle
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based support for bulimia, including psychological therapies (CBT, family-based therapy), medical monitoring, and nutritional guidance. Research shows that early, coordinated interventions can reduce binge-purge behaviors, improve mental and physical health, and support recovery for children and adolescents. -
ODD is a behavioural condition usually diagnosed in childhood, characterised by a persistent pattern of angry, defiant, and vindictive behaviour toward authority figures. It’s more than occasional arguments, it significantly impacts daily life and relationships.
What it can feel like:
In your mind: frequent irritability, resentment, or frustration; difficulty regulating emotions
In your body: physical tension, restlessness, or outbursts when provoked
In your actions: arguing with adults, refusing rules, deliberately annoying others, or seeking revenge
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based interventions for ODD, including CBT, family therapy, and guidance for parents on consistent behaviour management. Research shows these approaches improve emotional regulation, reduce defiant behaviours, and support stronger family and school relationships. -
Bipolar affective disorder, or bipolar disorder, is a mental health condition characterised by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These swings go far beyond typical ups and downs, affecting daily life, relationships, and decision-making.
What it can feel like:
In your mind: racing thoughts, euphoria, irritability, hopelessness, or rumination
In your body: changes in energy, sleep patterns, appetite, or physical restlessness
In your actions: impulsive or risky behaviour during mania/hypomania; withdrawal, low motivation, or neglecting responsibilities during depressive episodes
The mood cycle:
Mania or hypomania: euphoric, energetic, or unusually irritable; may include reduced need for sleep, impulsivity, or inflated self-esteem
Depression: deeply sad, fatigued, loss of interest, changes in appetite or sleep, thoughts of self-harm
Mixed episodes: symptoms of mania and depression occurring simultaneously
Types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar I: at least one manic episode, often with depressive episodes
Bipolar II: hypomanic episodes and major depressive episodes
Cyclothymia: milder mood swings that don’t meet full criteria for bipolar I or II
Rapid cycling: four or more mood episodes in a year
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides tailored, evidence-based care for children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. This may include psychoeducation, mood monitoring, cognitive-behavioural therapy, family support, medication where needed, and collaboration with other healthcare providers. Research shows that coordinated, specialist care helps stabilise mood, improve coping strategies, and support social and academic functioning. -
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It’s more than feeling shaken, it’s when distressing memories, emotions, or physical reactions persist and disrupt daily life long after the event.
What it can feel like:
In your mind: intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, guilt, shame, or emotional numbness
In your body: hypervigilance, startle responses, tension, sleep disturbances, or fatigue
In your actions: avoidance of reminders, withdrawal from people or activities, irritability, or difficulty functioning at school or home
Core symptom clusters:
Re-experiencing: flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts
Avoidance: steering clear of places, people, or conversations linked to the trauma
Negative changes in mood and thinking: guilt, shame, emotional detachment, or hopelessness
Hyperarousal: constant tension, irritability, heightened alertness, or sleep problems
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based therapies for PTSD, including talking therapies, and family support strategies. Early and specialist intervention has been shown to reduce symptoms, improve coping skills, and support emotional and social functioning, even years after the traumatic experience. -
SSD is a mental health condition where a person experiences intense focus and distress over physical symptoms, even when those symptoms have no clear medical explanation or seem disproportionate to any underlying condition.
What it can feel like:
In your mind: constant worry about symptoms, fear of serious illness, rumination, or health-related anxiety
In your body: real physical sensations like pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, or tension that are amplified by stress
In your actions: frequent medical visits, avoiding activities, seeking reassurance, or monitoring the body excessively
Common features:
Persistent physical symptoms without clear medical cause
Excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviours focused on these symptoms
Viewing normal sensations as dangerous or abnormal
Avoiding situations or activity for fear of worsening symptoms
Potential contributing factors:
Heightened body awareness or misinterpretation of sensations
Health anxiety or previous trauma
Childhood neglect or unstable environments
Coexisting conditions such as depression, anxiety, or phobias
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team offers evidence-based support for SSD, including cognitive-behavioural therapy and psychoeducation, alongside coordination with medical teams. Structured intervention can reduce symptom-related distress, improve coping strategies, and help children and adolescents engage more fully in school, social, and daily life. -
Neale Health provides private Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the UK, delivering fast, flexible, and consultant-led mental health support for children and adolescents. Our service is ideal for families seeking rapid access to specialist care outside NHS waiting lists.
Why choose private CAMHS with Neale Health:
Rapid access UK-wide: assessments and treatment often available within days, avoiding long NHS CAMHS waiting times
Specialist clinicians: consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists working alongside clinical psychologists, family therapists, and other specialists
Tailored treatment plans: evidence-based interventions including CBT, art therapy, family therapy, and medication where clinically appropriate
Integrated family and school support: guidance for parents and liaison with schools to create a holistic care approach
Flexible and discreet delivery: fully online consultations from the comfort of your home, allowing children and families to access expert care privately and conveniently
Common conditions treated by Neale Health private CAMHS:
Anxiety, depression, and panic disorders
ADHD and autism
Eating disorders including anorexia, bulimia, and ARFID
Trauma, PTSD, and complex emotional difficulties
School-related challenges including school refusal, exam stress, and behavioural difficulties
How Neale Health can help:
By offering rapid, consultant-led private CAMHS, Neale Health ensures children and teens receive personalised, evidence-based care quickly. Early specialist intervention improves mental health outcomes, emotional wellbeing, and school engagement, giving families the support they need when it matters most. -
Panic disorder is an anxiety condition marked by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks. These are sudden surges of intense fear or discomfort that peak within minutes and can feel overwhelming or terrifying.
What it can feel like:
In your mind: fear of losing control, dying, or “going crazy”; racing thoughts; sense of unreality or detachment
In your body: palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, sweating, nausea, or chills
In your actions: avoidance of situations that may trigger attacks, repeated medical visits, or reliance on reassurance
Common triggers and patterns:
Attacks can occur without warning, often leading to anticipatory anxiety (fear of future attacks)
Many people initially interpret symptoms as a serious medical emergency
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team provides evidence-based treatment for panic disorder, including cognitive-behavioural therapy and anxiety management strategies. Early specialist intervention can reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, improve coping skills, and help children and adolescents regain confidence in daily life. -
Anorexia nervosa is a serious mental health condition and eating disorder characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight and extreme behaviours to keep weight as low as possible.
What it can feel like:
In your mind: obsessive thoughts about food, calories, or “clean eating”; perfectionism; low self-esteem; denial of illness
In your body: dizziness, hair loss, dry skin, feeling cold, and, in women, absent or irregular periods
In your actions: skipping meals, restricting food intake, excessive exercise, purging behaviours, social withdrawal, secrecy around eating
Health risks:
Malnutrition, organ damage, and weakened immune system
Osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and fatigue
Hormonal imbalances and fertility issues
Reduced growth and delayed puberty
Increased risk of suicide or death if untreated
How Neale Health can help:
Our consultant-led team offers specialist support for anorexia, combining evidence-based psychological therapy, nutritional guidance, and close monitoring of physical health. Early, coordinated intervention improves recovery outcomes, helps restore healthy eating habits, and supports emotional resilience in children and adolescents.
