Dr Louisa Mann

15/03/2026

Understanding Mothering Sunday: History and Significance

Today is Mothering Sunday in England. The fourth Sunday of Lent, Mother's Day, in the 16th century in England, people went back to their "mother" church, the church where they were baptised or where they were raised. Families may have been dispersed, working away and return to their parents, where they grew up. Gifts of wildflowers and Simnel cake would have been brought....

https://drlouisamann.wordpress.com/2026/03/15/understanding-mothering-sunday-history-and-significance/

08/03/2026

Empowering Women’s Health on International Women’s Day

It is International Women’s Day (IWD) today. International Women's Day (IWD) has been around since 1911. Many of the issues still impacting women’s advancement remain the same and unchallenged. IWD belongs to all who care about gender equality. UNwomen has labelled 2026 IWD as “Rights. Justice. Action.” It has highlighted that women only have 64% the legal rights of men. Women face more barriers accessing justice than men....

https://drlouisamann.wordpress.com/2026/03/08/empowering-womens-health-on-international-womens-day/

01/03/2026

Coping with Anxiety in Uncertain Times

The world grapples with ongoing challenges such as political instability, economic fluctuations, and health crises and mental health has become a concern. A rise in anxiety and stress levels across various demographics, prompting questions on how to cope in these uncertain times. The effects of the pandemic to geopolitical tensions, can create uncertainty. Many people may feel overwhelmed by news filled with distressing information, leading to anxiety and stress....

https://drlouisamann.wordpress.com/2026/03/01/coping-with-anxiety-in-uncertain-times/

22/02/2026

Social Media’s Impact on Teen Mental Health

In the digital age, social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Twitter are integral to the lives of teenagers. While these platforms offer opportunities for connection, creativity, and self-expression, they also pose significant risks to mental health, contributing to rising levels of anxiety and depression among adolescents. The lockdowns with the pandemic fundamentally changed how young people interact, with a larger emphasis on digital communication....

https://drlouisamann.wordpress.com/2026/02/22/social-medias-impact-on-teen-mental-health/

15/02/2026

Groundbreaking Study on Severe Mental Illness in the UK

Thousands of people living with severe mental illness across England and Wales are being invited to take part in a groundbreaking new research programme that aims to transform how conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder and major depression are diagnosed and treated. Severe mental illness affects millions of people worldwide and is often linked to poorer physical health and a shorter life expectancy....

Thousands of people living with severe mental illness across England and Wales are being invited to take part in a groundbreaking new research programme that aims to transform how conditions such a…

27/07/2025

Earlier this month a child died in Alder Hey Children’s Hospital of measles. Alder Hey stated that it had treated 17 children for complications of measles since June 2025. These 17 children must have caught the measles from other people, therefore there are others who have measles who hopefully have not had complications. There were 529 recorded cases of measles in England from 1st January to 23 June 2025....

https://drlouisamann.wordpress.com/2025/07/27/measles-outbreak-importance-of-mmr-vaccination/

13/07/2025

Every council in England will have a family hub by 2028. To provide a single point of access for services in health, education and wellbeing. There will also be activities for children under five and youth service provision. It is considered that this will provide an integrated and accessible support for families. It is reminiscent of the Sure Start scheme established under the previous Labour Government, which was very successful....

https://drlouisamann.wordpress.com/2025/07/13/uk-family-hubs-a-comprehensive-support-system-by-2028/

22/06/2025

The Commons voted on Friday (20th June 2025) for a bill to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people. This is a landmark of social reform. The legislation passed by a vote of 314-291. This is considered the biggest parliamentary hurdle. It will now undergo scrutiny in the House of Lords. There could be further amendments when it goes to the Lords....

https://drlouisamann.wordpress.com/2025/06/22/uk-bill-on-assisted-dying-key-parliamentary-vote-explained/

12/06/2025

First challenge on social media following tonight’s conference with Jason Reddy and Independent Doctors Federation

08/06/2025

NHS Providers last week called for physical and mental health to be treated equally by the NHS. The action plan is to provide ‘values driven, patient centred, and staff enabled’ mental health care. The disproportionate levels of funding, mental health problems account for 20% of the disease burden but only receives 10% of NHS spending. There is the shortage of staff in mental health settings....

https://drlouisamann.wordpress.com/2025/06/08/nhs-equity-in-mental-health-a-call-for-action/

01/06/2025

Last week I met an employer, who had to let some subcontractors go because a large contract fell through. This was a tough decision. There was a big impact on some of those subcontractors. It is difficult for men to recognise and seek assistance, why? Is it hard for everyone but more difficult for men? Why is the world half men but ¾ of suicides are men?...

https://drlouisamann.wordpress.com/2025/06/01/breaking-the-silence-mens-mental-health-awareness/

25/05/2025

Last month the Government called for evidence to inform the development of a Men’s Health Strategy. It is not a formal consultation but seeks views from the public as well as professionals. They are seeking views on health-related topics including education and behaviour, work and experience of health care. The Men’s Health Strategy will form part the NHS reform. Men are disproportionately affected by cancer, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes....

https://drlouisamann.wordpress.com/2025/05/25/mens-health-strategy-a-call-for-public-input/