Altum Health London

24/07/2025

As a parent, hearing your child speak with anger or shame toward their body can feel devastating.

You might want to fix it, challenge it, reassure them. Of course you do… you love them.

But what if that hatred is actually protecting something deeper?

A young person once said in session:
“If I keep hating it, I can malice it into something better.”

It stopped us.

That painful logic, that punishment will lead to improvement, is so common. Not just in eating disorder recovery, but in the wider world too. It’s no wonder our children believe it.

But when we gently explored what it feels like to live in her body, something shifted. She remembered the awe she felt when her period returned, a quiet sign of healing. That moment helped her reconnect with a part of herself that still believed in recovery.

As parents, we can help our children get curious about what their body hatred is trying to protect. Instead of rushing to reassure, we can gently ask:

🌿 What feels hard or unsafe in your body right now?
🌿 What are you afraid might happen if you let go?

Because underneath the hatred, there’s often fear, shame or pain. At Altum Health, we support parents and families navigating this delicate process with care, insight, and hope.

24/07/2025

You don’t ever need to change your body to go on holiday.

Crash diets and last-minute plans only steal your joy and add stress to something that should feel restorative.

This summer, focus on creating memories, not shrinking yourself.

If you’re struggling with body image or feeling pressure to “get beach ready,” we’re here to help you find a kinder way forward.

23/07/2025

There’s something about summer. The long day and the heavy head naturally asks us to slow down. Instead of pushing through, what if you let yourself lean in? Pause. Breathe. Let the warmth soften the edges of your day. Rest isn't a luxury; it’s how we restore. 🌞🌿

16/07/2025

At Altum Health, we understand that eating disorders don’t just vanish overnight. Amelia’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when you have the right help beside you. With specialist, caring therapy, we support each person to build a healthier relationship with food, help them ton make sense of their struggles and find steady ground again.

If you’d like to see how recovery can look in real life – with all its ups, downs and moments of hope – you can explore more stories here: https://www.altumhealth.co.uk/our-clients/

15/07/2025

Feeling wrung out before you even start the day? You’re not alone. Burnout can creep in quietly, but small shifts can help you find steadier ground.

Which of these gentle resets might you try this week?

14/07/2025

Menopause is finally getting the attention it deserves. But why does so much of the advice still focus on dieting and weight loss?

This article sheds light on how diet culture can show up during menopause, increasing the risk of disordered eating and undermining self-acceptance at a time when women deserve support, not pressure.

Read more here:

Weight gain is often the first symptom that women notice during perimenopause, and the first thing we try to “fix.”

10/07/2025

Boundaries aren’t selfish. They are an essential part of self-respect.

If you’ve ever struggled to set or communicate your boundaries, you’re not alone. Whether you tend to put others first or feel anxious about speaking up, it can take time to feel comfortable honouring your needs.

Find out more in our blog. Dr Lauren Lovegood shares why boundaries matter, why they can feel so hard, and practical steps to set them with confidence.

👉 Read more here: https://www.altumhealth.co.uk/how-to-set-boundaries/

08/07/2025

Have you had an eating disorder and been diagnosed with autism?

Researchers at City, University of London and St George’s are looking for autistic adults who’ve experienced inpatient treatment for an eating disorder to take part in a study about social support during recovery.

They’re looking for people who:
✅ Are aged 18+
✅ Have (or had) an eating disorder and are autistic
✅ Were discharged from an inpatient stay for an eating disorder at least one year ago, with a stay lasting at least one month
✅ Are willing to talk about their experiences of social support 6+ months after discharge
✅ Can complete a short questionnaire, a sociogram, and a 1-to-1 interview

🎁 Participants will be reimbursed for their time.

Interested or want to learn more?
📧 Francesca.Waddington@city.ac.uk (Principal Researcher)
📧 Holly.Kahya@city.ac.uk (Research Supervisor)

06/07/2025

Our Clinical Lead, Dr Amy Harrison, recently spoke at the 2025 Sino-UK Mental Health Assessment Summit in Beijing, sharing her expertise on eating disorders with colleagues from across China and the UK.

Alongside her work with Altum Health, Amy is an Associate Professor at UCL and a passionate advocate for compassionate, evidence-based support.

Her talk explored how eating disorders affect social and emotional wellbeing - not just around food, but in every part of life.

We feel so lucky to have Amy’s warmth, dedication and deep expertise on our team

05/07/2025

Holidays are possible - even in eating disorder recovery.
With a little planning and self-kindness, you can create space for joy, rest, and connection.

💛 Save these gentle tips for your next trip. You deserve a holiday too.

03/07/2025

Why are Black communities still so disproportionately affected by detention under the Mental Health Act?

A new report from Mind in Berkshire sheds light on the lived experiences behind the data, revealing deep concerns about racial bias, stigma, and a lack of cultural representation in local mental health services.

Based on feedback from over 180 people, this report is a vital reminder that equitable care starts with listening.

Read more about the findings and what needs to change.

The way black people are treated when detained under the Mental Health Act has been examined.

01/07/2025

Long-standing eating disorders can feel isolating and overwhelming, but hope and help are possible.

In our latest blog, Altum Health founder, Dr Courtney Raspin shares why the language we use matters, how treatment can be tailored, and what better support for individuals and families could look like.

Read more here:

https://www.altumhealth.co.uk/long-standing-eating-disorders/