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I was homeschooled I torment myself with how much I could have achieved

Homeschooling is on the rise in England. The number has risen by more than 10,000 since last year. Parents cite mental health as the main driver. Alex Sergent, 40, was homeschooled as a child and then later as a teen because of his mental health issues. Decades later, he reflects on his experience and the impact it had. (Photo: Supplied)

Homeschooled twice

“Growing up, I was homeschooled twice. The first time, I was just six and I was struggling to read. My mum was massively concerned and she took me out of primary school. She taught me at home for a year. We would visit a reading specialist every week who had a sound-based method for teaching children literacy. I picked it up quickly. It was such a success story that I was even in the local paper. It might have taken me much longer to learn if I had stayed at school. I think it was the right thing to do at the time. Still, I wasn’t taught any maths, which is probably quite bad. I think I only did about an hour a week with the specialist teacher.”

Missing out on something

“I was only six, so I don’t remember much from that time, but I do remember feeling I was missing out on something. I didn’t see many other children in that year. I was the youngest of four siblings and they were much older and in secondary school, so I didn’t socialise much. I just played video games. My mum sent me back to a different school and I was suddenly top of my class. I was great at spelling and I loved learning. Things were going well.”

Dealing with parents separating

“Then when I was about 12, everything started to change. I started a new school and my parents got divorced – we had to leave our childhood home. My older brother left for university. I used to spend a lot of time with him, so it felt like I had lost so much. I struggled with the change. We moved to the middle of nowhere and so I had to cycle five miles every day to get to school. Even though I loved learning, I decided after two weeks at this new school that I wasn’t going to go any more. My mum let me, which she probably shouldn’t have. She was struggling with her own mental health problems and my dad wasn’t in the picture any more. So I just stayed at home. I was given complete autonomy and with that, I just played video games all day. I even went to the cinema three times a week. This went on for two years.”

Dealing with parents separating

School one thing I could rebel against

“In hindsight, this was a way for me to have control over my life – I loved learning, but school was the only thing I could rebel against. For the next two years, I had a visiting teacher, and I went to a unit for homeschooled children in Norwich for a couple of hours every week. They were in high demand and their resources were stretched so I only studied Maths and English. Although I had tasks and homework, it wasn’t a lot of work. For six months, while I waited to be assigned a visiting teacher, I did no work at all. From October 1996 to April 1997, I had no school education. I loved films and I loved computer games – I did that all day, every day for years. At this point, they hadn’t yet introduced fines for children not attending school. Instead, I had a welfare officer and a child psychologist who would visit as well. Between them, they would try and get me to go back to school.”

'What if I had gone to school?'

“After a few years at home, I decided to join Year 10 when I was 15. I had to force myself to go back to school so that I could get my English and Maths GCSEs. I got a C in Maths through sheer resilience, and I got a B in English. I got my A-levels and I went to university to study politics. Still, in my twenties, I beat myself up a lot. What could I have achieved if I had gone to school? I tormented myself with that question.”

Starting a career

“After graduating, I became a journalist for the BBC, I worked for an MP and now I own my own business. I set up my production company and I also have an investing club TinT (Tap into Tech) that supports start-ups that solve the cost of living crisis, provide mental health support and tackle our environmental challenges. But what if I had gone to school? It is such a sliding door moment that I think about it often. What could I have achieved if I hadn’t skipped so much education? I try not to do regret, but I feel it affected me. In my late teens and early twenties, I got to a point where I didn’t know how to socialise. I’m a natural extrovert but I didn’t know how to be around people my age. I believe that was a byproduct of not going to school because I missed out on the social side of growing up. I didn’t get to spend time with friends and mature by speaking to peers. Though I suppose, on the other hand, I didn’t get bullied.”

Forcing myself to socialise

“I did make some friends when I went to sixth form and I am still friends with one now, so I had a glimmer of normality. Looking back, I gained a lot but I lost too. I like that I was independent and I walked my own path. I love my life now and have a good network of friends, but I had to force myself to socialise and to get out there. Homeschooling isn’t bad if a child is being properly monitored. I didn’t have that. I found it tricky to adjust, as a young adult. I think anyone would have.”

What it’s like to teach neurodiverse children

Zain’s jaw is clenched in fury, his cheeks are crimson and eyes wild as – SLAM – he violently upturns his desk, scattering crayons and pencil shavings in its wake.

Zain* is 11, he has autism and ADHD, and he’s angry because his classmates are out playing on the field and his supervised breaktime with his one-to-one member of staff is later.

This is one of Zain’s most aggressive outbursts, but he’s safe, at least. Even if he is calling me a “b---h”.

From my point of view as head teacher, this upturning of tables is preferable to the time Zain ran from class, climbed a tree and remained there all morning. I was terrified he’d fall, or move higher up the trunk if I tried to get him.

He once also hit me in the face when I stupidly bent to talk to him while he was still in “the red zone” (the angriest mood). “Ow!” I yelped, “that hurt.” At work I kept my cool, but I lost it to my husband later.

Being a primary school head teacher in 2025 is not for the faint-hearted.

Since 2015 I’ve run an Ofsted-rated “good” school in one of the Midlands’ leafiest boroughs. It’s always been hugely rewarding and fitted in well with raising my own family, but especially since Covid it’s become utterly relentless. And the dramatic rise in the number of children with neurodiversity is not insignificant.

It’s worse now than it’s ever been

When I began teaching over 30 years ago, there were children who perhaps struggled socially or were extremely boisterous; “sensitive” or “hyperactive” they might have been called. But less than a handful in every class.

Depending on the severity of their needs, there were more options for autistic children to be educated outside of mainstream education, before the drive to be inclusive became the agenda. Now, according to the National Autistic Society Education Report, 70 per cent attend regular schools.

And ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) wasn’t recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence as a condition in children until 2000, but now globally it’s thought that 5 per cent of children live with it.

The landscape has since changed beyond recognition. Roughly a third of children are neurodiverse across most classes in my school; in other parts of the country there’s probably more. That might mean ADHD, ASD (autism spectrum disorder) or the more general label SEMH (for those with social, emotional and mental health needs).

We have pupils with anxiety so severe that they’re pulling out their eyelashes, picking at their skin, banging their heads on the desk or shutting down completely in class. And aside from the worry of what’s going on in children’s heads, all of the above requires communication with home and subsequent meetings with parents about their child’s welfare and how best to support them.

I am not moaning about neurodiverse children being a problem, or at all suggesting they are not welcome in schools. Certainly, every child deserves the best education we can possibly give them, and as a head teacher I’m passionate about helping to make this happen.

What this means is that I’m spending more of my time firefighting crises, dealing with parents and filling in forms rather than actually leading my school.

We are under-resourced, under-funded and overwhelmed. Of course the children must remain the top priority, always, though it’s making my workload a living nightmare.

Fewer staff, yet more children with additional needs

Zain’s outbursts aren’t uncommon. While the table episode was over quickly – once he’d begun sobbing on the floor and saying “sorry Mrs Turner*” – it still requires more follow-up care.

I had a difficult conversation with his father (who I strongly suspect has AuDHD – both ASD and ADHD – and needs of his own, although he lacks the self awareness to recognise it).

Zain’s teaching assistant – who I pray won’t go off sick again – also had to be offered support.

I’m ashamed to say that some days in this job I return home, walk straight to the fridge and pour myself a large white wine before even saying hello to my husband and teenagers.

And Zain is just one of many pupils who has additional needs in my school of 400.

The short answer to why we are struggling is simply that there are fewer staff and yet more children with additional needs.

Ten years ago I had a full team around me: teaching assistants along with a a bigger senior leadership team, staff who weren’t teaching full-time with enough capacity to manage situations before they spiralled.

Frequently, I’m the only one available when it comes to managing very challenging behaviour – such as when an altercation broke out in the playground between two dads (over football, and fists were involved, I kid you not) or when there’s online bullying on the WhatsApp groups (which primary school age children aren’t even allowed to be on).

In any school – even “nice” primaries like mine where children are fed vegetables and encouraged off their screens – pupil confrontation just happens.

The subtle changes to the classroom

There’s no question that the neurodiversity numbers are increasing. Some of it is better awareness and diagnosis, but there is also a real, noticeable shift towards increasing numbers of children who are sensitive to noise, or cannot cope with change.

Children with ADHD or ASD often struggle with things like turn-taking or losing a game. They thrive on structure and so anything from assemblies and plays to end-of-term discos can completely throw them.

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On the surface, classrooms look as they always have – art displays on the walls and children sitting at tables. But look closer and you’ll notice the adjustments.

Some children have stretchy resistance bands tied around their chair legs to kick against – a form of sensory regulation. Others sit on wobble cushions or behind cardboard “study wings” to minimise distraction.

Some wear ear defenders, or have “chew toys” around their necks, because it’s better than them gnawing away on their sleeves.

And in every classroom now there are “calm corners”, where children can quietly decompress with fidget toys.

These strategies were unheard of a decade ago in mainstream schools. Yet they’re not gimmicks but genuinely useful tools which help neurodiverse children function within a mainstream classroom.

As I constantly remind my staff: children with ADHD are not naughty, broken, lacking discipline. They’re just finding their way in a world that often doesn’t make sense to them. Our job is to help them make sense of it, feel safe, calm and therefore capable of learning.

Our Senco (special educational needs co-ordinator) is essential in providing support, advice and training. But again, it all comes down to people. And people cost money. We are not miracle workers, we are educators. Exhausted ones who need support.

Teachers are burning out

I’m not a doctor, and I can only speculate on why neuro diversity is rising – but bad diets, food additives and out-of-control screen time certainly can’t help.

Children today struggle to sit through even a panto – let alone concentrate for a 45-minute lesson – because YouTube has trained their brains for fast dopamine hits. Parents are no better – they arrive at pick-up time clutching mobiles to their cheeks.

The mental load on staff is enormous. We aren’t just teachers any more: we’re social workers, mental health first-aiders, speech and language supporters, and behaviour specialists. We are doing it all with fewer resources, less recognition and endless paperwork.

While I’ve been able to manage my own mental health over the years, I fully understand why colleagues are leaving the profession or taking early retirement. I’m lucky to have a supportive husband and the ability to mostly switch off in the lengthy school holidays, while keeping an eye on emails.

Many teachers quit after five to seven years – they’ve burnt out.

With budgets in crisis, the best, most experienced teachers are now too expensive for schools to afford.

At the end of the day, I’m very proud of what my staff and I do to make our school inclusive, and it’s magical when a strapping young adult comes up to me grinning “Miss, do you remember teaching me?” and tells me all about how they’re getting on.

But in all honesty I’m counting down the three years to my retirement now. When I welcome pupils back for the new term this week, at least one thing will put a smile on my face: Zain’s left to go to secondary school.

Psychotherapist reveals key warning sign that your everyday stress is about to tip you over the edge

It's hard not to feel completely overwhelmed by life at times, but a psychotherapist has shared the one of the critical warning signs that you've gone from worrying about things at a normal level to developing full blown anxiety.

Anxiety is a natural reaction to stress and uncertainty, and can be triggered from anything between making presentation at work to proposing to the love of your life.

But while the feeling of 'nerves' usually subside after the completion of the stressful event, sometimes the anxiety lingers, and for some people, it becomes louder and louder until performing basic tasks becomes an exhausting—and sometimes scary—uphill struggle.

Therapist Clare Patterson, who is registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), describes anxiety as when 'the body’s alarm system [is] stuck in the ‘on’ position—without a clear, present danger.'

But how do you know that your normal worrying levels have got out of control? Ms Patterson shared eight warning signs that you might be heading towards developing a serious mental illness.

Speaking to The Sun, she said one of the biggest red flags is catastrophising, when you focus on what could go wrong, or you're obsessing about future events which are totally out of your control.

'You might be trying to focus at work but your mind is pinging from, "I forgot to book the dentist" to "Do I have cancer?" to "I should drink more water", all in 30 seconds.'

She added: 'You might lie awake at 2am thinking, "What if I lose my job? What if I can't pay the mortgage? What if I end up homeless?", even when nothing has changed at work.

'You may also catastrophise, always assuming the worst-case scenario. For example, your partner doesn't reply to a message for a few hours and your brain jumps to, "They're in a crash" or "They're leaving me".

You may also be in a meeting and notice every change in someone's tone, face or body language, and be convinced it means something bad about you.'

Catastrophising can leave someone feeling permanently overwhelmed, and cause them to withdraw from their loved ones and routines, which are both other symptoms the mental health expert pinpointed.

'For people with an anxiety disorder, the excessive stress hormones can feel overwhelming...It is not "all in their heads". It is a very real, physiological response.

'A low-level fear with no clear object, like waking up with a pit in your stomach for no reason, just a vague feeling something is going to go wrong today, is also common.

'Some people also find their anxiety is internalised and they keep thinking, "What is wrong with me?"

'You might cancel plans because you're feeling overwhelmed, then spend hours criticising yourself for being "flaky" or "too sensitive".'

Warning signs your anxiety is getting out of control

1. Unable to cope with minor worries

2. Catastrophising

3. Indecisiveness

4. Feeling constantly overwhelmed

5. Withdrawal

6. Up and down emotionally

7. Feeling tense

8. Obsessed with perfectionism

Ms Patterson added that feelings of indecisiveness and perfectionism can also be warning signs that your worrying is getting unhealthy.

She said: 'This often leads a person to second guess even small decisions, like what to wear or what to say in a text.

'Anxiety can lead to perfectionism and procrastination, putting off work because it's never quite good enough.'

Other signs manifest physically; tension in the body, and restlessness.

Ms Patterson said that people who lack 'coping mechanisms'— are at risk of their anxiety becoming out of control.

She defines a coping mechanism as steps someone can take to 'feel safe', which might include positive self-talk, seeking out a familiar face at a party or event, or focusing on their breathing.

But people who are very anxious can find themselves falling into a panic attack.

She said: 'The rational part of their brain may be overwhelmed by the anxiety and so they exist in a fight/flight/freeze state where there is a lack of trust in themselves to cope and manage.

'This can trigger even more anxiety, sending them into a spiral, and even lead to physical symptoms including panic attacks, headaches and dizziness.'

It's estimated that 8 million Britons are living with anxiety, and NHS trusts across the UK are struggling to provide suitable support.

In February, after analysing NHS stats, Rethink Mental Illness found that the longest waits for mental health care are over two years (658 days), more than twice as long as the ones for people needing elective physical health treatment (299 days).

The delays in treatment have seen people turning to online therapy providers, mindfulness self-help books, and in the case of Gen Z, crafting.

Findings from The Power of Making report, commissioned by Hobbycraft and in partnership with mental health charity Mind, surveyed nearly 6,000 people nationwide and found that younger people are turning to crochet and pottery kits to try and calm their anxious minds.

New technology reveals how autism disrupts brain cell communication

Autism affects at least 2% of children in the United States – an estimated 1 in 59. This is challenging for both the patients and their parents or caregivers. What’s worse is that today there are no drugs that treat the main symptoms of autism. That is in large part because we still don’t fully understand how autism develops and alters normal brain function. One of the main reasons it is hard to decipher the processes that cause the disease is that it is highly variable. So how do we understand how autism changes the brain?

Using a new technology called single-nucleus RNA sequencing, we analyzed the chemistry inside specific brain cells from both healthy people and those with autism and identified dramatic differences that may cause this disease. These autism-specific differences could provide valuable new targets for drug development.

I am a neuroscientist in the lab of Arnold Kreigstein, a researcher of human brain development at the University of California, San Francisco. Since I was a teenager, I have been fascinated by the human brain and computers and the similarities between the two. The computer works by directing a flow of information through interconnected electronic elements called transistors. Wiring together many of these small elements creates a complex machine capable of functions from processing a credit card payment to autopiloting a rocket ship. Though it is an oversimplification, the human brain is, in many respects, like a computer. It has connected cells called neurons that process and direct information flow –a process called synaptic transmission in which one neuron sends a signal to another.

When I started doing science professionally, I realized that many diseases of the human brain are due to specific types of neurons malfunctioning, just like a transistor on a circuit board can malfunction either because it was not manufactured properly or due to wear and tear.

RNA messages in the cell drive function

Every cell in any living organism is made of the same types of biological molecules. Molecules called proteins create cellular structures, catalyze chemical reactions and perform other functions within the cell.

Two related types of molecules – DNA and RNA – are made of sequences of just four basic elements and used by the cell to store information. DNA is used for hereditary long-term information storage; RNA is a short-lived message that signals how active a gene is and how much of a particular protein the cell needs to make. By counting the number of RNA molecules carrying the same message, researchers can get insights into the processes happening inside the cell.

When it comes to the brain, scientists can measure RNA inside individual cells, identify the type of brain cell and and analyze the processes taking place inside it – for instance, synaptic transmission. By comparing RNA analyses of brain cells from healthy people not diagnosed with any brain disease with those done in patients with autism, researchers like myself can figure out which processes are different and in which cells.

Until recently, however, simultaneously measuring all RNA molecules in a single cell was not possible. Researchers could perform these analyses only from a piece of brain tissue containing millions of different cells. This was complicated further because it was possible to collect these tissue samples only from patients who have already died.

New tech pinpoints neurons affected in autism

However, recent advances in technology allowed our team to measure RNA that is contained within the nucleus of a single brain cell. The nucleus of a cell contains the genome, as well as newly synthesized RNA molecules. This structure remains intact ever after the death of a cell and thus can be isolated from dead (also called postmortem) brain tissue.

By analyzing single cellular nuclei from this postmortem brain of people with and without autism, we profiled the RNA within 100,000 single brain cells of many such individuals.

Comparing RNA in specific types of brain cells between the individuals with and without autism, we found that some specific cell types are more altered than others in the disease.

In particular, we found that certain neurons called upper-layer cortical neurons that exchange information between different regions of the cerebral cortex have an abnormal number of RNA-encoding proteins located at the synapse – the points of contacts between neurons where signals are transmitted from one nerve cell to another. These changes were detected in regions of the cortex vital for higher-order cognitive functions, such as social interactions.

This suggests that synapses in these upper-layer neurons are malfunctioning, leading to changes in brain functions. In our study, we showed that upper-layer neurons had very different quantities of certain RNA compared to the same cells in healthy people. That was especially true in autism patients who suffered from the most severe symptoms, like not being able to speak.

Glial cells are also affected in autism

In addition to neurons that are directly responsible for synaptic communication, we also saw changes in the RNA of other non-neuronal cells – called glia. Glia play important roles in regulating the behavior of neurons, including how they send and receive messages via the synapse. These may also play an important role in causing autism.

So what do these findings mean for future medical treatment of autism?

From these results, I and my colleagues understand that the same parts of the synaptic machinery which are critical for sending signals and transmitting information in the upper-layer neurons might be broken in many people with autism, leading to abnormal brain function.

If we can repair these parts, or fine-tune neuronal function to a near-normal state, it might offer dramatic relief of symptoms for the patients. Studies are underway to deliver drugs and gene therapy to specific cell types in the brain, and many scientists including myself believe such approaches will be indispensable for future treatments of autism.

Expert shares three ways anxiety can manifest in people with autism

A specialist occupational therapist has shared the three ways in which anxiety can present in people with autism. Conor McDonagh, owner and director of Caerus Therapies, frequently offers advice on his TikTok account, covering topics from sensory processing issues to supporting an autistic child.

In one video, he outlined the most common ways he has seen anxiety manifest in autistic people. In the clip, he said: “There are several different ways that anxiety can present or look like in an autistic child. My name is Conor McDonagh from Caerus Therapies. We've developed The Caerus Method; it’s a course that teaches you how to support an autistic child."

According to Conor, there are three ways anxiety presents in autistic children - fight, flight, or freeze. He said: “So when an autistic child experiences anxiety, it's ultimately the result of difficulties with processing information in the reticular formation, which is otherwise known as the fight-flight response.

Conor added: “So therefore, if a child is experiencing the fight reaction, they can be very emotional outwardly. They can be aggressive and throw a lot of tantrums.

“Flight looks like a person that gets away from the situation, so they run or flee from it. So they may go to a different room or just simply avoid the things that are bothering them.

Why might autistic people experience anxiety?

According to the National Autistic Society, even though it is not part of the autism diagnostic criteria, many autistic people experience high levels of anxiety. Research varies but the consensus suggests that it might be common for around 40-50% of autistic people to receive a clinical diagnosis of anxiety.

“And the freeze response looks like a person who ultimately kind of shuts down. So, they have difficulties with communicating their thoughts so they can internalise these issues. They go quiet and they find it very difficult to function in these circumstances.”

Difficult social situations and sensory environments can increase stress and increase anxiety for autistic people. They added: "Another significant cause of anxiety is a sense of being misunderstood and/or not accepted by non-autistic people. To ‘fit in’ and not be seen as different, autistic people might mask or camouflage. This can increase anxiety and have a negative effect on their mental health."

Other reasons that autistic people may experience anxiety include:

a change to routine, particularly an unexpected change
difficulty identifying, understanding and managing emotions (also known as alexithymia).

Experiencing such high levels of anxiety can lead to exhaustion and meltdowns. It may also lead to autistic fatigue and burnout. This can significantly affect a person’s quality of life, such as their physical and mental health, work/school and social life.

Personal Experience: How Anxiety Can Be Different for Everyone

Anxiety doesn’t present itself in the same way for everyone. It’s like a fingerprint, unique to each person. For some, it might manifest as a constant stream of worries, clouding the ability to focus on the present moment. These worries can become overwhelming, making it hard to think about anything else. Others might experience social anxiety, where social interactions trigger a wave of nervousness. This could include sweating, a racing heart, and a strong desire to escape from the situation. For certain individuals, anxiety could give rise to a perfectionist mindset, causing them to delay starting tasks until conditions are “perfect.” This behavior might prevent them from taking on new challenges due to a fear of not meeting their own high standards.

Furthermore, anxiety can lead to health-related obsessions, causing individuals to worry excessively about their well-being. This might involve constant checking for signs of illness or analyzing physical sensations, even when there’s no concrete reason for concern. Additionally, anxiety has a way of making the future seem daunting. It can generate a continuous loop of worrying about what might go wrong, making individuals feel apprehensive about what lies ahead.

Distinguishing Between Physical Symptoms: Real vs. Anxiety-Induced

Identifying the source of physical symptoms can be challenging, especially when anxiety first enters the picture. If you’re unsure about the origin of your symptoms, you should always seek guidance from a medical professional first to rule out any physical conditions first. If you’re experiencing any concerning or extreme symptoms visit your local emergency room.

If you think your conditions are being triggered by anxiety, it’s a good idea to keep track of the following factors:

Persistence and Duration:

Real physical symptoms often persist over time or worsen if left untreated. If a symptom appears and disappears quickly, it might be more likely related to anxiety. However, if it lingers or worsens, it’s wise to seek medical advice.

Context and Triggers:

Pay attention to when symptoms arise. If they appear during stressful situations, social interactions, or when you’re feeling anxious, they might be anxiety-induced. On the other hand, symptoms that occur independently of such triggers may be more likely to have a physical origin.

Variability:

Anxiety-related symptoms can be inconsistent and change rapidly, while genuine physical issues tend to follow a more stable pattern. If symptoms seem to shift frequently, it could be a sign of anxiety involvement.

Response to Relaxation Techniques:

Engage in relaxation techniques when you experience symptoms. If the symptoms ease or disappear, anxiety might be contributing. If they persist regardless of relaxation efforts, seeking medical advice is advisable.

Consulting a Medical Professional:

When in doubt, consulting a healthcare provider is crucial. A medical professional can conduct examinations, tests, and assessments to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. They can provide accurate guidance and rule out any serious physical issues. If your symptoms are related to mental health, a licensed Focus therapist can also help support you through anxiety and help you recover from your symptoms faster.

Recording Patterns:

Keep a journal of when symptoms occur, their intensity, and any accompanying emotions. Over time, patterns may emerge that could help identify whether anxiety plays a role.

Remember that both physical symptoms and anxiety are valid experiences. It’s essential to approach these concerns with openness and without self-judgment.

Coping and Learning

Understanding how anxiety shows up in your life is the first step to managing it. It’s like studying the puzzle pieces to find the best way to put them together. One effective approach is keeping a journal to document your thoughts and feelings during anxious moments. This can help you recognize patterns and triggers, offering insights into your unique experiences. If anxiety significantly impacts your daily life, seeking support is crucial. Talking to a mental health professional, such as a licensed therapist at Focus, can provide you with strategies and tools to better cope with anxiety. Get easily matched to the right therapist for you with our 2-minute matching tool.

Moreover, practicing relaxation techniques and deep breathing can be immensely helpful. These methods can serve as a lifeline during moments of heightened anxiety, helping to soothe the mind and restore a sense of calm. Just like learning a new skill, coping with anxiety takes time and practice. By being patient with yourself and embracing a learning mindset, you can gradually develop the ability to navigate the challenges that anxiety brings. If you want to learn more about relaxation techniques and what could work for you, talk to one of our expert therapists who can create a custom plan for you to manage your anxiety.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Empathy

Anxiety is a shared human experience, yet it’s also deeply personal. By understanding the diverse ways anxiety can manifest and impact lives, we create empathy for both ourselves and others. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Through learning, seeking help when needed, and extending compassion to yourself, you can navigate anxiety with resilience and find greater peace in your life.

Report finds no evidence that ‘microdosing’ weight loss drugs is safe or effective

A trend of “microdosing” GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, for longevity is spreading online, despite these medications being approved for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
Experts and pharmaceutical companies confirm there is virtually no published scientific evidence to support the safety or effectiveness of microdosing GLP-1s for extending lifespan.

Cardiologist Eric Topol described the practice as an unsubstantiated “craze,” emphasizing it is premature to conclude if small doses can lead to a longer life.
While standard doses of GLP-1s are known to reduce inflammation and may protect the brain, it is unclear if microdoses offer similar benefits or what constitutes an effective microdose.

The FDA has issued warnings against using unapproved versions of GLP-1 drugs, and pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk have voiced concerns regarding misinformation and unapproved products.

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How Ozempic Works

Ozempic (semaglutide) is also an FDA-approved medication for adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar when combined with diet and exercise.

This medication is a GLP-1 agonist, which activates the body's GLP-1 receptors, makes the pancreas produce insulin after eating, and helps control blood sugar levels. GLP-1 sends "fullness" signals to the brain, which can help promote better weight control.

While Ozempic does not have FDA approval as a weight loss drug, it shows promise as a potential treatment for obesity and weight management.

How Mounjaro Works

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved, weekly injection that you inject under the fatty tissue of your skin. It helps control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

It should be used alongside individualized diet and exercise plans.

Mounjaro is the first and only drug in its class that activates two gut hormones that regulate blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes: GLP-1 and GIP.

Mounjaro may help protect against cardiovascular (heart) problems and heart disease. It helps lower blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Currently, Mounjaro is only approved for use in treating type 2 diabetes. However, the FDA is also working on approval for this drug as a treatment for weight loss.

Differences Between Them

Despite the similarities between Mounjaro and Ozempic, the two medications have some key differences.

How They Work Biologically

Mounjaro is a dual-acting GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. It is the first and only drug of its kind, mimicking the effects of both hormones.4 Ozempic, on the other hand, is only a GLP-1 receptor agonist.1

Effectiveness

Mounjaro is more effective than Ozempic for blood sugar control and weight loss.

Heart Health Benefits

Ozempic is FDA-approved for people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular (heart) disease to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

Mounjaro is not currently approved for this use, despite research indicating that it helps lower blood pressure, which may reduce the risk of heart complications.

Dose and Administration

Mounjaro and Ozempic are injections you administer once a week through pen injectors that come pre-filled with the medication.

Ozempic is available in doses of 0.25 milligrams (mg), 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 mg. Each pen injector contains four doses, which is equivalent to a month's worth of medication.

Mounjaro injector pens are single-use, meaning you will use a new pen for each dose. The pens contain either 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg of the drug, depending on your prescription.

Cost

On average, Mounjaro is more expensive than Ozempic. In the United States, the monthly cost of Mounjaro is about $1,023 (15 mg/dose) without insurance, compared to $936 (1 mg/dose) for Ozempic.

The cost of these medications varies, depending on your dosage, insurance coverage, and whether you qualify for the manufacturer's savings program.18 Many insurance plans provide at least partial coverage for both medications.

Which Is Better?

Whether Mounjaro or Ozempic is better depends on your needs and treatment goals. While Mounjaro is more effective for lowering A1C (your average blood sugar levels over three months) and weight loss, Ozempic is FDA-approved to prevent heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

People prone to gastrointestinal side effects may prefer Ozempic, as higher doses of Mounjaro can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

Can You Switch From Ozempic to Mounjaro or Vice Versa?

It is possible to switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro or vice versa. You may want to change medications if you are not seeing the desired results or are having difficulty with the medication's side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine if switching medications is safe and appropriate for you.

A Quick Review

Mounjaro (terzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are injectable medications with FDA approval that help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is also approved to lower the risk of heart complications in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, Mounjaro is better for weight loss and long-term blood sugar control.

Donald Trump: We’ve lost Russia and India to ‘dark’ China

India and Russia have been lost to “dark” China, Donald Trump has said.

The US president plunged the future of his relationship with Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin into doubt following their meeting with Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, earlier this week.

“Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest, China. May they have a long and prosperous future together!” Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social, accompanied by a photo of the three leaders.

On Wednesday, Mr Modi, the Indian prime minister, attended a parade showcasing Beijing’s military might alongside North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, Putin and other world leaders.

Some analysts described the trio as “the axis of upheaval” as Mr Xi used the display as an opportunity to hail the “unstoppable” rise of China.

Mr Trump’s comments are the latest sign of his relationship souring with the Indian and Russian leaders – previously described as friends.

“Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong-un, as you conspire against The United State of America,” Mr Trump wrote after the first images of the parade started to circulate.

He later described the ceremony, which marked the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in the Second World War, as “beautiful” and “very impressive”, but added that he thought the US should have been mentioned in Xi’s speech.

The event stood in stark contrast to Mr Trump’s own military display held in Washington earlier this year, which was widely mocked for its low crowd turnout and disorderly marching.

The 79-year-old has spoken openly about how much he values his personal friendships with Mr Modi and Putin but relations have become strained in recent weeks over Russia’s continued bombardment of Ukraine and the US president’s trade tariffs.

The US levied a 50 per cent tariff on India last month, citing its continued purchase of Russian oil.

Following last month’s summit in Alaska, Mr Trump said securing a peace deal to end the Ukraine conflict was “more difficult” than he thought and has engaged in talks with Europeans to ramp up pressure on Moscow.

Mr Trump this week said he was “very disappointed” in Putin but was not worried about growing Russia-China ties.

Addressing reporters on Thursday, he said that he planned to talk to the Russian leader soon.