It’s April again, which means unpredictable downpours, the hopeful return of sunshine, and—most importantly—Autism Acceptance Month. If you’re thinking, 'Wait… what exactly is that?' You're not alone. Lots of people know autism exists, but understanding it is a whole different story. Autism is a spectrum, and there’s always more to learn.

Kirsty Dixon, a menopause educator from York, joined a unique holistic programme focused on rewiring the brain. She’s now pain free for the first time in three decades. I sat on my sofa, head in my hands, crying in frustration as another ripple of pain went up my back. I was 27 but I felt 87. I was desperate to get my life back. This was in 1994. I’d woken with a niggle in my lower back.

A little bit of stress is good for you, but too much can have severe consequences on both your physical and mental health. Negative stress is implicated in all major mental illnesses and all lifestyle-related illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes; it is even implicated in autoimmune illness, cancer, etc. How can you tell if you are feeling stressed?