Priya Kaul: Finding hope in the face of difficulties
The spiritual life coach shares essential health tips
Priya Kaul
By Asjad NazirJan 13, 2025
DR PRIYA KAUL discovered her connection to unseen energies as a child and always felt drawn to helping others.
This early enlightenment, combined with personal challenges, led her to a spiritual path of self-healing and empowering others. Today, as a respected spiritual life coach and healer, she helps people reconnect with their inner strength, heal themselves, and re-invent their relationship with life. Using a variety of techniques, she views her work as a calling rather than a career.
Dr Kaul spoke to Eastern Eye about her inspiring work, shared mental health tips, emphasised the importance of self-love, and offered advice for those facing difficulties.
Tell us about some of the work that you do.
As a spiritual life coach and healer, my role is to guide people on their path of self-discovery, healing, and empowerment. I use a combination of modalities, including energy healing, meditation, intuitive guidance, and mindset coaching, to help clients address emotional blocks, physical issues, spiritual disconnection, or any other struggles. Much of my work involves reminding people of their innate power and their access to intuitive abilities.
How much fulfilment does it give you to help people grow?
Helping people on their healing journey gives me immense satisfaction. There’s nothing more fulfilling than witnessing someone let go of their suffering, rediscover their inner fire, and embrace their true power. Every time a client shares how I’ve helped heal their traumas and wounds, I am reminded of why this work is so meaningful. Being a part of their journey towards healing has been very humbling.
How can one diagnose a problem they might have?
It begins with self-awareness and listening to your mind, body, and spirit. Often, we receive signals before a problem fully manifests, such as physical tightness, emotional distress, or spiritual disconnection. Practising mindfulness – observing thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment – is key. Ask yourself: Where am I stuck? What recurring themes appear in my life? What emotions am I avoiding?
What is the true secret to finding the right path to healing?
The secret lies in listening and allowing your journey to unfold naturally. Healing is a deeply personal process, and there is no one-size-fitsall solution. Develop self-awareness by tuning into your mind, body, and soul. When the noise quiets, your intuition often reveals the right path. Whether it’s therapy, meditation, energy work, or another practice, choose what feels authentic to you.
How important is self-love?
Self-love is essential for healing. It involves recognising your worth, setting boundaries, and caring for yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Self-love empowers you to heal, grow, and embrace your progress, even when you face challenges. It’s the foundation for becoming the person you aspire to be.
What advice would you give someone going through a difficult time?
Have faith that even the most uncomfortable or unbearable moments hold lessons that aid in healing. Remember, you are not alone. Seek support from family, friends, or professionals. Treat yourself with compassion, take things one day at a time, and trust that this phase will pass. When it does, you’ll emerge stronger and closer to your true self.
How important is good physical health for mental well-being?
Physical health is closely tied to mental wellbeing. Taking care of your body through proper nutrition, hydration, and regular exercise supports emotional stability and reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Endorphins released during physical activity can significantly boost mental health and focus.
What is the best way to stay away from negative energy daily?
The key is learning to control how you think and feel. While external circumstances may be beyond your control, your reactions are entirely within your power. Techniques such as self-care, visualisation, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and avoiding unproductive activities can help keep negative energy at bay.
What advice would you give to those who feel stuck?
Shift your perspective and reconnect with your inner self. Acknowledge feelings, let go of the need to control, and remain open to new possibilities. Take small, aligned actions, practice patience, and seek support when needed. Reconnecting with your purpose and values can help you find clarity and move forward.
What are your future plans?
My plans are aligned with my mission to help people reconnect with their power and healing abilities. I aim to expand my reach through one-on-one sessions, accessible programs, workshops, and retreats that offer transformative healing experiences to individuals from all walks of life.
What inspires you?
I’m most inspired by seeing others awaken to their potential and step into their true power. Witnessing transformations, whether through overcoming struggles or embracing authenticity, is incredibly moving. It’s inspiring to see people realise they have the ability to heal themselves and create the lives they desire.
Eight babies were born in the UK using DNA from three individuals to prevent mitochondrial disease
The technique combines egg and sperm from parents with mitochondria from a donor egg
Legal in the UK since 2015; results show children are meeting expected milestones
One in 5,000 babies are born with mitochondrial disease; no known cure exists
Newcastle scientists pioneered the technique, now used under NHS specialist service
UK births mark milestone in preventing inherited mitochondrial disease
Eight babies have been born in the UK using genetic material from three people in a pioneering effort to prevent incurable mitochondrial disease, doctors have confirmed. The technique, developed by researchers in Newcastle, represents a significant breakthrough in reproductive medicine and genetic science.
These births are the first proven cases in the UK of healthy children being born free of devastating mitochondrial disorders thanks to this technique, which has been legal in the country since 2015.
Mitochondrial disease, affecting about one in every 5,000 births, can cause heart failure, seizures, blindness, and early death. The newly available technique offers families affected by the condition the chance to break the cycle and give birth to children without the disease.
How the process works
The procedure involves combining the egg and sperm from the biological parents with healthy mitochondria from a donor egg. Both the mother's and the donor's eggs are fertilised with the father's sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are carefully processed: the nuclear DNA from the parents is transferred into the donor's embryo, which contains healthy mitochondria but had its own nuclear DNA removed.
The resulting embryo is mostly composed of the parents' genetic material but includes a small fraction—about 0.1%—of DNA from the donor. This change is heritable and would be passed on by any female offspring.
Results and reactions
A report published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirmed that 22 families have undergone the procedure through the Newcastle Fertility Centre. Eight babies have been born so far—four boys and four girls, including a pair of twins—with one pregnancy still ongoing.
None of the children have shown signs of mitochondrial disease and all are developing normally, meeting their expected milestones. One child experienced a self-resolving case of epilepsy, while another is being treated for a non-related heart rhythm condition. Doctors have not linked these instances to the mitochondrial technique.
Parents involved in the programme have chosen to remain anonymous but shared written statements expressing gratitude. "After years of uncertainty, this treatment gave us hope—and then it gave us our baby," one mother said. Another noted: "The emotional burden of mitochondrial disease has been lifted, and in its place is hope, joy, and deep gratitude."
Monitoring and concerns
Intensive follow-up is being carried out to monitor the long-term health of these children. In five cases, no diseased mitochondria were detected in blood or urine samples. In three other cases, between 5% and 20% of faulty mitochondria were identified—well below the 80% threshold typically associated with disease.
While these results are encouraging, researchers emphasise the need for further investigation into how to minimise the transfer of defective mitochondria during the process. "The findings give grounds for optimism," said Professor Mary Herbert of Newcastle and Monash University, "but further research is essential to improve treatment outcomes."
Ethical and legislative landscape
The UK was the first country in the world to legalise mitochondrial donation after Parliament approved the procedure in 2015. This marked a controversial but decisive step in reproductive ethics, as the addition of donor mitochondrial DNA results in heritable genetic change.
Concerns at the time centred around the possibility of creating genetically modified "designer babies". However, scientists and medical professionals involved in the procedure have been keen to stress its limited and therapeutic purpose.
"This is the only place in the world this could have happened," said Professor Sir Doug Turnbull of Newcastle University. "There’s been world-class science, legislation, NHS support, and now we have eight children free of mitochondrial disease. What a wonderful result."
Hope for the future
Families affected by mitochondrial disease have hailed the development as a major breakthrough. Kat Kitto, whose daughter Poppy, 14, lives with the condition, described its impact: "We have a lovely time as she is, but there are moments where you realise how devastating mitochondrial disease is."
Her older daughter Lily, 16, may benefit from the technique in the future: "It's the future generations like myself, or my children, who can have that outlook of a normal life."
The NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders, which oversees the procedures, expects demand for 20 to 30 such births annually. The Lily Foundation, a charity supporting families affected by mitochondrial disease, called the births a long-awaited step forward. "For many affected families, it's the first real hope of breaking the cycle of this inherited condition," said founder Liz Curtis.
While challenges remain, the birth of these eight children free from mitochondrial disease stands as a landmark achievement in modern medicine—and a beacon of hope for future generations.
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Singer Anne-Marie gave an open and emotional interview on BBC Radio 2
Anne-Marie discussed the challenges of motherhood and returning to work in music
Revealed struggles with postnatal anxiety and depression after birth of daughter Seven
Praised therapy as a crucial support tool and advised others to seek help
Shared insights into life with two young children and how routines have changed her
Confirmed she will perform at the Women’s Rugby World Cup opening ceremony on 22 August
Anne-Marie opens up about motherhood and mental health
Singer Anne-Marie gave an open and emotional interview on BBC Radio 2 this morning (16 July), speaking to Scott Mills about the mental and physical challenges she has faced after becoming a mother of two. The artist, known for hits including 2002 and Friends, reflected on the impact of motherhood on her mental health and creative life.
Returning to music while raising a family
Anne-Marie revealed that adjusting to life with two children while returning to the music industry has been “really difficult”. She is mother to daughter Seven, aged one, and a baby son who is just two months old.
“Getting back into music and being a mum has been really difficult,” she said during the interview. “Having a second one, it’s like the attention spread of the two is difficult.”
Despite the challenges, she described her children as “the most beautiful little things you’ve ever seen”, adding that moments of calm—such as looking at photos of them while they sleep—make the exhaustion feel worthwhile.
Anxiety and postnatal mental health
The singer spoke frankly about how she experienced intense anxiety after the birth of her first child. “I actually had anxiety so bad when I first had Seven and I didn’t want to be left alone,” she said.
Anne-Marie admitted that she had only been aware of postnatal depression, not postnatal anxiety, until experiencing it herself. She went on to say that her postnatal depression developed around six months after Seven’s birth.
The role of therapy and learning to ask for help
Anne-Marie highlighted the importance of therapy in her recovery. First starting sessions during lockdown, she said she had periods where she paused, particularly after making her third album, believing she no longer needed support. However, after becoming a mother, she returned to therapy and now attends weekly sessions.
“I’m sorry if you saw any of the interviews where I said I don’t need you anymore,” she joked, referring to her therapist. “Can I have you back?!”
She encouraged others to reach out, saying, “Therapy is my best friend. But also tell people, because I never asked for help, and that’s why I got so tired. People think that you’re sweet when you’re pretending to be okay.”
Speaking about the lifestyle shift, Anne-Marie described how routines have become a major part of her day-to-day life. “When I think about routines, it stresses me out. If I don’t do it right, it stresses me out,” she said. “And now I have to make three meals a day to make sure she’s good, you know? So it’s all just a massive change, and now I’m in a routine that’s my life.”
She also reflected on how her body and mind have changed since becoming a mother, saying, “I look different. I feel different. My brain is rewired. I swear everything has changed.”
Looking ahead: TV, sport and live appearances
Anne-Marie also spoke about her daughter recognising her on TV, recent performances at Glastonbury, and practising karate. She confirmed she will be performing at the Women’s Rugby World Cup opening ceremony, which takes place at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on Friday 22 August.
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The event follows recent data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA)
Event part of South Asian Heritage Month, taking place in London
Focus on fertility challenges faced by the South Asian community in the UK
Speakers include individuals with lived experience and reproductive health experts
HFEA data reveals ethnic disparities in IVF outcomes and patient satisfaction
Aims to break taboos, encourage open dialogue, and advocate for tailored care
Fertility event aims to spotlight inequalities and cultural stigma
A landmark event during South Asian Heritage Month will explore the unique fertility challenges faced by South Asian communities in the UK. Titled Breaking the Silence – Fertility Journeys in the South Asian Community, the event will take place in London on Tuesday 5 August from 5:30pm to 8:15pm.
The panel gathering will feature individuals with lived experience of infertility, baby loss and involuntary childlessness, alongside clinicians and mental health professionals specialising in reproductive care. The goal is to open up often-silenced conversations and address disparities in access to fertility treatment and patient outcomes among South Asian groups.
Ethnic disparities in fertility treatment outcomes
The event follows recent data from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), which highlights troubling disparities in fertility treatment success. While overall IVF birth rates continue to improve, success rates for Asian patients remain lower. For those aged 18–37, the birth rate per embryo transferred is 27% for Asian patients and 25% for Black patients, compared with 33% for White patients.
The figures reflect long-standing concerns that ethnic minority patients do not receive the same quality of care or outcomes as others. Beyond clinical results, the HFEA’s National Patient Survey found that Black and Asian patients are less likely to report satisfaction with their fertility treatment.
Cultural barriers and need for tailored support
The panel event will tackle the cultural taboos and stigma often surrounding fertility within South Asian communities. Organisers hope the conversation will not only validate the emotional and social challenges many individuals face but also lead to meaningful action around culturally competent care.
Attendees will hear from those who have navigated complex fertility journeys, as well as professionals who are working to improve reproductive healthcare for ethnic minority communities. By fostering open dialogue, the event aims to break down barriers, increase awareness, and help bridge the gap in patient experience and outcomes.
Anita GuruInstagram/ _themindcoach_
More information
To attend or for further details, please get in touch with Anita Guru 📧 anita@fertilitynetworkuk.org 📞 07854 769761
For a detailed overview of the event, visit our website
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This is also part of Mattel’s mission to extend the boundaries of imaginative play
The doll features a glucose monitor, insulin pump and CGM app
Created in collaboration with type 1 diabetes charity Breakthrough T1D
Part of Mattel’s broader push for inclusivity and representation in toys
Barbie with type 1 diabetes joins inclusive fashionistas range
Mattel has launched its first diabetes Barbie doll, designed to represent children with type 1 diabetes and promote greater inclusivity in children’s toys.
The new addition to the Barbie Fashionistas line comes with realistic medical features including a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on her arm, secured with heart-shaped medical tape, and an insulin pump to help manage her blood sugar levels. She also carries a smartphone with a CGM app to monitor glucose throughout the day, and a bag large enough to store snacks and other essentials.
Designed in partnership with Breakthrough T1D
The diabetes Barbie doll was developed in collaboration with Breakthrough T1D, a global not-for-profit organisation supporting people with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The autoimmune condition typically develops in childhood and requires patients to monitor their blood glucose and take insulin regularly.
Krista Berger, senior vice-president of Barbie and global head of dolls, described the launch as “an important step in our commitment to inclusivity and representation.”
“Barbie helps shape children’s early perceptions of the world, and by reflecting medical conditions like T1D, we ensure more kids can see themselves in the stories they imagine and the dolls they love,” she said.
Karen Addington, CEO of Breakthrough T1D UK, welcomed the collaboration: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Barbie now includes a doll with type 1 diabetes. For children with T1D who don’t often see themselves represented, this doll will be a powerful role model, celebrating their strength and bringing recognition, inclusion and joy to their play.”
A growing legacy of inclusive design
Since the original Barbie’s debut in 1959, the brand has evolved to reflect greater diversity. The first Black Barbie dolls were introduced in the 1960s, followed by Hispanic dolls in the 1980s. From the 1990s onwards, Mattel expanded the range to include Barbies in under-represented careers such as astronauts and scientists.
It wasn’t until 2019 that Barbie dolls with visible disabilities were introduced. Since then, Mattel has launched more than 175 diverse Barbie looks as part of the Fashionistas range, which now includes dolls with hearing aids, prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs, vitiligo, and Down’s syndrome. A black Barbie with Down’s syndrome and a blind Barbie are also part of the line.
The diabetes Barbie doll continues that trend, offering children with the condition a chance to see themselves positively reflected in their toys.
Industry-wide shift toward representation
Barbie is not the only toy brand prioritising diversity. UK-based brand Lottie includes dolls with autism and Down’s syndrome, while Lego offers a variety of inclusive minifigures, including characters with physical and non-visible disabilities.
Arjun Panesar, founding chief executive of Diabetes.co.uk, praised Mattel’s decision, stating: “Representation matters – especially in childhood. Seeing a Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes helps normalise the condition, reduce stigma and show children that they are not alone.
“It’s a positive step forward in building confidence, inclusion and understanding around living with diabetes.”
Promoting empathy through play
The launch of the diabetes Barbie doll is not just about inclusion—it is also part of Mattel’s mission to extend the boundaries of imaginative play. The company says the goal is to encourage children to engage with experiences beyond their own, helping them to understand the challenges others may face.
As Barbie continues to evolve, the inclusion of realistic medical conditions such as type 1 diabetes signals a more inclusive future for toys and the children who play with them.
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Collins accepted the findings of the ASA’s investigation
Instagram post by Gemma Collins promoting Yazen weight-loss service banned
ASA rules it breached regulations on promoting prescription-only medication
Eight other weight-loss ads also banned in regulatory crackdown
ASA bans Collins' Instagram advert
An Instagram post by TV personality Gemma Collins promoting a weight-loss drug and digital service has been banned by the UK’s advertising watchdog for breaching regulations around prescription-only medicines.
Collins had shared a promotional video on 6 January 2025, stating: “I’m starting this year two sizes down, thanks to Yazen’s weight loss app and medication.” The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that the post unlawfully promoted prescription-only medication to the public.
Prescription medication references breached rules
Yazen, a Swedish digital healthcare company, provides a doctor-supervised weight-loss programme which includes prescription drugs alongside lifestyle coaching. While Collins did not name a specific drug in the advert, she referenced the medication being “prescribed on the NHS”.
The ASA said it consulted the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which concluded that viewers were likely to interpret the advert as encouragement to seek prescription weight-loss medication.
As a result, the ASA found that the advert breached its code by promoting prescription-only treatments directly to the public. This type of promotion is prohibited under UK advertising regulations.
Collins accepted the findings of the ASA’s investigation and confirmed that she would follow the relevant guidance in future social media promotions.
Eight other ads also banned
Collins’ post was one of nine adverts banned in the ASA’s latest enforcement action targeting weight-loss drug promotions. The watchdog stated that all of the adverts promoted prescription-only treatments to consumers, a practice not allowed under UK law.
The other banned adverts included:
A Meta ad by CheqUp Health stating: “Take the first step to sustainable weight loss with CheqUp.”
A Meta ad by HealthExpress.co.uk, featuring an injection pen image and rule-breaching claims.
A Google ad for Juniper UK describing “GLP-1 Weekly Weight Loss Injection” with an injection pen image.
Two Google ads for Phlo Clinic, one offering “35% off Weight Loss Order” and another promoting “Weight loss Injections.”
A Google ad for SemaPen claiming, “SemaPen Makes Weight Loss Easier.”
A Meta ad by Cloud Pharmacy using text message imagery referencing new weight-loss medication.
A Google ad for pharmacyonline.co.uk stating “Obesity Treatment Jab” with an image of a medication vial.
The ASA ruled that none of these adverts should appear again in their current form. The regulator said it will continue to monitor the promotion of weight-loss services involving prescription medication, particularly on digital platforms.