This week’s episode is my contribution to Mental Health Awareness month. It goes without saying that our mental health should be a priority every day, but for many people, it’s simply not the case. Life is full of ups and downs, and the roles we play, however enjoyable, often take away from the time that we could be dedicating to checking in with ourselves.

To ensure a wide range of opinions I reached out to former guests and friends online, asking them to send me voice notes about what mental health means to them. The resulting answers featured advice and tips but also real experiences. Themes that came up included how rituals of selfcare and makeup helped some of my guests find peace. And quite a few mentioned how important music is to them. I truly hope at least one voice resonates with you, and lets you know that you are never alone. All my guests’ info is below and I want to thank every single one of them for taking time out to make this happen. You will also see some resources for the UK and US below.

Kat Sloan, @katthemakeupmum https://www.instagram.com/katthemakeupmum/

Rachael Todd @rtmkup https://www.instagram.com/rtmkup/

Jonet Williamson @jonetwmakeup https://www.instagram.com/jonetwmakeup/

Clayton Reid @butchqueenbeaute https://www.instagram.com/butchqueenbeaute/

Ciara Costenoble @ciaracoiffure https://www.instagram.com/ciaracoiffure/

Gabrielle Alvarez @thegabriellealvarez https://www.instagram.com/thegabriellealvarez/

Jess Young @jessyoung__ https://www.instagram.com/jessyoung__/

Katie Jane Hughes @katiejanehughes https://www.instagram.com/katiejanehughes/

Paris Omar @itsparischanel https://www.instagram.com/itsparischanel/

Ryan Roberts @ryan_lee_makeup https://www.instagram.com/ryan_lee_makeup/

Sonia Valencia @soniavalencia0303 https://www.instagram.com/soniavalencia0303/

UK resources

Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org

Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/

US resources

US National Alliance on Mental Illness: https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-HelpLine/Top-HelpLine-Resources

Mental Help: https://www.mentalhelp.net/depression/hotline/

National Institute of Mental Health: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/

French resources

Fondation de France: https://www.fondationdefrance.org/en/mental-illness

France La Croix Rouge Écoute: https://www.croix-rouge.fr/Nos-actions/Action-sociale/Ecoute-acces-aux-droits/Croix-Rouge-Ecoute-service-de-soutien-psychologique-par-telephone