This week, I sit down with integrative psychotherapist and author Sophie Scott to talk about what it really takes to support loved ones through mental health challenges without losing yourself along the way. Sophie shares her personal story of growing up in a family touched by OCD and loss, and how those experiences shaped her approach to mental health. We explore the power of listening over giving advice, why boundaries are essential for everyone’s wellbeing, and how burnout affects caregivers who often feel unseen or unsupported. Sophie offers practical strategies – from the 4-7-8 breathing technique to finding individual purpose and accepting messy emotions that can help you care for others and for yourself. If you’re navigating relationships affected by OCD or other mental health issues, this episode is packed with compassion, relatability, and genuinely helpful advice.

BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE

Sophie’s book, You Are Not Alone in This, is available now.

LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS

If the content of this episode resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:

Mind – Mental health charity that has resources for managing your own wellbeing whilst caring for someone else.

Call 0300 123 3393 or visit https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/carers-friends-family-coping-support/support-for-you/

Al Anon – for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking.

Call 0800 0086 811 or visit https://al-anonuk.org.uk/

FamAnon – for family members and friends affected by another’s abuse of mind-altering substances, or related behavioural problems.

Call 0207 4984 680 or visit https://famanon.org.uk/

OCD Action – for people with OCD, their families, carers and friends.

Call 0300 636 5478 or visit https://ocdaction.org.uk/

Samaritans

Call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.org/ for free, 24-hour support.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

Got something to share? Message us @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.

CREDITS:

Host: Bryony Gordon

Guest: Sophie Scott

Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig & Jonathan O’Sullivan

Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun

Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm

Editor: Luke Shelley

Exec Producer: Jamie East 

A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.

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