Episode 47

 Finding the confidence, and the courage to speak out. 

 Isla Buchanan was just 12 years old when her Mum suffered a devastating stroke. The incident changed the dynamics of her family, and shaped her subsequent teenage years. As Isla grew older her feelings of anxiety, and subsequent depression took hold, and she found herself feeling more and more isolated from her friends and family.

Following in the footsteps of her Grandad, Isla took up refereeing, an unusual step you might think for a young woman. But Isla cites football as the most positive influence on her mental wellbeing, and believes it saved her life. 

Today's interview is a moving story about tormented teenage years, battles with anxiety and loneliness, and how success with the whistle gave a young woman the confidence and courage to speak out. 

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You can find us on Twitter @marking_man and don't forget to use the hashtag #WheresTheTalkingLads 

If you have been affected by any of the themes discussed in today's episode, we have listed some organisations below who are there if you need to talk:

Samaritans 

https://www.samaritans.org/

Papyrus UK

Papyrus Website

CALM ZONE

https://www.thecalmzone.net/help/helpline/

MIND

https://www.mind.org.uk/

The Kaleidoscope Plus Group

https://www.kaleidoscopeplus.org.uk/