My Possible Self

Alcohol misuse interferes with chemicals in the brain that are vital for good mental health. So while initially after a drink we might feel relaxed and less stressed, in the long run the damage from the misuse of alcohol is highly likely to contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety and later down the line, dementia. 

There’s very few of us that escape the clutches of stress and yet are we doing enough to keep it at bay? Stress can take its toll physically, emotionally and mentally. When stress continues for long periods of time this can be detrimental to our mental health and lead to mental illness such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse. But on the flip side if you know how to manage stress you are much more likely to live a longer and healthier life. Jess Henley, psychotherapist and author of The Stress Relief Workbook, is an expert in the subject of stress, and shares some simple yet highly effective coping strategies to both tackle stress and prevent it from escalating. In this episode Jess also advises on how to deal with those who project their worry onto others and explains why getting to the root reason behind your stress is key.

James Withey author of the best-selling book ‘How to Tell Depression to Piss Off - 40 Ways to Get Your Life Back’ is no stranger to clinical depression. The author and editor of five books about mental health and mental illness talks to My Possible Self about why depression is such a life-threatening illness and should be treated as such, drawing from his own lived experience with the sickness. James also offers coping strategies on how to distance yourself from the disease, discusses why it's important to do the opposite of what depression is telling you to do and explains why the key to recovery, is in finding meaning. Trigger warning, this episode contains content on the subject of suicide which some listeners may find upsetting.

Being overwhelmed is a deep emotional response to countless thoughts and experiences. So many of us struggle with feeling like there is just too much going on to cope with, and there aren’t enough hours in the day. Common causes of issues that may lead to overwhelm include underlying physical or mental health conditions, issues in relationships, work demands, financial troubles, life transitions such as buying a house, having a baby, or caring for an elderly relative, bereavement, sleep deprivation, poor diet, past trauma and insufficient time to complete tasks or rest. The list is endless and the danger with overwhelm is that we can live with it bubbling in the background for months, or even years, until finally it catches up with us.

The good news is that there is plenty that can be done and that’s where Life Coach, NLP Practitioner and NHS Superhero Mary Meadows, an expert in the subject of Overwhelm, is here to help. 

Harvard trained psychiatrist Dr. Uma Naidoo is regarded nationally and internationally as a pioneer in the field of nutritional psychiatry. Author of “The Food Mood Connection” an incredible book that takes an in-depth look at how food affects our mental health, Dr. Uma couples her knowledge in psychiatry and nutritional science with her passion for food and experience as a professional chef to break down what food to avoid and consume to treat the most common mental health illnesses. 

Dr. Naidoo shares some highly beneficial food hacks with host Gabby to help with depression, anxiety and even slowing down Alzheimer's. She also offers invaluable advice on how to increase the nutritional value of children’s food and ‘treats’ plus, stresses why at the end of our fork we have such a powerful tool that should not be taken for granted.

Originating from ancient eastern and Buddhist philosophy, Mindfulness is a quality that every human already possesses, you just have to learn how to tap into it, to live a less stressful, reactive life. Hosts of the Men Talking Mindfulness podcast, Jon Macaskill, a retired navy seal commander turned mindfulness teacher and Will Schnider, a yoga and meditation guru, join Gabby to discuss how how mindfulness can help with the challenges men face, trying to live up to societal expectations of what is expected of the 'perfect man'. The MTM guys share powerful stories of how mindfulness has changed their lives and others and teach some basic steps anyone can take to get started on their mindfulness journey to instantly feel calmer and more relaxed. 

Trailblazing psychotherapeutic counselor, coach and award-winning international wellness expert Grace Quantock hasn’t let chronic illness or disability stop her from living a fulfilled, joyful life. Living – and thriving – with often debilitating illness, she understands the emotional and physical rollercoaster that accompanies diagnosis and life struggles.

Grace and host Gabby highlight and address the obstacles marginalized and multi-marginalized communities are met with. From discrimination and ignorance to technology and trauma, Grace works with clients all over the world that are faced with the question ‘how can we learn to live well in a society not designed for us?’ In this episode, Grace shares her own inspiring story, along with some tools and techniques that can help. 

One person dies by suicide every 40 seconds and data suggests for every suicide, there are 20 attempts taken. Taking an in-depth look at suicide and suicide prevention, host Gabby talks to world leader on suicide research and prevention and author of 'When It is Darkest, Why People Die by Suicide and What We Can Do to Prevent It' Prof Rory O Connor. Rory is the President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, leads the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory at the University of Glasgow and has studied the suicidal mind for the last 25 years. 

Perfectionism is becoming a widespread problem sweeping the globe. While not considered a mental illness itself, perfectionism is a common factor in many mental disorders.

Perinatal Mental Health problems occur during pregnancy and the very early stages of a child's life. And while postnatal depression is now widely spoken about, mental health problems in the perinatal period are less so and can leave a mother feeling isolated, ashamed and helpless. 

Carmine Pariante is a professor of biological psychiatry at King’s College London, and a consultant perinatal psychiatrist at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Specialising in the biological communication between the body and the brain, with a strong focus being in the areas of depression and fatigue, particularly in relation to the perinatal period and in those suffering from medical disorders, he discusses why it's so important to support a mother from a family, friends and societal level.