Practice Makes Progress

This episode I sat down with my boyfriend, Dan, who has been struggling with insomnia for over ten years. He talks about how isolating it can feel, not only when you're lying awake at night desperately trying to get back to sleep, but when you try to carry on with normal life as if it never happened, or because you feel like no one understands.

Talking about our mental health is a really important part of our relationship and always has been. It can be difficult to show your partner the unhealed parts of you, but as long as you communicate openly, the struggle becomes a little bit easier.

TW: suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts. 

This episode features 24-year-old Arjan Chaggar who I met on Instagram about a year ago. Arj speaks so openly and articulately about the troubles he's faced, but how proud he is to have never given up. He speaks so beautifully about the changes he's made and the help he's accepted to get to the place he is now and the only way is up. He's learnt the value of the company he keeps, the importance of stepping outside his comfort zone and wants to do all he can to help others that are struggling. 

In this episode I got the chance to sit down with the incredible, Antonio Ferreria. Activist, disruptor, consultant and public speaker (whilst also being a student), Antonio takes me through his lived experience with schizophrenia and how telling his story transformed his life. Like a lot us when we first hear the mental health diagnoses we shake our heads and say it must be a mistake, we're not like other people who actually have a mental illness. Of course when we begin to realise that we are actually in need of help and start accepting it and owning it, we see the change in our progress and recovery; but Antonio also appreciates these phases as part of that journey and understands they made him the person who he is today. 

Hello everyone and welcome back to the Practice Makes Progress podcast! Since it's been a little while, I thought I would use this episode to give a mental health update from myself, the progress I've made and milestones I never thought I'd reach. Thank you all for your continued support and I can't wait for stories we've yet to tell.

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Content warning: suicide, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts.  

As it's Mental Health Awareness Week, I wanted to put out an episode that I felt most resonated with myself and my mental health advocacy at present. Over the last few months, I've worked closely with foundations and individuals that work in honour of those we have lost. In February 2019, Sam tried to end his life and whilst he knew he could open up to friends and take advantage of the opportunities when asked if he was okay, he couldn't and that really hit home for me. We say it all the time that we have no idea what demons and battles someone is internally fighting, but week's like this for me are so important because we need to reinforce the message that mental illness and health problems do not discriminate and we need to educate ourselves, inform others and develop that greater understand and compassion of what it's like to be at war with your own mind.

Two years on and Sam has achieved so many wonderful things, spent months travelling round Asia and just reached a state of contentment never thought possible years ago. You're one of a kind Sammmy T, not only have I found someone louder that swears more than me, but a buddy for life. Your vulnerability will change lives the way you've already changed mine. Pulling yourself out of a dark place mentally is something to applaud and be proud of, so if that's you or someone you know, this week is for you.

Content warning: calorie counting, anxiety around food, the relationship between food and mental health.  

This week's guest is my new favourite northerner, Sam Parker. Over the last couple years, cooking's really become something that's allowed Sam to deal with his anxiety and its symptoms, whilst also building up his self-esteem and -confidence. Talking openly about our relationship(s) with food can be incredibly daunting, and whilst we'll all either have a personal experience or know someone who does, where perhaps the relationship wasn't so healthy, the conversations still incredibly taboo. Sam created his page to almost let whoever wanted to follow him and join him on his journey, and it's as much about showing the highlights as it is the everyday realities. 

This week's guest is fellow podcaster (and YouTuber!) Michael Collins. Growing up, Michael was taught to hide his emotions, there wasn't any time for vulnerability and it certainly wouldn't get you very far. It wasn't until he reached adulthood that Michael began to embrace how he felt, letting go of those societal expectations as a man, as a Black man, to be 'strong' and not fear negative emotions. It's a really hard transition to make, especially when these mindsets are so deep-rooted in childhood, but both Michael and myself can see the magic and power that vulnerability gives you.