At the age of 6, Radha and her family fled terror in her home country under the regime of Idi Amin. Growing up in the UK she always felt different, and despite the house always being full of family and the wider community, she often felt lonely. In this very powerful episode, we discuss immigration and how different cultures tackle mental health.

At the age of 17, Radha lost her brother to suicide. In the months following, she realised there is still a very big stigma within the Asian community. We discuss the lack of support and views within her community and what needs to change. We also look at the impact within the family, and the impact this had on Radha’s mental health.

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sidekick. boost your mental wellbeing.

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In England, around one in eight men has a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder. Societal expectations and traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to discuss or seek help for their mental health problems.

This week we’re speaking to Minty Sheridan. Following her own mental health struggles, Minty was struck by how her male friends were struggling with their mental health and societal changes. And so the podcast ‘Let's Get Men Talking’’ was born. Minty’s show aims to change the narrative surrounding masculinity and enable open conversations surrounding everyone’s mental health. Something we at sidekick are strong believers in.

To find out more or for support visit www.letsgetmentalking.com 

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In today’s episode, we’re speaking to Justin Tang. Justin is the host of a fantastic podcast called ‘GETSTUNG’. “Get Stung?!” we hear you say. Yes! #GetStung is Justin’s mantra - a way of life that is inspired by getting up every single day to challenge your mind, body and soul.

In this truly honest and open conversation, Justin sheds light on his upbringing in a broken home, a mother who spent time in prison and his subsequent struggles with substance abuse. We focus on his recovery process and his mental health tool belt that has helped him cope with bipolar and anxiety.

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This is a special episode to celebrate International Women's Day 2021. One of our wonderful sidekick volunteers Heather chatted to Thalia from Botany&Books on Instagram Live this week - where they discussed mental health, sidekick, being a woman and books! Plus they revealed the exciting news that sidekick and Botany&Books are partnering for a very special book and candle collaboration to celebrate Mental Health Week in May.

This interview was recorded live on Botany&Books' Instagram channel on International Women's Day 2021. Botany&Books provides beautiful reading experiences to escape your worries into another world - https://www.botanyandbooks.co.uk/

This week we’re speaking to Jon Toms. We reflect on his life, understanding his lack of confidence and his jarring behaviours. But we also gain a fascinating insight into his journey of self-discovery, in which he spent three years in California and took part in a faith-based personal development course that provided him with value for life - self-compassion and self-awareness.

Our key take away? Check-in with yourself, every single day.

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sidekick. boost your mental wellbeing.

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Today marks the start of Eating Disorders Awareness Week and we’re speaking to Hope Virgo. 

Hope is a mental health campaigner, public speaker and author of “Stand Tall Little Girl: facing up to anorexia”. Following abuse as a child, food became a mechanism to cope with her feelings. At 12, Hope was diagnosed with an eating disorder and eventually was hospitalised for a year of intensive recovery. Lockdown has been an eye-opening experience for her, and many others facing mental health struggles. Every day is a challenge on the road to recovery, but Hope is confident and has the drive to achieve happiness.

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised during this episode or would like to find out more, please visit https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/ for specialist support.

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Former paralegal Lisa Oglesbee, changed her career after going through severe OCD, anxiety and depression. Lisa is now a Life Coach for women who suffer from perfectionism and anxiety and the podcast host of ‘Love this Bitch’ and ‘Vibrant Life Allies’. Anxiety about her health had a severe impact on her life following a gallbladder removal surgery. We talk to her about the therapies and support provided and how eventually Life Coaching transformed her life; her mental health, her career and her future.

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sidekick. boost your mental wellbeing.

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After an awful horse riding accident, international dressage rider Suzanna Hext was left paralysed from the waist down. We discuss the impact of her accident on her life, her parents and her future. 

Watching the London Paralympics from her hospital bed, her stubbornness kicked in. Suzanne is now a Paralympic athlete, competing in para-dressage and para-swimming. She won a triple gold medal at the European Para-Dressage Championships in 2017 and a silver and bronze at the World Para-Swimming Championships in 2019. We can’t wait to see what she does in Tokyo this year! 

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sidekick. boost your mental wellbeing.   

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For some people a sugary treat is just that; a treat that is enjoyed in moderation and on their own terms. For others, sugar can be an addiction like drugs and alcohol - a coping mechanism to deal with and mask emotions such as sadness, loneliness or boredom.

This week we’re talking to Melissa Rohlfs, who after experiencing a tragic event at a young age started a downward spiral of emotional eating and sugar bingeing that lasted throughout her childhood.

Luckily Melissa came to realise the impact food was having on her physical and mental wellbeing and changed her relationship with food for good. After realising how many people shared her struggles she founded free2bcoaching, offering help to women to end emotional eating and sugar bingeing so that they can feel comfortable and confident in their bodies and be set free from their food struggles.

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Does the thought of cold water give you immediate chills? Cold water therapy is on the up and becoming a well-known tool for mental wellbeing. This week we’re talking to personal trainer Jason Farr about his experiences with cold water exposure, based on the work by Wim Hof. By the end of today’s episode, you’ll be on your way to the beach!

Listen and subscribe to the sidekick stories podcast on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.

Download our free app, connect with us on Instagram and join the community.

sidekick. boost your mental wellbeing.

https://sidekick.org.uk/