The Silent Epidemic

What if the behaviour you're seeing isn't bad behaviour—but a child asking for help?

In this powerful episode of **The Silent Epidemic Podcast**, Omnia Therapy's Hati sits down with **Paul Hannaford MBE**—award-winning speaker, educator and former addict—whose work has impacted thousands of young people across the UK.

Drawing on decades of lived experience and frontline work in schools, Paul shares what he's seeing in classrooms today, why more children are struggling with trauma, anxiety and exploitation, and how early intervention can change the course of a young person's life. 

This conversation is essential viewing for:

* Teachers
* Safeguarding Leads
* Social Workers
* Foster Carers
* Parents & Carers
* Mental Health Professionals
* Anyone passionate about protecting and supporting young people

At **Omnia Therapy**, we believe therapy shouldn't begin at crisis point. Early support gives children and families the opportunity to heal, build resilience and create healthier futures together. 

If this episode resonated with you, please **like**, **subscribe**, and **share** to help raise awareness of the importance of early intervention and accessible mental health support.

#MentalHealth #ChildMentalHealth #EarlyIntervention #PaulHannaford #Safeguarding #TraumaInformed #CountyLines #YouthMentalHealth #Therapy #Counselling #Schools #Teachers #Parenting #ACEs #EmotionalWellbeing

In this episode of Omnia Therapy’s The Silent Epidemic, host Hatice Mehmet-Quirk is joined by Natasha Williams, a psychiatric nurse with more than 25 years of frontline experience in mental health care.

From NHS services in Bristol to leadership roles in London’s private mental health sector, Natasha has spent decades supporting individuals and families through crisis, addiction, eating disorders, and complex mental health challenges. Known for her ability to build trust quickly and provide compassionate care in high-pressure situations, she shares powerful insights into the realities of mental health work and the importance of human connection.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Natasha’s journey into mental health nursing in the late 1990s
• Lessons learned from frontline NHS mental health services
• The challenges and rewards of community psychiatric nursing
• Leadership pressures within mental health care systems
• Key differences between NHS and private mental health services
• Working with addiction and eating disorders
• The importance of trust, continuity of care, and crisis intervention
• How mental health services have evolved over the last 25 years
• Burnout, balance, and protecting wellbeing as a mental health professional
• The role of compassion and consistency in recovery and care

This conversation offers an honest and insightful look into the realities of mental health care from someone who has spent decades supporting people at their most vulnerable.

If this episode resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations exploring mental health, addiction, recovery, resilience, and the systems shaping care today.

#TheSilentEpidemic #MentalHealth #PsychiatricNurse #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #EatingDisorders #NHS #MentalHealthCare #Recovery #Podcast

In this episode of Omnia Therapy’s The Silent Epidemic, host Hatice Mehmet-Quirk sits down with entrepreneur and recovery advocate Jimmy Hamm for a powerful conversation about addiction recovery, entrepreneurship, mental health, and the importance of community.

Jimmy shares his journey from working as a Wall Street stockbroker to founding multiple organisations dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives through sober living, social connection, and accountability. Together, they explore how recovery is about far more than abstinence it’s about creating purpose, stability, and meaningful human connection.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Jimmy’s transition from Wall Street into purpose-driven entrepreneurship
• Building HDJ Benefits Solutions and lessons in leadership
• The creation of Clean FUN Network and the power of sober social experiences
• Why community and connection are essential for long-term recovery
• The mission behind The Bridge NYC
• How structure, accountability, and safe environments support mental health and sobriety
• Advice for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges
• How entrepreneurs can create businesses that drive meaningful social impact

This episode is an inspiring reminder that recovery is possible, and that supportive communities can transform lives.

If this conversation resonates with you, please like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes exploring mental health, addiction recovery, resilience, and healing.

#TheSilentEpidemic #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RecoveryJourney #SoberLiving #Entrepreneurship #Community #Healing #Podcast

In this powerful episode of The Silent Epidemic, host Hatice Mehmet-Quirk sits down with Dr. Tony Tan, Clinical Psychologist and CEO of Treehouse Thailand, to explore the hidden drivers behind trauma, addiction, and complex mental health challenges.

With over 14 years of clinical experience, Dr. Tan shares deep insights into the realities of working with treatment-resistant cases, including dual diagnosis, dissociation, personality disorders, and Complex PTSD. Drawing from a wide range of therapeutic approaches—such as EMDR, Brainspotting, clinical hypnotherapy, and mindfulness—he explains why integration is key when treating deeply rooted trauma.

Together, they unpack:

How childhood trauma shapes adult behaviour and mental health
The misunderstood nature of Complex PTSD
Why many traditional therapies fall short for complex cases
The deeper truth behind addiction beyond substance use
The role of relationships, co-dependency, and family systems in recovery
What makes an effective, ethical, and truly client-centred rehab environment
The future of trauma and addiction treatment

Dr. Tan also shares his experience building internationally recognised treatment centres and offers a hopeful message for those who feel like they’ve “tried everything” without success.

This conversation sheds light on the complexities of healing—and reminds us that recovery is possible, even in the most challenging circumstances.

If this episode resonates with you, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on mental health, trauma, and recovery.

#MentalHealth #Trauma #AddictionRecovery #Psychology #Healing #Therapy #PTSD #RecoveryJourney

In this episode of The Silent Epidemic by Omnia Therapy, host Hatice Mehmet-Quirk sits down with trauma psychologist Dr Kat Aguilera to explore the hidden psychological risks inside high-pressure organisations.

With over 14 years of frontline clinical experience across the NHS crisis response system, HM Prison Service, emergency services, and military settings, Dr Kat specialises in psychological risk management for organisations where the stakes are high and the pressure never stops.

Together, they unpack why traditional wellbeing initiatives often fail in environments like emergency services, prisons, and the military — and what leaders should actually be doing to protect their people before crisis hits.

Dr Kat also shares insights from her work treating frontline trauma, discusses the difference between single-incident trauma and cumulative exposure, and explains why organisations must treat psychological risk with the same seriousness as physical safety.

The conversation also explores the future of trauma treatment, including Dr Kat’s work developing intensive trauma therapy for veterans through Vanguard CIC, designed to reach those who cannot access traditional long-term therapy.

This is a powerful discussion about leadership, responsibility, prevention, and the realities faced by those working in the most demanding systems.

#trauma #ptsd #therapy

In this episode of The Silent Epidemic, host Hatice Mehmet-Quirk sits down with Dr. Bryony Bamford, Founder and Director of The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image. With decades of clinical experience, Dr. Bamford offers a deeply informed and compassionate look at the realities of eating disorders, the importance of evidence-based treatment, and the challenges faced by individuals and families navigating recovery.

Together, they explore the origins of The London Centre for Eating Disorders and Body Image, the evolving landscape of treatment, and the central role that body image plays in both the development and healing of eating disorders. Dr. Bamford also sheds light on misconceptions, co-occurring issues such as anxiety and trauma, and the emotional resilience required of clinicians working in this field.

The conversation then looks forward, examining how society’s understanding of food, body image, and mental health is changing, and what innovations and early intervention strategies are needed to improve access to care. Dr. Bamford shares her vision for the future of the Centre and leaves listeners with an important message of hope for those currently struggling or supporting a loved one.

For more information or to access support, visit:
www.omniahealthgroup.com 

Hashtags
#EatingDisorders #BodyImage #MentalHealth #RecoveryJourney #EvidenceBasedTreatment #EatingDisorderSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #PodcastInterview #TheSilentEpidemic #HealthAndWellbeing

In this episode of The Silent Epidemic, host Hatice Mehmet-Quirk sits down with Annette Flynn—actor, health coach, and founder of Anu Coaching—to explore a powerful story of reinvention, purpose, and healing.

After more than two decades in the acting world and years working in the travel industry, Annette found her life completely paused by the 2020 pandemic. What began as an unexpected stillness became an opportunity to look inward. Guided by a lifelong interest in food, movement, and wellbeing, and inspired by the Japanese concept of Ikigai (a reason for being), Annette made the courageous decision to retrain as a health coach.

In this conversation, Annette reflects on:
• How her early love of wellness shaped her long before she recognised it
• What the pandemic revealed and why stillness can be a catalyst for clarity
• Discovering Ikigai and aligning passion, purpose, and skill
• The creation of Anu Coaching and her holistic approach to nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, and behaviour change
• How she supports clients through the very human challenges of building new habits
• The realities of reinventing yourself mid-life
• What people need most in a post-pandemic world
• Her hopes and dreams for the future of Anu Coaching

Whether you are feeling stuck, searching for meaning, or trying to build healthier and more sustainable habits, this episode offers a grounded reminder that change is always possible and that small, consistent steps can transform your life.

If Annette’s story resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe for more conversations about mental health, resilience, and the many paths to healing.

for more information please visit https://omniahealthgroup.com

#AnuCoaching #HolisticHealth #MidlifeTransformation #WellnessJourney #healthcoach #Annetteflynn

🎙️ The Silent Epidemic w/ Johnny Graaff
Host: Hatice Mehmet-Quirk | Guest: Johnny Graaff — Founder of Lions Campus

In this episode of The Silent Epidemic by Omnia Therapy, Hatice Mehmet-Quirk speaks with Johnny Graaff, founder of Lions Campus — a groundbreaking recovery and education hub helping young people bridge the gap between treatment and long-term recovery.

With over a decade in the behavioural health field across South Africa and the UK, Johnny has founded pioneering services including Montrose Place and Montrose Manor. Now, through Lions Campus, he’s reimagining how recovery, therapy, and education can work together to help young people thrive.

💬 Join us for a powerful discussion on youth recovery, integrated care, and building a future where every young person can realise their potential or for more information visit https://omniahealthgroup.com 

#TheSilentEpidemic #JohnnyGraaff #LionsCampus #AddictionRecovery #YouthRecovery #OmniaTherapy #MentalHealth #Podcast

The Silent Epidemic | Finding Balance in Recovery w/ Rogier Buningh & Chris Vleeschouwers

Welcome to The Silent Epidemic by Omnia Therapy. In this episode, host Hatice Mehmet-Quirk sits down with Rogier Buningh, founder of Montgó Lifestyle, and special guest Chris Vleeschouwers for a deep and honest conversation on recovery, resilience, and holistic healing.

Rogier shares his personal journey of overcoming dependency and how it led him to create Montgó Lifestyle, a unique recovery and wellness centre in Jávea, Spain. Together with Chris, the discussion explores the power of forgiveness, acceptance, and reconnecting with balance in a safe, supportive environment.

We dive into:
✨ Rogier’s story of transformation and the vision behind Montgó Lifestyle
✨ Why small groups, personal attention, and holistic approaches matter in recovery
✨ The role of nature, nutrition, and mindfulness in healing
✨ Challenges of leading a recovery centre and staying grounded as a founder
✨ The future of recovery and how to break the stigma around dependency
✨ Chris Vleeschouwers’ insights and perspectives on balance and well-being

If you’ve ever felt out of balance, lost in your own journey, or curious about new approaches to recovery, this episode offers both inspiration and practical steps forward.

📌 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to The Silent Epidemic for more conversations on recovery, mental health, and well-being or visit our website at https://omniahealthgroup.com/ 

#Recovery #MentalHealth #MontgoLifestyle #Wellbeing #TheSilentEpidemic

🎙️ The Silent Epidemic | Episode: Paul Ormerod – Life Behind the Screens
Welcome to The Silent Epidemic, the podcast that explores mental health and resilience in modern life. In this episode, host Hatice Mehmet-Quirk sits down with Paul Ormerod, a lead Creature effects artist whose work has brought Hollywood blockbusters to life.

Paul shares his journey through the highs and lows of the VFX industry — from working on major Disney productions to the sudden closure of MPC, and eventually landing at Framestore. He opens up about navigating career uncertainty, the mental toll of creative pressure, and how humour (and his comedy podcast) became a powerful coping tool.

🎬 Topics covered:

Life inside the VFX industry

Experiencing the collapse of a major studio

Mental health first aid and peer support

Finding humour and creative outlets

Advice for those entering creative fields

Whether you’re in the animation world, navigating a demanding creative career, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes of blockbuster films, this episode offers thoughtful insights and candid conversation.

📢 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more real stories about mental health, creativity, and resilience.

#MentalHealth #VFX #CreativeCareers #Animation #TheSilentEpidemic #burnout #filmindustry