The Speak up podcast

In this episode I interview Nikita who has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). There are many different forms of the condition; such as the stereotype of been overly clean. Nikita has a form of OCD that means she is constantly checking things.
She states that OCD is about much more than the myth of someone been overly clean which is a misconception, and that it isn't a 'quirk', but it is an illness that can be unpleasant to deal with.
Nikita talks to us about her crafts business Sissy & One, and tells us what she would most like to change in the world, in addition to her favourite idols.
I hope you all get something valuable out of this episode guys and I look forward to having you on the next one!
Disclaimer: We are not a medical podcast, please do not use this information as a substitute for proper medical advice from your GP or doctor.
USEFUL LINKS: https://ocdaction.org.uk/ https://rethink.org/ocd

In this interview I talk to former universal credit agent and whistleblower Alan McClemont, who shares with us his experiences, as we explore the relationship between the benefits system and public mental health. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcast #DWP #government
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are not necessarily the opinion of the podcast platform or author. We are not a medical podcast so please do seek advice from your GP or suitable medical practitioner.

In this short episode I go through some of the avenues to get help for your mental health - both in crisis and non-urgent.
Please note - some of this information applies only to North Yorkshire and North-East regions of the UK. If in doubt, please Google your area and 'mental health helpline' for your nearest resource.
NON URGENT RESOURCES Book an appt with GP - Your doctor must be your first point of contact. Make an online urgent appt request!
Self refer to IAPT - Improving Access to Psychological Therapies - for those with mild to moderate anxiety, depression and/or wellbeing. You can self refer here: https://northyorkshiretalkingtherapies.co.uk/online-referral-form/ North Yorkshire only.
Ask your GP for a referral to your local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). This may take a couple of weeks to months depending on the severity of your case and NHS backlogs.
Email Samaritans - [email protected]
USEFUL COMMUNITY RESOURCES Scarborough Survivors Mental Health Resource Centre, 01723 500222 www.scarboroughsurvivors.org.uk
CRISIS RESOURCES Samaritans Call 116 123 (24/7 helpline)
Mental Health Emergency Helpline 0800 0516 171 (County Durham, Darlington, Teeside, North Yorkshire and York only.)
If immediate risk to life ring 999

DISCLAIMER: We are not a medical podcast so if you have any concerns about your health please consult your doctor. We are not a substitute for proper medical advice. In this episode I present you with my roadmap to recovery. Recovery is never linear or straightforward. There will be setbacks and highs and lows. That been said there are things you can on the way to recovery to positively impact you on the way. I give you my five tips that have helped me on my own journey, and also present the news on the next episode - all exciting stuff!
Want to watch more episodes like this? Why not visit our linktree: https://linktr.ee/thespeakuppodcast for more great content and to keep abreast of all our channels.

Season Two is here! In S2 Ep.1 I discuss Mental Health Medications and my own personal journey of trying different types of antidepressants. Did you know there are different classes of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs to treat mental illness? I talk about my struggles to find meds that work; and I also talk about Psychosis, what it is...and Antipsychotic medications to treat it.
We talk about Psychosis what it is, what it isnt, and the medications licensed to treat it, as well as some of the other conditions that feature psychotic symptoms.
Throughout this episode I draw on credible sources of information that I have collated for this episode, see reference list at the end. DISCLAIMER: We are not medical professionals and all information shared is for educational purposes only. We believe people need to be informed to make the right choices. The information I share is not intended to replace your doctors advice, and I am not trying to make decisions for people. I cannot be held liable for how you use this information. Where possible all efforts have been made to supply and use credible, up to date, and publicly available information from public bodies and health care authorities.
REFERENCES Overview- Psychosis (nhs.uk, 2019) https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/psychosis/overview/
Overview - Anti-Depressants (nhs.uk, 2021) https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/medicines-and-psychiatry/antidepressants/overview/
Guidance - Anti Psychotic Medicines (Gov.uk, Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, 2005) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/antipsychotic-medicines-licensed-products-uses-and-side-effects/antipsychotic-medicines
About Anti-Psychotics (Mind, 2020) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/antipsychotics/about-antipsychotics/
USEFUL TO LOOK AT National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) https://www.nice.org.uk/ British National Formulatory (BNF) https://bnf.nice.org.uk/

Howdy Folks! The Speak Up Podcast returning to you very soon for season 2. In this segment I talk about what’s in store for the podcast. Including the new series Untold: Mental Health Medication Stories; a new segment that will feature stories around mental health medication from others experience. I will also talk about my own experiences with different psychiatric drugs. Disclaimer: this is for informational purposes only and should not replace the advice of your doctor. We publicise this for awareness only. We also will be continuing our usual broadcasts Meet The Experts & interviewing individuals about their own experiences of mental health.

Special Episode: Meet The Experts Series. In episode 8, we meet Dr Shoshana Bennett Ph.D a Clinical Psychologist with a special interest in Post-Partum Depression and an expert on maternal mental health; she has authored several books including the Dummies Guide to Post Partum Depression amongst others. She talks with us about how to tell the difference between ordinary blues as a parent and PPD; and when it crosses the line. Dr Shosh talked about her stance on medication as well as her take on Covid and the post-pandemic societal mental health. She also reflected on her career and how her own struggle with PPD culminated in a career as a Psychologist having never considered this career path before. TRIGGER WARNING: She also shares with us her personal health journey with Cancer; we realise this was difficult to share and we thank Dr. Shosh for bravely sharing this, she mentioned that there is always something to learn out of these situations; however difficult and we thank her for this courage and wisdom. Here are some signs that your depression may have crossed over into PPD; if symptoms are beyond mild and 2 weeks after baby delivery; Anxiety, Anger/Short Temper, Insomnia, Doom & Gloom feelings, Hopelessness, inability to slow your mind, obsessive worry or rumination on what ifs/buts. Unable to be reassured or gain perspective that this won’t be forever. Feeling like the worst Mum in the world “anybody can do this better than I can”, taking things personally. **DISCLAIMER: These are some of the general signs of PPD - this isn’t a definitive list and you should not assume you have PPD from this; always seek the professional medical advice of your own GP or primary care doctor. **This is for educational purposes only. Special thanks to our guest Dr. Shosh for contributing to our platform. You can find further information about her work at drshosh.com please like, share, comment or subscribe across all our channels. Thanks again folks and I look forward to having you on episode 9.

In episode 7, I talk to Natalie about her diagnosis of Bipolar disorder (type 2) & ADHD. She talks about getting her Bipolar diagnosis around age 18 and bravely shares with us that she was later hospitalised. Natalie discusses her opinions around unaccredited mental health advice; TikTok etc, and pseudo-science that discourages medication. We discuss the misconceptions of bipolar & how this contributes to misunderstanding, and finally the positive aspects of ADHD; in her case been able to “hyper focus” for productivity purposes. Natalie states that she would recommend therapy to anybody regardless of if you have a diagnosis or recognised illness or not; since most people at some point in their lives needs support. Special thanks to Natalie for been so open about her experiences. Disclaimer: we’re not a medical podcast. Please do not use any information on this podcast as substitute for professional advice from your doctor.

In this episode, I speak to Virginia based Realtor Bob Thompson, who discusses his experiences with depression as a man in his 50s. He describes his life before depression as been one without mental illness; and this has taught him that it can impact anyone! Bob credits his positive mindset and stoicism as been part of the reason for recovery; but also reflecting on the effects this had on those closest. He wants to support more men to come forward and talk about their mental health and believes far too often we “put a bumper sticker” on mental health. We talk about things without addressing the real issues. In the episode Bob discusses generational differences and how we view mental health; and the need to shift perspectives and respect each other’s viewpoints. Outside of real estate he likes to dabble in film; having held small roles in films like Thanksgiving with The Carters 2 & Christmas with The Carters. Some of these are available on Amazon Prime. You can find more information about Bobs’ film credits at: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm5677120/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm - - Bob also shares with us some nuggets of wisdom of which helped him. Speaking about things and been honest. I thank Bob for coming on and talking on the podcast and I hope this will help some people on their own journey. - - Disclaimer - - As always folks just to empathise we are not a medical podcast and we do not intend for any information herein to substitute any professional advice from your doctor. Please always seek your doctors opinion.

In this episode I speak with Leah, who runs US based Life & health coaching business “Living Healthy With Leah”. She is a certified advanced EMT, and has previously worked in a Jail as a Nurse. She reflects on her experiences of been exposed to mental health patients in the prison; feeling as though she wants to make a difference. Her business takes a holistic look at well-being through the mind-body lens; as one interconnected relationship. We discuss the body, nutrition, fitness and how hormones play a part in psychological wellbeing; before considering medication. Leah speaks of the importance in loving yourself and affirms that “you are worthy of been loved”, as been a powerful motivator for her clients. Sharing some personal family stories of mental health along her journey; she hopes to qualify as a doctor of organic medicine. Finally in the latter stages I ask Leah to give me an interesting fact about Tennessee, and we chat about her home state! You can find more information about her business at: https://www.livinghealthywithleah.com/ I thank Leah for her time, and honest contribution for the podcast! I had great fun recording with her.