Max Gomez was studying neuroscience at university and realised that he was suffering from some learning challenges (ADHD and dyslexia). He became fascinated in how he could build products to help people to improve their wellbeing. Two years after college, he suffered some huge changes in his life and he suffered a bout of deep, […]
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Breath: your own ‘life hack’, Max Gomez
Music lifts me up, Emma Conybeare
DJ and presenter Emma Conybeare didn’t expect her mental health to deteriorate over the years, but two years ago she had a breakdown. She turned to the NHS for therapy, finding support through CBT. This year has been the best she has felt for years, staying positive and motivated. Music has the power to change […]
Taking time to deal with trauma, Shanie Ryan
Presenter and podcast host Shanie Ryan is a survivor of the 7/7 London bombings. Her experiences led to PTSD, anxiety and depression, but it took her a while to realise the changes in her behaviour were a result of that day. “I couldn’t relax, my behaviour was frantic, I always needed to be in control. […]
Depression doesn’t define me, Oliver Chittenden
Two years after Head Talks’ launch, we turn to founder Oliver Chittenden to hear his own story of his mental health struggles. Now meditation is key, especially the discipline of making it a part of a daily routine, adding that 10 day silent retreats have been a game-changer. Oliver is also a fan of cold-water […]
Falling down the rabbit hole, Claire Eastham
Claire Eastham is a mental health blogger who writes about her experiences of social anxiety and panic disorder. Although she had experienced social anxiety as a child, it wasn’t until Claire had a breakdown at 24 that she was diagnosed. Since then, she has tried many methods to deal with her conditions including medication, therapies and exercise. Dogs and humour help too!
Adversity happens: how to face it, Charlie Cannon
Charlie Cannon and his sister only just survived a car crash: he fell asleep at the wheel. It took Charlie a long time to come to terms with the accident and the terrible mistake he had made. Now he works as a coach and an expert in resilience who teaches others how to overcome their […]
The stress of student life, Students, Edinburgh University
Student life isn’t always the best time of your life. In fact, it can be one of the most overwhelming. Four students at Edinburgh discussed the pressures of life at university, often far away from home, friends and family. Stay connected to what feels true to you, whether people you love, or activities you enjoy, […]
The Road to Recovery, Lucy Jackson
Actress and mental health blogger Lucy Jackson had no idea she had depression, anxiety, OCD and borderline personality disorder. She didn’t even think she had an eating disorder. But a stay in a treatment facility exposed her to new bad habits. Eating disorders are addictions, she says, and should be treated as such. She admits […]
Not all champagne and skittles, Simon Webbe
Singer and songwriter Simon Webbe — former member of Blue and Strictly contestant — broke down on TV and realised that he had to open up about his depression. He had lost close friends to suicide and now tells others the importance of talking to someone about your feelings. Simon finds talking, exercise, and creating […]
Making real connections, Jamie Jewitt
Model and former Love Island contestant Jamie Jewitt realised that he was trying to live up to an image of success that was created by the industry he worked in. He worries that social media makes that image pervasive: there’s pressure to make your whole life look perfect. Now he tries to project a more […]
Being brave is beautiful, Petra Velzeboer
Petra Velzeboer was brought up in a cult, the Children of God. Lacking education but feeling that she was meant to save the world, she used alcohol and drugs to try to cope. Lonely after the birth of her children, she reached rock bottom but realised she had a choice. Petra chose to pursue happiness. […]
Taking the Weight Off Your Back, Danny
Danny started counselling when he began to experience bullying during the transition to secondary school. He was experiencing anxiety attacks and his school work was suffering. His parents suggested that he talk to a therapist. Danny has found his counselling helpful because he says it offers him small things that he remembers to do every […]