I was introduced to this book at an online event hosted by Bryony Gordon to explore how we talk about alcohol and relationships in literature. Lisa was on the panel, along with Shuggie Bain author Douglas Stuart (that one’s on my Christmas list) and I was really taken by the words from all three authors… … Continue reading Book review: Bright Burning Things by Lisa Harding
10 Books on Addiction and Recovery
I’ve spent a lot of time working with addiction recovery charities over the last few years, and, as I was working on a project this morning, it inspired me to share some of the books I’ve read - and some on my TBR - on the topic. There really are some powerful, honest, inspirational, humorous … Continue reading 10 Books on Addiction and Recovery
Book review: Sing Backwards and Weep
A review of Mark Lanegan's powerful memoir, Sing Backwards and Weep
Short story: I needed you
A short piece of fiction on the theme of addiction that I wrote in 2019: My cheek felt shredded against wet sandy grains. A web of washed up salty hair clung sorely to my forehead like jellyfish tentacles. And still you winked at me. But I wouldn’t lift my arm for you. Not this time. … Continue reading Short story: I needed you
Shameful illnesses – who made up the rules?
Who made up the rules about what illnesses or symptoms should be shameful?
New on The REALLY cast!
A little update on my podcast, which I can't believe already has 6 completed episodes (well....no. 6 is scheduled to go live tomorrow!) Since my last post, I've been lucky to interview Paula McGuire about how she no longer has to live with anxiety, but how anxiety has to live with her and her penchant … Continue reading New on The REALLY cast!
Review: Gale is Dead
Part of the 'Man Alive' series on BBC iPlayer I hadn't heard of this series before but it gives you more than one issue to ponder. There's the subject of the particular episode and then layering on top of that is the 1960s/70s perspective of said subject. Fundamentally, however, some things never change. People without … Continue reading Review: Gale is Dead
It’s not a party lifestyle that drives stars to self-medication, it’s the pressure to carry on regardless
The media has reported that Ant McPartlin is undergoing treatment for depression and addiction issues. He's certainly not the first celebrity to have fallen foul of self-medication. But why do stars head down this path, when surely they have access to the best doctors and treatment programmes in existence? Think about it this way. You've … Continue reading It’s not a party lifestyle that drives stars to self-medication, it’s the pressure to carry on regardless
It REALLY couldn’t happen to a nicer…Comedian
Remember that duvet cover from the 80s with the sad clown? That clown was Pierrot. He might have made people laugh but, inside, he was hiding a terrible pain. A pain caused by his unrequited love for Columbine, who, as far as I can tell, had the hots for Harlequin. Pierrot wasn’t really born in … Continue reading It REALLY couldn’t happen to a nicer…Comedian
Celebrities speaking out can make a real difference in mental health
As published in the i Newspaper - 21st January 2017 When people speak out about cancer or heart disease following news of a celebrity’s struggle with the conditions, we don’t accuse them of trying to make the illnesses “trendy”. However, those who speak out about mental health are sometimes criticised for that very reason, as … Continue reading Celebrities speaking out can make a real difference in mental health
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