1 in 4 of us experience mental illness at some point in our lives – but its prevalence doesn’t make it an easy ride. We have the US president tackling the ‘stigma’ of guns by blaming mass shootings on mental illness instead. But the image of violent mentally ill people is untrue. According to Time … Continue reading We shouldn’t shy away from the ugly side of mental illness
EastEnders: Is it wrong to portray somebody with mental illness talking to themselves?
This will probably go down like a lead balloon....and I will state right away that I am completely happy to be challenged on this - you might even change my mind...but here goes... I know that there has been upset regarding the Lisa Fowler storyline in EastEnders. Her character returned to the Square and within … Continue reading EastEnders: Is it wrong to portray somebody with mental illness talking to themselves?
Stop using mental health as bait
We all love to boo a pantomime baddie, but that's usually because they're stealing a magic lamp or weaving destructive magic spells. We know it's all made up and we know they'll get their comeuppance. But yet again, Katie Hopkins and Piers Morgan are enjoying the boos and hisses by taking their pantomime into real … Continue reading Stop using mental health as bait
Pipe down Piers
There's a charter for those who work in PR, marketing, accountancy and HR. It's to promote responsibility. Yet celebrities - who have a much greater influence than I have, for example, in my PR role - don't have to sign up to anything. So it's kind of about trust and good will. What would you … Continue reading Pipe down Piers
I am standard
An ode to the fabulous Standard Issue magazine. Sign up for their podcast here I have spent most of my life wondering why I wasn’t up to ‘standard’. You know, the average standards, that your average girl aspired to be. Of course, your average girl could never have actually reached those standards. Mainly because they … Continue reading I am standard
What do British children have to be anxious about?
An international study has shown that British children are among the most anxious in the world. This week's news on the subject reminded me of a recent visit to my GP to discuss my anxiety. He compared my life in England to the life of those in war torn countries. I felt bad. And a … Continue reading What do British children have to be anxious about?
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
It REALLY couldn’t happen to a nicer….Political Strategist
Today's instalment in Standard Issue Magazine discussing psychosis and stigma with Alastair Campbell. The year 2016 is drawing to a close. And you could say it’s been one hell of a rollercoaster ride in terms of politics. Well, I say rollercoaster: it’s actually been a one-way, never-ending log flume plunging us into the murky waters … Continue reading It REALLY couldn’t happen to a nicer….Political Strategist
An open letter to Brad and Ange
(A comment on celebrity culture, mental health and social media....appeared as a featured blog post on Huffington Post Ents. Available here) Dear Brad and Ange, I write to you in response to the distress you have caused me today. As professionals, you are no doubt aware that your role as a celebrity brings with it … Continue reading An open letter to Brad and Ange
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