Mental Health Monday

Mick Coyle has a freebie for you that could change your life.This week he's joining up with CALM to talk about their new scientifically-backed app that's designed to give you help, advice and support through your smartphone.CEO Simon Gunning tells Mick why the latest data tells us why its needed and how the UK's expected to spend BIG on mental health apps in 2026.Find out more about the CALMzone app.Read more about the CALMzone app.Follow Mick Coyle on Linkedin - or track him down on the other major social media feedsTOPICS: Where to look for mental health support, which apps should I trust, free mental health apps, should I trust an AI chatbot when it comes to mental health? How much should I pay for mental health apps? Stress, anxiety, depression support

Emma Rushton was enjoying a holiday in Berlin's Christmas markets when terrorists struck.12 people were killed when a lorry ploughed through a packed city centre in December 2016.Despite the trauma she'd witnessed in the market, Emma's experience as a journalist meant she was invited to speak to media from around the world as an eye-witness.Her training meant she could set out the facts clearly and concisely, and TV companies were keen to hear her testimony.But the reaction online opened her eyes to the world of internet trolls.The abuse was appalling - aimed at someone who had just survived a terrorist incident.Almost a decade on Emma is sharing her story to let people know what being trolled feels like, and how she's using her skills and experience to help others with a new programme on tackling social media during a crisisThis conversation features details of a terrorist incident, and includes details of troll comments that some people might find upsetting.Host Mick Coyle is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster and producer. You can contact him on the usual social media channels and LinkedInSignposting services are named at the end of the episode.Topics: Terror, news, Berlin, trolls, comment sections, PR, tackling hate online, lived experience, surviving a terror attack, guilt, fear, therapy.

As we reach the end of 2025, Mick Coyle has some incredible updates about the Lost Souls investigation.Since Mick brought you the news of 250,000 unmarked graves of mental health patients lying across the UK, often anonymous, often abandoned, he's been speaking with countless charities, organisations, campaigners and politicians about his findings.Since the conversation started, a petition has been launched calling for a National Memorial, and as we'll hear in this episode, motions have been put before the UK and Scottish Parliaments, calling for formal recognition for these grave sites and the people within them.Email mick.coyle@bauermedia.co.uk if you'd like to contribute to the Lost Souls project.Check out the Podcast feed for the Lost Souls documentary

Lou Teasdale joins Journalist Mick Coyle ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day 2025.Lou is on the podcast to talk about her experience of losing loved ones to suicide, and the shocking stats around young suicide in the UK in 2025.She's teaming up with Body & Soul to find new pathways for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, and to find new ways to end the UK's young suicide crisis.Find out more about Body & Soul and check out their Insta.Follow Mick Coyle on Instagram, Linkedin and get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group.Services are signposted at the end of each episode.TOPICS: Young suicide, preventing suicide, mental health, suicidal thoughts, Lou Teasdale

What is the Baton of Hope, and what does it represent in 2025?Mick Coyle meets the team behind the suicide prevention tour on this week's podcast, and meets some of the people who've been given the honour of carrying it as it makes it way across the UK.Mike McCarthy tells us why the symbolism of carrying hope around the country is needed now more than ever, and what he hopes to achieve with this year's event.Sam Southern, speaking on the 5 year anniversary of her husband's passing, tells of the impact losing a loved one to suicide can have.And Eloise, fresh from her school exams, joins the podcast ahead of carrying the Baton on day one in memory of her father.Where is the Baton of Hope tour visiting? Find out on the Baton of Hope website and socialsFollow Mick on Linkedin and Instagram There are links to support services at the end of the podcast. TOPICS: Suicide, suicide prevention, Baton of Hope, losing a partner to suicide, how to deal with losing a family member to suicide, UK suicide rates, ways to tackle suicide numbers in the UK

Mick Coyle returns with a new documentary.Over the last few months he's uncovered some uncomfortable truths about the fate of Britain's mental asylum graves.Lost Souls investigates: More than a quarter of a million bodies lie nameless in unmarked and largely forgotten graves around the UK, bodies belonging to people who died in Britain's Mental Asylums.Some of those sites sit in plain sight in our communities, have been neglected, or even sold off. One now houses a children's playground.In our exclusive investigation, Senior Correspondent Mick Coyle looks into what happened to those who died while in the Victorian mental system, why it still matters today and uncovers uncomfortable truths sitting at the heart of our towns and cities.Find out more about the investigation here

350 episodes! Shall we crack on with the next 350? Mick Coyle hosts a landmark edition of Mental Health Monday, as we celebrate 350 episodes of the award-winning podcast. Mick's been very busy producing programmes about Birth Trauma and International Women's Day in the last few weeks with his Hits Radio colleagues. Both programmes are a great listen so click on those links and check them out. Now Mick's back on MHM duty, he's joined by the co-founder of the Talk Your Walk Foundation Quentin Laulu-Togaga'e - a New Zealand born Samoan international, who's spent a big part of his career playing Rugby League in the UK. Q's teaming up with two former Castleford Tigers teammates, Sui Matagi and Jesse Sene-Lefao to try and open up conversations with the community about mental health. The rugby league community is a proud and passionate one, and these incredible guys are using their experiences to give people permission to share their problems, through play, group sessions and one-to-ones. They're also setting up regular touch rugby games for all the family. Find out more, including how you can support Talk Your Walk, via their website And don't forget to check out the entire back catalogue of Mental Health Monday - you've got 349 other FREE episodes to listen to! Get video previews of each week's guests on Twitter  Linkedin and Instagram TOPICS: Rugby League, Talk Your Walk, Suicide Prevention, Suicide Awarness, Rugby League community, Yorkshire, Samoan Rugby League, mental health 

When the Hub of Hope launched in 2017 - Mick Coyle had the exclusive story behind its birth with Jake Mills right here on Mental Health Monday. Skip forward seven years, and more than a quarter of a million people are accessing it every 12 months, connecting with local mental health groups, support services, and organisations within their community. Jake's back to talk about the scale of the Hub of Hope in 2025, and how a new version of the app is making it even more accessible. Just look for Hub of Hope where you get your apps, or visit the Hub of Hope website. Follow Mick Coyle on Linkedin, Twitter, and Instagram, and get video previews of each week's episode on the MHM Facebook Group TOPICS: How to ask for help about mental health, looking for mental health support, finding mental health support online, apps that support mental health, apps to find mental health services

Mick is joining in with Time to Talk Day 2025. Rosie Weatherley from MIND is his guest, as new data takes a look at the impact NOT talking about our mental health can have on ourselves, and young people in our lives. Rosie guides Mick through the first stages of opening up a conversation about mental health, and how to respond if someone tells you about difficult thoughts and feelings. There is signposting at the end of each episode to some amazing services. And MIND have some great resources too. Follow Mick's mental health journey on Linkedin, Instagram and X, and get video previews of each episode on the MHM Facebook Group TOPICS: How to talk about mental health, how to help someone with their mental health, where should I go to get mental health support

Mick Coyle marks Children's Mental Health Awareness Week with an important conversation about reading. He's joined by author of the "Sophie Says..." series Esther Marshall to talk about the value in sharing reading time with your children and the mental health benefits it can bring - to you AND your child. Data suggests 52% of parents use books as a way of talking about their child's thoughts and feelings - do you? Esther talks about her inspiration behind the series, and how losing her sister to suicide made her even more determined to create a resource that children, parents and schools can all use. Find out more about the Sophie Says series Follow Mick Coyle on Instagram, X and Linkedin - and get video previews of each week's guest on the MHM Facebook Page TOPICS: reading with children, benefits of reading, books to read at bedtime, how to talk to your child about mental health, children's mental health awareness week, children's mental health week

Mick is talking about young suicide on this week's edition of the podcast. His guests are supporting CALM's Missing Birthday project, by sharing their daughter's story. Evelyn was just 15 when she took her own life. Jenni and Jack speak to Mick as a new survey from the Campaign Against Living Miserably shows many parents wouldn't know where to turn if their children were struggling, and that the government should do more to support families. You can watch the powerful video mentioned in the podcast here. The article also contains more of the survey results, and a response from the Department of Health. And find out more about CALM's C.A.R.E Kit Follow host Mick Coyle on Instagram and Linkedin, as well as X. TOPICS Suicide, young suicide, suicide prevention, mental health support, young people taking their own lives, data about suicide

Mick Coyle starts the year with the Mindfulness in Schools Project dropping by to discuss how mindfulness can make a difference to the lives of teachers, pupils and anyone who adopts mindful techniques. Teacher drop-out and pupil absence are huge issues in 2025. Mick is joined by Richard Burnett from the MISP to talk about the work they do in educational environments, and the impact it can have. They also discuss mindful techniques, and bust some myths about what mindfulness can be. Find out more about the Mindfulness in Schools Project Follow Mick Coyle on Linkedin, Instagram and get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group TOPICS: Burnout, mindfulness, teacher stress, teacher burnout, pupil stress, mindfulness in schools, mindfulness techniques

Mick is marking Christmas 2024 with a conversation with a returning guest to Mental Health Monday. Alice Hendy first appeared in Ep 195, shortly after losing her brother Josh to suicide. She spoke of her plans for R;pple and how intercepting harmful searches can save lives using technology. R:pple has continued to expand, and Alice tells Mick its now intercepted nearly 70,000 harmful searches since they last spoke. At Christmas, services like R:pple are still required - but January can prove to be an even more difficult month to encourage people to look for support, as is discussed on this week's episode. Follow Mick on X, on Instagram and on Linkedin. Get Video previews of guests on the MHM Facebook Group TOPICS: Loneliness at Christmas, Feeling isolated at Christmas, online searches, looking for mental health support, tech support for mental health, new year, grief at Christmas

Award-winning journalist and broadcaster Mick Coyle is joined by former doctor, turned ambassador for Doctors in Distress, Emily Fulleylove. Emily is on the podcast to talk about her experience working for the NHS, and why she's so passionate about Doctors in Distress' urgent appeal to raise money to support their work in the coming year. DID works by providing peer-based talking and listening services to healthcare professionals who're experiencing poor mental health - and the fundraising will go to making sure that service is there when people need it. Find out more about the Doctors in Distress appeal Follow Mick Coyle on social media via Twitter/X, Linkedin and Instagram, and get video previews of each week's guest on the MHM facebook Group. TOPICS: The NHS, anxiety, stress, burnout in the NHS, Doctors in distress, fundraising appeal, suicide awareness in healthcare professionals

Mick Coyle meets Ananya Sharma on this week's podcast. After arriving in London from India, thousands of miles away from friends and family, Ananya experienced loneliness - and wanted to do something about it. She opened the doors to her home to create the Home Café, where people in situations like hers could come together over a coffee and a cake. Ananya and Mick are speaking as a new survey by Breville find 2/3 people regularly experience loneliness in their daily lives, with 28% feeling unable to reach out for support. Ananya's journey is an inspiring one and I'm sure you'll feel differently about connections you've lost, or friends you'd like to get back in touch with after hearing the conversation. Follow Ananya on TikTok Follow host Mick Coyle on X/Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin and get video previews of each week's guest on the MHM Facebook Group TOPICS: Loneliness, finding new friends, looking for new friends, losing touch with friends, third place theory, Breville report into loneliness

It's time to look at the big picture when it comes to mental health in this country. To help Mick Coyle do just that is a new report from Centre for Mental Health and Mind, titled "The Big Mental Health Report: 2024". It sets out the state of the country when it comes to mental health and paints a clear picture of the challenges we face - as well as offering recommendations on how to start solving those issues. CMH Chief Exec Andy Bell is our guest - as we delve into the stats, and find out more about where we're going wrong, and what we can do about it. Follow Mick Coyle on X, Linkedin and Instagram. You can also track him down on BlueSky and Threads under the name @MrMickCoyle Get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group page TOPICS: UK Mental health statistics, mental health data, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, how common are mental health problems? mental health issues

Journalist Mick Coyle is discussing the shocking statistics around suicide in the construction industry this week. Stats from a new "Lost City" campaign show there have been 7000 deaths by suicide by construction workers in the last decade. That's the equivalent of enough people to build 150,000 homes, three schools and a hospital - a so-called "Lost City". Mick meets Joe Baker from Second City Screed Ltd to hear about life on the frontline for construction staff. Joe has his own mental health journey to share. Then we'll speak to Gavin Crane from Band of Builders, whose work is all about arresting these numbers and preventing future deaths. Follow Mick Coyle on Twitter/X, Instagram and Linkedin, and get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group Wider signposting is provided at the end of the podcast TOPICS: Why are there so many suicides in the building sector, suicide prevention, suicide in the construction sector, getting help for suicide in the construction industry

Journalist and Broadcaster Mick Coyle's award-winning Mental Health Monday Podcast turns its attention to life after suicide loss this week. Sadie is on the programme to tell her story. Tragically, Sadie's brother Alex took his own life in 2023, and she's been navigating a sense of grief and loss. We'll explore that journey, but also how her experiences have helped shape her own attitude to mental health, and how she hopes she can be part of a future without stigma and taboo. Sadie mentions CALM in the conversation - the suicide prevention charity are currently fundraising through the latest Omaze competition, which you can get details on via their website. Signposting to mental health services is provided at the end of each episode of Mental Health Monday. Follow Mick Coyle on X/Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram and get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group TOPICS: Suicide, Suicide loss, bereavement, grief, hope after suicide, support after suicide, mental health journey

Presenter and Journalist Mick Coyle is joined by CEO of CALM Simon Gunning for World Mental Health Day 2024. This year's theme is mental health in the workplace, so Mick and Simon talk about the reasons businesses need to take this issue seriously - for social AND financial reasons. You can read more about the benefits of encouraging positive mental health in the workplace, as well as links to resources for businesses and more on the Where's Your Head At? campaign for mental health first aiders in this article created by Mick Coyle CALM are also partnering with Omaze in their latest competition to raise money for their live-saving services. There are signposting links to mental health services provided at the end of each episode. TOPICS: World Mental Health Day 2024, Theme of World Mental Health Day, dealing with burnout, coping with stress at work, ways to improve staff wellbeing, suicide prevention, mental health awareness

Mick is talking about the results of a new survey which shine a light on our relationship with friendships. How many friends do you have? Data suggests while we have plenty of mates in younger years, those numbers soon start to fade away. So why do we struggle to make friends in later life? It was easy when we were children, but what is holding us back now? Author and Comedian Max Dickins wrote "Billy No Mates: How I realised men have a friendship problem" and joins Mick to talk about his story and how he arrested the decline in friendships he noticed ahead of an upcoming wedding. Find out how to make friends in this illuminating and eye-opening episode of the podcast Find out more about the NOMO survey data Follow Mick Coyle on Twitter/X, on Linkedin and Instagram, and get video preview of each week's guest on the MHM Facebook Group Artwork credit PIXABAY TOPICS: Making friends, how to make friends, losing friends, friendship problems, anxiety, meeting new people, finding new hobbies, talking to strangers

Journalist Mick Coyle is joined by Trevor Bygate, a former member of the armed forces turn mental health campaigner. Trevor lost his daughter Chloe to suicide in 2014, and now uses his experience to help and support others. He was also diagnosed with PTSD before leaving the army. He works with organisations like the Royal British Legion, Papyrus, and Cruse Bereavement Care, and has undertaken some incredible challenges to raise money for them - keeping Chloe's name at the heart of all he does. You can find Trevor on Linkedin and Twitter. Follow host Mick Coyle on Twitter, Linkedin, and Instagram and get video previews of each week's guests in the MHM Facebook Group TOPICS: #suicide #Suicidebereavement #PTSD #armedforces #papyrus

Mick is joined by ex-professionall footballer turned mental health campaigner Clarke Carlisle. Clarke is back on the show to discuss his new role of COO of It's Mental, and how changing the conversation about mental health - with action to support it - is needed now more than ever. It follows the Darzi report into the state of the NHS, and the news of surging numbers of children and young people needing support. Find out more about It's Mental Wellbeing Collective Note: This episode features some sound issues for reasons explained at the beginning of the podcast. Follow Mick Coyle on Twitter/X, Linkedin and Instagram and get video previews of guests in the MHM Facebook Group TOPICS: Mental Health awareness, suicide prevention, ways to wellness, finding hope, good mental health habits, improving wellness

Mick Coyle takes a look at the latest suicide figures for England and Wales with Paul Vittles ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day 2024. Released in 2024, figures show 6069 deaths were recorded in 2023, the highest rate since 1999. Paul has a long track record of working in the #zerosuicide community, and an incredible insight into how we currently deal with suicide in the UK, and what could be improved if we wanted to genuinely improve it. This summer he was a key part of the #JointheDots tour and you can read about his work in the Zero Suicide Transformation Programme. He's also active on Linkedin. Follow MHM host Mick Coyle on X, Instagram and Linkedin. Get video previews of each guest on the MHM facebook group TOPICS: World Suicide Prevention Day 2024, Suicide, suicide awareness, suicide prevention, suicide figures, suicide inquests, coroners 

Mick Coyle is joined by Mark Boyns from Opening Up Cricket following the tragic news of the death of England legend Graham Thorpe. Mick and Mark discuss how the family bravely shared the reason for his passing, and how that can be used as a way of opening up a conversation about mental health within the cricketing world and beyond. Podcast art © Alamy Opening Up was set up following the death of a club-mate of Mark's and he now travels the country teaching skills in mental health conversations - both from a cricketing perspective and in wider life. Find out more about Opening Up Cricket and listen to Ep 27 of the podcast to hear more about the reasons it was founded. Follow Mick Coyle on X, Linkedin, and Instagram and get video previews of each guest on the MHM Facebook Group

Sarah Gustafson is Mick Coyle's guest on Episode 332 of Mental Health Monday. Sarah is founder of A.ur.tistic and a new project called Dopamine Rooms that she set up following her own experience of poor mental health, as well as late diagnosis on autism and ADHD. Sarah uses her love of art and teaching to help people explore their own thoughts and feelings, using her journey as inspiration to help and support others. There's a lot in the conversation - and Sarah sets out how she inspired to be so active in the mental health and neurodiversity space. There are mental health services signposted at the end of the episode. Follow Mick Coyle on Twitter/X, Linkedin and Instagram - and get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group. TOPICS: ADHD, Autism, OCD, Eating Disorders, Suicide, neurodiversity, help and support, mental health awareness, art therapy

Mick Coyle is joined by author Lisa Brett - who's written a book called "Finding Happiness When It Hurts" Lisa uses her own journey, and the stories of others, to give advice on how to reflect on more difficult times, find positivity in the smallest of places and give yourself a chance to rebuild after grief, loss or trauma. Her book is available now Host Mick Coyle is on Twitter/X, Linkedin and Instagram, and you can get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook page Signposting to mental health is available at the end of each podcast. TOPICS: Finding happiness, loss, grief, trauma, divorce, self-help books

It might be July - but Movember's fast approaching. The international campaign focussed on men's mental and physical health is nearly upon us once again - and this year there's a big focus on inequality. 2/5 men will die prematurely - but where they live is a key factor to how long they live. Mick has pulled together the main findings of the new Movember report in this article Joining us on the podcast is TV presenter Matt Johnson and Rugby star Ugo Monye - who discuss their own mental health journeys and the challenges they've faced. Photo © Alamy Follow Mick Coyle on Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin. Get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Page Signposting services are provided at the end of each episode. TOPICS: Suicide, mental health, relationship breakdown, movember, depression, mental health awareness

Mick Coyle is talking self esteem as a new BACP survey finds half of women are affected by self esteem issues - with body image the biggest factor, followed by social comparisons, careers, and romantic relationships. Joining him on this week's episode is Henna Mistry - who has tackled her own issues with self esteem, and found a way through using a BACP therapist and helping create a new network of community connections through York Girlies Henna's a fantastic guest for anyone who wants to know how self esteem impacts your life, what low self esteem feels like, and how to navigate a way through it. Find out more about the BACP's Burst The Self Doubt project - and how you can make connections with a psychotherapist if you think that's right for you. Follow Mick Coyle on Twitter / X, Instagram, Linkedin and get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group TOPICS self esteem, body image, social media, social anxiety, talking therapies, therapy, booking a therapist

Mick Coyle is joined by Owen Wood from Race Across the World Owen - alongside his race partner Alfie - starred in the latest BBC series travelling through the Far East on a tight budget and even tighter timescale. Now he's back in the UK he's teaming up with The Mix - a charity that supports young people through all aspects of life - to further open up the conversation about mental health. On the TV show, Owen shared his own experience of living with anxiety, and how that shaped his junior years. He now wants to use that experience to help others. Check out more from The Mix on their website. Follow Mick Coyle on Instagram, X, and now LinkedIn - and get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group TOPICS: Race Across the World, Owen and Alfie, Anxiety, The Mix mental health awareness

Mick is joined by Ellen Roome on this week's podcast. Ellen's son Jools Sweeney died suddenly in 2022, he was aged 14. A coroner ruled they couldn't register his death as suicide, because there we no signs he intended to take his life. The narrative verdict has left Jools' family with many questions. Ellen's now looking for answers through his social media - to see if that offers any insight into why he's no longer with us, but she's not allowed to access Jools' data. She launched a petition calling for parents to have the right to access their child's social media information and is asking parents to support her cause to create #JoolsLaw. You can support the petition here and use #JoolsLaw on social media Signposting services are included at the end of each episode of the Mental Health Monday Podcast. You can follow host Mick Coyle on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin.

Mick Coyle is joined by James Cooper on this week's podcast James is currently running a marathon every single day in 2024. He'll complete 366 between now and the end of the year! He was inspired to take on the challenge as part of his Smilinggg Project, which he set up after having a difficult time with his own mental health in 2014/15. James also lost an uncle to suicide - and will be raising money for Samaritans as part of challenge. We wish him all the very best in his challenge! Here's a link to his fundraising page You can follow him on Instagram Follow Mick Coyle on Twitter/X, Instagram and on Linkedin

How do I talk to my child about mental health? Mick is joined by dad and CBBC presenter Nigel Clarke on this week's Mental Health Monday Podcast. Nigel is lending his voice to a new animated series that helps children learn about their emotions - while also equipping parents with the tools to have conversations about mental health in a safe way. Embers the Dragon has launched to mark Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 It comes as stats show around 49% of parents are worried about managing their child's behaviour, with anxiety being the number one reason parents are concerned. Subscribe to the Mental Health Monday Podcast where you get your podcasts - and get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group. Follow Mick Coyle on Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram. TOPICS: anxiety, children's mental health, podcast, ARIAs, parental advice

Artist Gawain Hewitt is this week's Mental Health Monday Podcast guest. Gawain works in art and music, and leads music sessions at several psychiatric hospitals, including Royal Bethlem, Springfields and Lavender Walk. He discusses how music can create pathways for people to explore their feelings, and find connections when words are not enough. He also designs and builds instruments, and is currently working on two commissions to make music more accessible to disabled people. He's won a series of awards, including the Royal Philharmonic Society Impact Award and the Mastercard Brits Trailblazer Award for his work. You can find out more about his projects on his website or watch his Tedx Talk Gawain also discusses his own mental health journey, which includes a breakdown, an ADHD diagnosis, and an ongoing psychotherapy process. Follow Gawain on Linkedin. Host Mick Coyle is on X/Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, and get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group. TOPICS: Music, therapy, breakdown, ADHD, art, instruments, work pressure, spirituality, mental health podcast

Mick is joined by returning guest Steve Phillip, founder and director of The Jordan Legacy. Steve featured in episode 189 of Mental Health Monday, and was part of the #LeaveALightOn project. Steve's latest project sees him teaming up with some incredible individuals and organisations for the Join The Dots tour across the North of England in June 2024. Starting in Scunthorpe, and ending on Merseyside, Steve and the team are creating a series of arts, sports, and mental health events to help normalise the conversation about suicide. He also talks about his work on the Zero Suicide Society strategy. Find out more about the Join the Dots Tour, and follow Steve on Linkedin Follow host Mick Coyle on Twitter/X Instagram and Linkedin, and get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group

Chris Ross is a powerful guest on this week's Mental Health Monday Podcast. Chris shares his story of dealing with trauma, depression and suicidal thoughts - and how he turned his life around as a self-styled "mentality monster" who now supports others in their mental health journey. Chris talks about the very difficult issues he's faced, but also the measures he's now put in place to give himself a "zest for life", and how you can help yourself achieve that mindset. You can find out more about Chris on his Linkedin Profile. Follow host Mick Coyle on Twitter/X, Instagram, Linkedin and get video previews of our guests on the Mental Health Monday Facebook Group TOPICS: This episode talks about a suicide attempt, childhood trauma, depression, looking for hope, finding hope, mindset There are UK signposting services included at the end of each episode.

Mick Coyle meets Nicole Antoniou, CEO of The Butterfly Squad, in this week's podcast. The Butterfly Squad is a project and animated series to help children build resilience, understand their emotions and give themselves the best chance at being the best version of themselves. Nicole sets out why the project started and the results she's seen since it began. You can find out more on the Butterfly Squad website, or check out their social media accounts. Follow Mick on Twitter and Instagram, and get video previews of the Mental Health Monday Facebook Group In the podcast intro, Mick mentions his project into online teenage blackmail TOPICS: Child mental health, resilience, mental health awareness, trauma

Mick Coyle is joined by author of The Visual Detox Marine Tanguy on this week's podcast. Marine's new book explores how our brain deals with looking at so many images on daily basis - adverts, billboards, social media posts, TV screens and beyond. The book looks at ways you can apply more critical thinking what you see, and asks questions about what sort of towns, cities and communities we want to live in in the future. The book is available now from Penguin Random House Follow Mick Coyle on Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin. Get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group TOPICS: Detox, visual imagery, adverts, commercial advertising

Mick Coyle is joined by Grime legend Big Narstie on this week's podcast. pic credit © Alamy The main man is here to talk about how his life changed forever after appearing on the Celebrity Bake Off, and how his new health regime is allowing him to make plans for the future. We'll hear how weight loss, and improved fitness have made a difference to his life, and how he's hoping to share some of his secrets through his new podcast Life Gains. You can get video previews of each week's guests on the Mental Health Monday Facebook Group Follow host Mick Coyle on Twitter/X Instagram and Linkedin TOPICS: Fitness, life gains, life goals, mixed martial arts, healthy eating

Mick Coyle is joined by Dave Lock aka London Marathon icon "Dave the Running Telephone". Dave reveals he's signed up to race in this years event, and how his own mental health journey led him to fundraise for Samaritans. He speaks of his own journey, and losing his brother to suicide last year, and how that's a solemn reminder of why Samaritans is such a good cause to support. Pic Credit © Alamy Find out more about Samaritans Follow Mick Coyle on Twitter/X, Instagram and Linkedin. You can get video previews of all our guests on the MHM Facebook Group

Mick Coyle is joined by Emma and Amie from the The Lucy Rayner Foundation The LRF has has collaborated with Snapchat to design a new lens that helps users create a snap which talks about their feelings and how they might want someone to talk to. It's utilising every-day technology to make a difference to the lives of young social media users. Emma tells Mick about where the foundation has come from, while Amie explains the technicals. You can get the app by scanning the Podcast artwork, or find out more on The Lucy Rayner Foundation website Follow Mick Coyle on X/Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin, and get video previews of each week's guests on the Mental Health Monday Facebook Group

Mick Coyle takes a look at the finding's of the Prince's Trust Natwest Youth Index 2024, on the day of its release. Mick is joined by Naomi Ennis - who created Animal Teach. Naomi shares her own story of growing up dealing with anxiety and other issues at home, and how she uses her story to help inspire young people. Alongside Naomi is Rachel Edwards - Head of Delivery Partnerships and Volunteering at The Prince's Trust, who sees the consequences of the mental health issues we discuss first-hand. Find out more about The Prince's Trust Follow Mick on X/Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin Get video previews of the week's guests on the Mental Health Monday Facebook Group TOPICS: Anxiety, fear of failure, self-esteem, low mood, confidence

Mick Coyle is joined by mental health campaigner and author Dr Alex George on this week's Mental Health Monday Podcast. Dr Alex is here to talk about starting 2024 on the right footing. Photo credit: © Alamy New data from Nationwide shows 82% of people expect this January to be the worst ever when it comes to our finances - a tough start to 2024. On top of how we feel about ourselves and our outlooks, it means some people can really struggle at this time of year (check out ep 314 for more on this) Details at the bottom of this link on where to turn if you're finances aren't in a good place, and there's mental health signposting at the end of every episode. Follow award-winning host Mick Coyle on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Linkedin. Get video previews of each week's guests on the Mental Health Monday Facebook group.

Mick Coyle is back for 2024 with a new episode of Mental Health Monday. Mick is joined by Simon Blake from MHFA England, to talk about the results of a new survey which looks at how people can be struggling in their workplace. Simon walks us through the findings, and talks about the implications for workplaces and the positive steps offices, factories and organisations can take to make a difference to their staff. The findings, and podcast, were released on so-called Blue Monday - it's not really a thing, but if it gives people permission to open up, that can only be a positive! Find out more about the My Whole Self project - culminating in a day of awareness on March 12th. Signposting services are available at the end of the podcast. Follow Mick on Twitter/X, Instagram, and get video previews of each week's guest on the MHM Facebook Group Pic credit : pixabay

Mick Coyle has the latest figures of suicides registered in England and Wales for 2022 (released 19th Dec 2023) He goes through the ONS data, and discusses the findings with Jake Mills from Chasing the Stigma - a suicide survivor and founder of the Hub of Hope. Find out more about the 2022 suicide data You can find mental health services using the Hub of Hope. If someone's life is in danger, call 999. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Every suicide is a tragedy and has a devastating, enduring impact on families and communities. “We're working hard to reduce the number of suicides and published our new Suicide Prevention Strategy for England in September.  This commits to more than 100 measures, including a focus on prevention and earlier intervention, as well as more targeted and proactive support for people in crisis. “In August, the government also launched a £10 million fund for the voluntary sector in England to carry out crucial work to prevent suicides and save lives. We're also investing £2.3 billion extra a year into mental health services to help an additional two million people access NHS-funded mental health support by 2024.” Pic credit: Unsplash TOPICS: Suicide, Suicide prevention, public messaging, government strategy, impact of suicide

Mick Coyle is joined by East 17 singer and songwriter Tony Mortimer. Tony is on the show to talk about his Christmas mega-hit Stay Another Day, and the impact music has had on his and our lives, particularly during the festive season. He hit the top spot with the song in 1994. 29 years later, a tongue in cheek remake by Lidl is helping secure a £100,000 donation to the NSPCC to support children's mental health. Find out more about the song and the story Follow Mick Coyle on Twitter, Instagram, and get video previews of guests on FaceBook and Linkedin.

Mick is joined by Sarah Sternberg from Movember - as the charity launches the first ever Global Men's Health Institute. The multi-million pound investment over the next five years will aim to drive research, collect information and inform change that will help men live longer and healthier lives. Stats show two in five currently die before the age of 75, and live on average five years fewer than women. Sarah and her team aim to find out why. Find out more about the new Institute Physical and mental health is discussed in this week's episode. Follow Mick Coyle on Twitter/X and Instagram, and get video previews of guests on the Mental Health Monday Facebook Group

Photo credit © Alamy Mick is joined by footballer Jake Daniels for episode 310 of Mental Health Monday. Jake became the first UK player since Justin Fashanu in 1990 to announce he was gay, in May 2022. 18 months later he sits down with Mick Coyle to discuss his mental health at the time, and the journey he took before and after that monumental step. The conversation comes as a new survey from L'Oreal Paris Men Expert looks at what it means to be a "strong man" in 2023. READ MORE: "Being a footballer and being gay wasn't a thing" Follow Mick Coyle on X, Instagram and get video previews of MHM guests on the Mental Health Monday Facebook Group Signposting is provide at the end of the podcast. TOPICS: Coming out, Football, LGBT in Football, 

Mick Coyle is joined by two guests on this week's podcast. First, we'll hear from Elissa, who's sharing her story of problem gambling and the impact it had on her life. In the last four years, some gambling services have seen an 80% rise in female users. Elissa explains how gambling took hold of her from a young age, and stayed with her, until things escalated into her 30s. She talks openly about her experience, including how gambling impacted her wedding day. And she tells us about finally finding the right help to put her on a different path. In part two of the programme, TV medic Dr Ellie Cannon tells us how shame and stigma is holding 2/3 gamblers back from getting help, and how a simple conversation can start to put you on the right road. Find out more about the work of GambleAware, and the survey results from their new research General mental health signposting is provided at the end of each podcast. TOPICS: Gambling, Gambling harm, female gambling, suicidal thoughts, gambling support

Mick is joined by Rob Wotton on this week's podcast. You might recognise Rob from presenting on Sky Sports News - but when he's not on our screens, he's working as a trained BACP counsellor helping people deal with their mental health issues. Mick and Rob discuss how Rob uses his experience as a sports journalist to create appropriate analogies with his clients, and how men can educate themselves about the signs and symptoms of what life with depression is like. Rob is backing BACP's new #RAISE campaign, also discussed in episode 307, which is designed to give men, and their loved ones, the clues they need to spot issues before they get out of control. Host Mick Coyle is on X and Instagram, and you can find him on Linkedin. Get video previews of each week's guests on the Mental Health Monday Facebook Group TOPICS: Depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation

Mick Coyle looks into the number of men receiving support for depression on this week's episode. New stats from BACP shows 52% of therapists are seeing a rise in the number of men coming forward to get support. At the same time, just over half say men are put off the idea of getting therapy because of societal pressures and stigma. Dan Reid shares his story in this week's episode - he reached out for help after living with depression for a decade, and now runs a Men's Walking and Talking organisation to provide an alternative space for men to talk about their feelings. Dan and Mick also discuss the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety - summarised by R.A.I.S.E - which you can learn more about on the BACP website. Follow Men Walking and Talking on Instagram. You can follow Mick Coyle on X/Twitter, Instagram and get video previews of each week's guest on the Mental Health Monday Facebook Group TOPICS: Depression, anxiety, PND, isolation, anger, risk taking, substance abuse, exhaustion

Mick is joined by the brilliant Kelsey Parker on this week's podcast. Kelsey was married to The Wanted star Tom Parker, who died 18 months ago from a brain tumour. Kelsey discusses how we as a nation don't talk about grief enough, and what she learned about society's issue with it in the days and months after losing Tom. She was talking to the podcast from Tower Bridge in London, where a giant "elephant in the room" display had been set up to highlight the issue. Read more about Kelsey's story, and the Elephant in the Room project here Thanks for sharing your story Kelsey, and being so honest about your experiences. Kelsey is on Instagram Host Mick Coyle is on Twitter/X, Instagram and get video previews of each week's guests on the MHM Facebook Group Signposting services are provided at the end of each episode TOPICS: Grief, bereavement, loss, brain tumour, mental health conversations