My Possible Self

The holiday season (the period between Thanksgiving until the New Year) is supposed to be a joyous time, full of celebrations with family and friends. But for many people, "the most wonderful time of year"... tis' the season to feel stressed and anxious. It's normal to feel stressed or lower than usual at Christmas, especially if it's a time of year that brings back difficult memories or heightens or worsens any ongoing problems you may be going through. But there are things we can do to ease the stress and take the pressure off ourselves and there is no better guest than anxiety expert Joshua Fletcher to help us do this. Joshua Fletcher is a psychotherapist and best-selling anxiety author, based in Manchester, specialising in the field of anxiety disorders and stress management. Chatting to host Gabby, Josh explains why we need to stop trying to create ‘the perfect Christmas' and pleasing people when it compromises our own happiness. Josh also advises how we can deal with difficult relatives at family get-togethers and shares some tips on how to overcome anxiety at Christmas parties. He also stresses why it's just as important to carve time out for ourselves, as it is to carve out the Christmas turkey. For more on Joshua Fletcher: https://schoolofanxiety.com/ To download the free My Possible Self App: https://mypossibleself.app.link/podcast  

Anyone can experience a mental health problem. But those who identify as LGBTQIA+ are more likely to develop problems like low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, self harm, suicidal feelings, post-traumatic stress disorders and substance abuse.  Being LGBTQIA+ doesn't cause these problems. But the struggles and challenges commonly faced such as homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, stigma and discrimination, difficult experiences of coming out, social isolation, exclusion, bullying and rejection are significant factors as to why so many suffer greatly with their mental health.  In this special one off episode of the My Possible Self podcast host Gabby is exploring sexuality and the impact it has on a person's mental health. She is joined by reality TV star, social media influencer, personal trainer and mental health ambassador Charlie King and activist, entrepreneur, head of social impact and a 2022 LinkedIn Top Voice within the LGBTQIA+ community Chloe Davies.  This is a podcast that everyone should listen to no matter how they identify. On the 50 year anniversary of Pride month we dedicate this episode to all who have suffered at the hands of injustice. And to those who fought, and continue to fight, for the opportunity to live authentically in a world where everyone is treated with equality and love.  

Recent studies suggest that bullying in adolescence and childhood can have worse long-term effects on young adult‘s mental health than being subject to maltreatment during childhood. According to a report gathered by The Diana Award's Anti-Bullying Ambassador Programme; 22% of young people aged 12-20 in the UK say they have experienced bullying behaviour in the past 12 months, 27% of young people say they have witnessed bullying behaviour in the last 12 months, and 36% of young people aged 8 to 22 are worried about experiencing bullying behaviour at school, college or university. In the final episode of My Possible Self's trilogy of podcasts looking at how Bullying can effect a person's mental health and what we can do about it, host Gabby is joined by a passionate panel of experts on the subject. NSPCC Head of Local campaigns and Childline spokesperson Helen Westerman, business strategist and anti-bullying campaigner Lisa Johnson and Lucy Howard Head of Content and Media for the UK anti-bullying charity BulliesOut. For more information and advice on this subject matter head to https://bulliesout.com/ In the UK, you can also call Childline for free on 0800 1111. For the rest of the world: Child Helplines - Child Helpline International

Bullying and harassment is behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated or offended. And when it takes place at work, it can make your working life miserable, subsequently losing faith in yourself and your abilities. It can also leave you feeling ill and depressed, vulnerable, isolated and challenging to motivate yourself to work.   In the second installment of My Possible Self's mini-series on bullying, host Gabby talks to Julie Dennis, Head of Diversity and Inclusion for ACAS, the workplace expert for England, Wales and Scotland. ACAS gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practices.   Julie and Gabby discuss what steps to take if you or a colleague is experiencing bullying behaviour at work, and what are some of the more subtle signs to look out for if a colleague is making your working life unpleasant.   For more information from ACAS about bullying and mental health in the workplace go to:​​ https://www.acas.org.uk/discrimination-bullying-and-harassment https://www.acas.org.uk/supporting-mental-health-workplace  

In the first of 3 bonus episodes looking at how bullying can effect a person's mental health and what steps we can take to prevent, report and stop it as quickly as possible, host Gabby talks to Alex Holmes about the complex world of cyber bullying. Alex is a leading anti-bullying campaigner, Founder of Anti-Bullying Ambassadors and Deputy CEO of The Diana Award. He is also a Trust & Safety advisor to Twitch/TikTok/Twitter/Yubo/Instagram and the Home Office and is on the Barnardo's and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Advisory Board. Alex has had first hand experience of bullying behaviour and shares some practical and helpful tips on what to do if you or someone you know is being abused online.

International speaker and best selling author of ‘The Magic of Surrender', Kute Blackson, joins host Gabby to close season 1 of the My Possible Self podcast. In this episode Kute explains the importance of allowing ourselves to feel our feelings and not suppress our emotions. Why letting go, trusting and surrendering to what is and can not be changed, no matter the circumstance or situation, can ultimately lead us quicker down the path to peace of mind. And why we must remember that feelings aren't facts, or good, or bad, they are just energy. Kute also shares his daily none negotiable practices when it comes to mindfulness and meditation for mental health. 

While the stigma surrounding mental illness affects people of all genders, research shows that men tend to have an even harder time admitting they need help. In England, around one in eight men has a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)... although these are only the reported cases. Society's expectations and traditional gender roles play a role in why men are less likely to open up or seek help for their mental health problems, so My Possible Self has taken action, launching a series of content aimed at men to help them to address, open up, and overcome mental health issues. To support and run alongside, this episode of the podcast is zooming in on Men's Mental Health. Joining host Gabby is John Belton, Head coach and owner of No.17  Personal Training and men's mental health campaigner and host of the honest bloke podcast James Walsham. Together they have an insightful, thought-provoking and vulnerable conversation discussing the challenges and emotional issues men often face. 

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings. People with bipolar experience both episodes of severe depression, and episodes of mania – presenting in ways such as overwhelming joy, excitement, happiness, huge energy, a reduced need for sleep, and reduced inhibitions. Dr Nick Prior is a psychiatrist and co-creater of the app Minderful, who has lived with bipolar type II for over a decade. ​​Working as a NHS doctor specialising in mental health, whilst living with bipolar, gives Nick a rare 360 degree view into the world of Mental Health. This episode is for anyone wanting to have a better understanding of this complex mental health illness and also for those who have bipolar disorder seeking reassurance and further insight.

We are beginning to understand that exercise is important to help us manage our mental health, working wonders for depression, anxiety and stress relief in particular. But how and why does the magic happen? And what else is going on behind the scenes in our brains when we work out? Andrew Wade, founder and CEO of Case Specific Nutrition, also a registered dietician and fitness expert, has many of the answers. In this episode Andrew talks about the importance of the major stress hormones, what types of movement work best for our moods and emotions, the best supplements to help support our bodies movement and mental health journey, and how to use mindfulness to get our body in the mood to move.

‘Quality Sleep, Sound Mind, Happy World' is the campaign slogan for this year's World Sleep Day on March 18th 2022. And not without good reason as sleep and mental health are intrinsically linked. Lack of sleep is related to many psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, ptsd and psychosis. And those suffering with mental health problems are likely to have insomnia, suffer from sleep disturbances, or other sleep disorders. It's a vicious cycle that can be difficult and frustrating to break.  My Possible Self welcomes renowned sleep specialist Dr Allie Hare who breaks down and explains why sleep is so important to us; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Dr Allie, a consultant in sleep and respiratory medicine at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London and Secretary of the British Sleep Society, also shares what happens to our brain when we dream, why naps are best avoided, the daytime habits to avoid sabotaging your sleep and what we can send signals to our body that it's slumber time. 

To mark the release of this episode coinciding with International Women's Day, My Possible Self presents a conversation with a truly inspiring female; international speaker and entrepreneur, Dani Wallace. Having experienced growing up in the presence of alcoholism on the council estates of Preston, Dani then went on to face domestic abuse, homelessness, and single parenthood. A self-proclaimed (former) serial self-sabotager, determined not to accept the fate of her circumstances, Dani turned her life around through patience, hard work and resourcefulness. Dani talks to host Gabby about her journey from being below the poverty line to becoming a successful head honcho with a thriving business. Leader of the I Am The Queen Bee Movement and creator of the Fly Anyway Foundation, Dani helps people the world over 'Show Up, Wise Up and Rise Up' and is a reminder to anyone who enters her orbit that they too, regardless of their journey, can cultivate a better life for themselves.

Eating Disorders are a distressing mental illness that is estimated to affect around 1.25 million people in the UK and at least 9% of the population worldwide. We are releasing this episode to coincide with Eating Disorders Awareness week in the UK, to learn more about the various types of Eating Disorders, how we can support loved ones and why early detection is paramount. Gemma Oaten - is an actress best known for her work on Emmerdale, Holby City and most recently Coronation Street. She is also the patron and manager of SEED a charity offering Support and Education for Eating Disorders set up by Gemma's mum and dad while they struggled to get the help  they needed during Gemma's own 13 year battle with an Eating Disorder that almost took her life 4 times.  Gemma is joined by Dr Joan Brunton - Clinical Director Eating Disorders from the Priory Healthcare, who has treated hundreds of patients with a wide variety of eating disorders. *Content warning Some listeners may find some of the conversation around anorexia, bulimia and Eating Disorders triggering, so please take care when listening and proceed with caution. 

The amount of pressure put under females during the childbearing years can be inconsiderate, overwhelming, and scary, taking its toll on our mental wellbeing. Societal and loved ones' expectations and interference, even if it is meant with good intentions, can leave a female feeling isolated, burdened, and lacking in confidence. The pressures are endless from ‘the clock is ticking', to if you are ready or able to conceive, how you choose to raise your infant and even ‘snapping back' to your pre-baby body... when do we ever get a break?   DJ, model, presenter, social media influencer and reality TV star Ashley James knows all about the pressures put on us by society, loved ones and even ourselves, when it comes to the childbearing years. And Ashley has spoken candidly in the past about not being ready to have kids. Now a new mum Ashley has shared the challenges she has faced physically, mentally, and emotionally to her audience, offering some much-needed comfort and reassurance on the subject. In this episode, Ashley dives deeper into her struggles getting to grips with motherhood with host Gabby, also looking at why old statistics only unnecessarily heighten ‘baby panic' and responds to the backlash she received for breastfeeding her child on national TV.

Not being comfortable and happy in our body is one of the biggest challenges to our self worth and self-esteem. So often, we can be our own worst critic, not helped by being bombarded with images of the ‘perfect body', in films, on social media, on TV, in magazines or on billboards which for the majority of us, is unachievable. Health, fitness and positive body image coach Kayley Sims has built up thousands of fans on social media for going up against the machine and posting content of women of all shapes and sizes, loving life and feeling great in the skin they are in. In this episode Kayley shares some great advice on how you can get into the mindset to be more like the people she champions online, offering tips on how to tackle imposter syndrome and relentless negative thoughts, plus she explains why we should be really careful when using the word ‘body positivity'.

Research has shown that children who eat more nutritional diets, with more fruit and vegetables, have better mental health and wellbeing. Good nutrition can help a child grow strong and healthy whilst also enhancing their cognitive function and brain development. However, what many parents don't realize is that what your child eats can also impact their mental health and learning capabilities negatively, if their diet is lacking in nutrition and made up of unhealthy foods. Naturopath, Iridologist, Herbalist & Functional Medicine Practitioner Lucinda Miller specialises in working with families, nutrition and mental health. Author of two children's recipe books ‘The Good Stuff' and ‘I Can't Believe It's Baby Food!' Lucinda reassures parents that it is never too late to reap the rewards from improving your child's diet, eating habits and their relationship with food. During this episode, Lucinda shares some simple tips on how to sneak healthy ingredients into picky and stubborn little one's food. She also offers advice on the type of supplements that could work wonders to improve a child's development, and explains why, when possible, family meal time should be prioritised.

February is International Boost Self-Esteem Month, an annual event dedicated to improving self-esteem among people across the globe. While having low self-esteem isn't a mental health problem in itself, living with low self-esteem can be detrimental to our mental health and lead to serious illnesses, such as depression, anxiety or an eating disorder.  The key to combating low self-esteem is self-love. Self-love is to practice a high regard for your own well-being and happiness. It means taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others. Which many of us will find easier said than done.  Jules Von Hep founder of the extremely popular self-tanning range Isle of Paradise, is a celebrity tanning expert, lifestyle podcast host and social media influencer that champions body positivity.  Jules talks to Gabby about the hard work that goes into being body positive, sharing tips on how to treat ourselves more kindly and explaining why loving yourself, needs to be a daily practise. 

If you haven't been to therapy before, the thought of seeing a therapist can be intimidating and scary. The fear of opening up to a complete stranger about deeply personal issues is a common one for first-timers, but if you can work through these feelings and take that step, the rewards can be tremendous, even life-changing.   Author, influencer, mental health advocate and trainee psychotherapist Jo Love believes everyone could benefit from seeing a therapist and has peeled back the curtain on what to expect from the chair in her debut book 'Therapy Is Magic'. Jo discusses the common excuses used for avoiding seeking professional help, shatters the stigma that therapy is only for those who have a mental illness and advises on the steps you can take to make sure you find the right therapist for you.

Alcohol misuse interferes with chemicals in the brain that are vital for good mental health. So while initially after a drink we might feel relaxed and less stressed, in the long run the damage from the misuse of alcohol is highly likely to contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety and later down the line, dementia.  Millie Gooch, founder of the Sober Girl Society, an online platform for sober, sober curious, and mindful drinkers and author of The Sober Girl Society Handbook joins host Gabby to share insight into living life sober free as a young adult. Millie dispels many of the myths and excuses that surround turning to, or turning away from, the hooch... including why we feel we need to bring booze into the bedroom!  Note, this episode is not trying to condemn or judge those who drink alcohol, but aims to encourage everyone to be a bit more mindful of the way they drink.

There's very few of us that escape the clutches of stress and yet are we doing enough to keep it at bay? Stress can take its toll physically, emotionally and mentally. When stress continues for long periods of time this can be detrimental to our mental health and lead to mental illness such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse. But on the flip side if you know how to manage stress you are much more likely to live a longer and healthier life. Jess Henley, psychotherapist and author of The Stress Relief Workbook, is an expert in the subject of stress, and shares some simple yet highly effective coping strategies to both tackle stress and prevent it from escalating. In this episode Jess also advises on how to deal with those who project their worry onto others and explains why getting to the root reason behind your stress is key.

James Withey author of the best-selling book ‘How to Tell Depression to Piss Off - 40 Ways to Get Your Life Back' is no stranger to clinical depression. The author and editor of five books about mental health and mental illness talks to My Possible Self about why depression is such a life-threatening illness and should be treated as such, drawing from his own lived experience with the sickness. James also offers coping strategies on how to distance yourself from the disease, discusses why it's important to do the opposite of what depression is telling you to do and explains why the key to recovery, is in finding meaning. Trigger warning, this episode contains content on the subject of suicide which some listeners may find upsetting.

Being overwhelmed is a deep emotional response to countless thoughts and experiences. So many of us struggle with feeling like there is just too much going on to cope with, and there aren't enough hours in the day. Common causes of issues that may lead to overwhelm include underlying physical or mental health conditions, issues in relationships, work demands, financial troubles, life transitions such as buying a house, having a baby, or caring for an elderly relative, bereavement, sleep deprivation, poor diet, past trauma and insufficient time to complete tasks or rest. The list is endless and the danger with overwhelm is that we can live with it bubbling in the background for months, or even years, until finally it catches up with us. The good news is that there is plenty that can be done and that's where Life Coach, NLP Practitioner and NHS Superhero Mary Meadows, an expert in the subject of Overwhelm, is here to help. 

Harvard trained psychiatrist Dr. Uma Naidoo is regarded nationally and internationally as a pioneer in the field of nutritional psychiatry. Author of “The Food Mood Connection” an incredible book that takes an in-depth look at how food affects our mental health, Dr. Uma couples her knowledge in psychiatry and nutritional science with her passion for food and experience as a professional chef to break down what food to avoid and consume to treat the most common mental health illnesses.  Dr. Naidoo shares some highly beneficial food hacks with host Gabby to help with depression, anxiety and even slowing down Alzheimer's. She also offers invaluable advice on how to increase the nutritional value of children's food and ‘treats' plus, stresses why at the end of our fork we have such a powerful tool that should not be taken for granted.

Originating from ancient eastern and Buddhist philosophy, Mindfulness is a quality that every human already possesses, you just have to learn how to tap into it, to live a less stressful, reactive life. Hosts of the Men Talking Mindfulness podcast, Jon Macaskill, a retired navy seal commander turned mindfulness teacher and Will Schnider, a yoga and meditation guru, join Gabby to discuss how how mindfulness can help with the challenges men face, trying to live up to societal expectations of what is expected of the 'perfect man'. The MTM guys share powerful stories of how mindfulness has changed their lives and others and teach some basic steps anyone can take to get started on their mindfulness journey to instantly feel calmer and more relaxed. 

Trailblazing psychotherapeutic counselor, coach and award-winning international wellness expert Grace Quantock hasn't let chronic illness or disability stop her from living a fulfilled, joyful life. Living – and thriving – with often debilitating illness, she understands the emotional and physical rollercoaster that accompanies diagnosis and life struggles. Grace and host Gabby highlight and address the obstacles marginalized and multi-marginalized communities are met with. From discrimination and ignorance to technology and trauma, Grace works with clients all over the world that are faced with the question ‘how can we learn to live well in a society not designed for us?' In this episode, Grace shares her own inspiring story, along with some tools and techniques that can help.   

One person dies by suicide every 40 seconds and data suggests for every suicide, there are 20 attempts taken. Taking an in-depth look at suicide and suicide prevention, host Gabby talks to world leader on suicide research and prevention and author of 'When It is Darkest, Why People Die by Suicide and What We Can Do to Prevent It' Prof Rory O Connor. Rory is the President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, leads the Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory at the University of Glasgow and has studied the suicidal mind for the last 25 years.  Warning, this episode contains content that may be triggering to some listeners.

Perfectionism is becoming a widespread problem sweeping the globe. While not considered a mental illness itself, perfectionism is a common factor in many mental disorders. Perfectionists tend to beat themselves up and wallow in negative feelings when their high expectations go unmet. Those with perfectionist tendencies can find their mental health deteriorating thus being led down a path of depression, anxiety, and addiction. But there are things we can do to keep ourselves and loved ones in check. Social and personality psychologist Thomas Curran, who is an expert on the topic of Perfectionism, explains the difference between self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed perfectionism, why it's not healthy to spend too much time on social media and why it's so important to let go of comparison. 

Perinatal Mental Health problems occur during pregnancy and the very early stages of a child's life. And while postnatal depression is now widely spoken about, mental health problems in the perinatal period are less so and can leave a mother feeling isolated, ashamed and helpless.  Carmine Pariante is a professor of biological psychiatry at King's College London, and a consultant perinatal psychiatrist at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Specialising in the biological communication between the body and the brain, with a strong focus being in the areas of depression and fatigue, particularly in relation to the perinatal period and in those suffering from medical disorders, he discusses why it's so important to support a mother from a family, friends and societal level. 

It's coming up to 2 years since the first known case of the coronavirus was identified in Wuhan, China. Since then, the disease has spread worldwide, leading to an ongoing pandemic.  When zooming out globally although we can say a lot may have escaped becoming physically unwell, there are few of us that have escaped the adverse effects it has had on our mental health.  Dr Hilary Jones is a well-known face on UK breakfast TV and can be seen almost daily advising the British public on health matters for Good Morning Britain and Lorraine. The ITV doctor has never been busier and more of a source of information and comfort to the nation than he has in the last 20 months.  In this conversation about covid and the mental health crisis, Dr Hilary discusses the mental health impact of long covid, advises on how to best communicate with your GP's receptionist to ensure you get an appointment to be seen (which due to the pandemic continues to be a major challenge) and explains why perspective and patience are still so important right now. 

While not considered a mental illness, burnout can be considered a serious mental health issue that leads to poor physical and mental health. Caused by excessive and prolonged stress, burnout takes its toll emotionally, physically, and mentally. The good news is, if you know what signs to look out for, it is preventable and curable.  Katie Maycock is an anxiety and digestive health specialist and burnout expert. In this episode of the podcast, Katie breaks down the six stages of burnout, offers advice on how to cope with demanding work colleagues and pressure in the workplace, plus explains the effect stress has on the gut and why the key to better digestion is regular stress management. 

Depression can affect how you think, feel, and function in daily life. It's a complex mental illness that globally is estimated to affect 5.0% of all adults. Alastair Campbell, the writer, broadcaster and mental health campaigner has battled with severe depression for most of his life, something that he explores in detail in his autobiographical book "LIVING BETTER, How I learned to survive depression." In this episode Alastair talks about his 'depression drowning drinking days', suicidal ideology, how his illness impacted on the family, Tony Blair's reaction to the full disclosure of his nervous breakdown and what tools and exercises Alastair has found to be the most effective to manage his depression and therefore, live better. 

Anxiety escapes no one but when it becomes disordered it can metamorphose into something quite sinister and debilitating. Joshua Fletcher has spent his entire career devoted to untangling the anxiety web and through his best-selling books, podcast, Manchester practice and legions of social media followers; helped millions along the way. With Gabby along for the ride, Josh breaks down the most common types of anxiety disorders and explains how anxiety doesn't have to be so scary, once we know where it came from and why it shows up. 

The term 'Mental Health' gets used a lot, but are we now in danger of using it inappropriately and too casually? Not everyone has a mental health illness, but we do all suffer from times of unease, worry, anxiety and stress. Psychotherapist and a former NHS Clinical Lead in mental health Owen O'Kane offers a simple practical approach to managing your mental wellbeing plus recognising the signs when professional help is and isn't needed. The globally acclaimed author of 'Ten to Zen' and 'Ten Times Happier' also offers advice on how to manage negative thoughts and step into a more positive perspective.

Host Gabby sits down with My Possible Self directors Hana Wilkinson and Fleur Stevenson to discuss why the sisters are so passionate about providing mental health support for all.