mental health Archives - A Familiar Stranger

Vlog: Something Changed – I Had A Black Dog

23 August 202023 August 2020 MatthewDepression & Mental Health

With my sharp new haircut and trendy new glasses, life is pretty good right now. The same can’t be said of when my uninvited guest paid me its visits… Here I read the first thing[…]

The Daily Dose – ‘If there is a wound, we must try to heal it…’

12 April 202012 April 2020 MatthewWords to the Wise - Words to Motivate & Inspire

Today’s quote is from my favourite novel, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis de Bernieres. It considers the idea of the ‘wounded healer’, and how we can use struggle and suffering as a catalyst for helping[…]

Radio Interview – Taking Care of Your Mental Health During Lockdown

12 April 202012 April 2020 MatthewDepression & Mental Health

I was recently interviewed for Community Voice FM, Middlesbrough’s community radio station, on looking after your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown. Be Active – Be Connected – Keep Learning – Take[…]

mountains

5 March 20205 March 2020 MatthewPoetic(ish) Musings

Antidepressants – To Take Or Not To Take?

26 February 202026 February 2020 MatthewDepression & Mental Health

Fourteen years ago I stepped into my doctor’s surgery and said that I needed help. I was gripped by depression and didn’t see a way out, although at that time I didn’t know what I[…]

Time to Talk Day: Free Book Offer & School Talks

6 February 20206 February 2020 MatthewDepression & Mental Health

Today is Time to Talk Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of mental health led by the fantastic Time to Change, who I am proud to be a Champion for. We can all play[…]

The Bravest Thing I’ve Ever Done

30 December 201930 December 2019 MatthewDepression & Mental Health

(Spoiler: it’s not joining Plenty Of Fish) When you speak openly about your struggles with mental health you get called brave quite a lot. It’s understandable, reflecting as it does the very real stigma that[…]