I absolutely hate going on holiday. Hate it. It’s one of my least favourite activities of the year. Spring, summer, autumn or winter, it makes no difference to me. Whatever time of year; wherever... Read more
It doesn’t take a lifetime of counselling and psychotherapy to help you realise that being bullied at school isn’t good for your mental health. It falls in the category of bears, woods, popes and... Read more
I am old enough to remember Philip Schofield when he only had a broom cupboard and Gordon the Gopher for company. He now commands audiences of millions and all the adulation and fame that goes with... Read more
I’m Ben and I’m struggling at the moment. It feels good to get that off my chest. I have a good idea about what is going on. I know it’s a combination of a tough situation at work; winter/dark... Read more
As many have pointed out to President Trump, words matter. What we say or don’t say can have as much, if not more, impact than what we do. Words can hurt. Words can wound. Words can have an impact... Read more
As I have written here before, I like routine. I am a creature of habit. I like to have a plan. I like – when possible – to know what the day ahead has in store for me. I put my clothes... Read more
I am old enough to remember the 10pm text message new year ritual. The time when we were all worried about the mobile phone network being too busy to process our 00:00:01 “happy new year” text... Read more
It sneaks up on me every year: the sound of Noddy Holder; the sharp smell of mince pies; the tacky tinsel in the office. It’s the yearly “I can’t believe where this year has gone” or... Read more
Selfishness is not something to which we are taught to aspire. It’s not quite up there with murder, adultery and coveting thy neighbour’s wife, but if there was an eleventh commandment or an... Read more
One of the greatest films ever made is The Untouchables. Yes, I know that Sean Connery’s Irish accent – yes it was meant to be Irish – for which he won an Oscar – yes, he won an... Read more
Typically, Piers Morgan nearly spoil it for everyone. Not just breakfast television programming or anything he tweets about. But today. International Men’s Day. His “political correctness gone... Read more
In the first half of 2015, I was trying to return to work after my breakdown. I didn’t know at the time, but I was still in the midst of it as I started to drag myself into work for a half day here... Read more
We don’t know what really happens behind closed doors; what it is like inside someone else’s heads; to truly walk in a stranger’s shoes. This is true in all aspects of life – no matter... Read more
I know that I love routine. I am a creature of habit. Repetition is my friend. I take comfort and reassurance from the routines that I have established in my life. They allow me to exert some control... Read more
Everyone is an expert. Everyone has an opinion. Everyone has a view. Some are well-informed, borne from personal experience, including of close family and friends. Some are based on prejudice, fear... Read more
Despite being someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, I consider myself to be fairly robust and resilient. Since my breakdown, I am more aware of my vulnerabilities and am less likely to... Read more
I know the signs. I pick the skin around my thumbs with my index fingers – occasionally biting the newly created scab or hard skin. Sometimes until they bleed when the digging has gone pretty... Read more
Like many people, I have a number of mini-obsessions. Routines. Things that are important to me to do each day – things that you might call little superstitions. One of them relates to my... Read more
At the start of this month I started a diary. A daily account of my mental health. The good. The bad. The indifferent. The highs and lows. The moments of self doubt. The days with a spring in my... Read more
For someone who suffers with depression, life is full of awkward or painful juxtapositions. Times when you are sat in the dark whilst others feel bathed in light. Times when you need an umbrella to... Read more