mental health

Opening up

I’m really not the sort of person who opens up easily about myself. Some people might find that weird given that I’m on the radio every evening talking to thousands of people, but I rarely talk about myself and my life on air. After all, my show is about other people and their talents, not about me.

But recently I was asked by the insanely talented Jack Louis Cooper to appear on a digital series he was putting together talking to men who work in the creative industry about their career and mental health. Having had a rocky start to 2021 and needing some space away from my job to deal with that, Jack asked if I’d be open to talking about it with him on a recorded Zoom call that he could publish on Instagram, YouTube and Twitter… I was apprehensive, like MASSIVELY apprehensive but I’m glad I agreed to it.

It’s always a weird experience being ‘the other side’ of an interview. I’m so used to being the one asking the questions of guests on my radio show (of which Jack was a guest talking about his amazing music - check it out here). So when I was on the receiving end of some of the questions Jack had for me I had to really think about the answers I was giving, especially as they were about mental health and wellbeing.

Jack put me at ease so wonderfully though. Take time to give the interview a watch in the player above and drop a comment on the video too, let Jack and I know what you thought of it. I’ve already had a few texts and messages from a few people about it since it was published. Some from people I hadn’t heard from in ages and one from a mate of mine who told me exactly what I needed to hear. So your comments really do mean the world.

…And breathe

I’ve been on annual leave for the last two weeks… I know, it feels weird being on leave without being able to go anywhere or do anything… But after a few weeks off work, I can’t wait to get back on the radio and showcase some incredible BBC Upload content.

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I’m so glad I’ve had two weeks off work - it’s something I was long overdue. I’d noticed myself slipping into a bad mindset and felt like I was struggling to enjoy anything. You may have seen from my previous blog posts that I wasn’t feeling the best. Lockdown and other stuff has really been wearing me down. But taking some time off meant I managed to go back to Birmingham and see my parents (who I’m bubbled with) and it really helped me to get a sense of normality for a few days.

It’s the silly stuff like sitting with someone to watch the telly, having someone else to make a cuppa for when you get up to make yourself one… I’ve really missed social company. I’m such a sociable person and it’s hit me hard not having people around me as much. I’m also really tactile too, so I can’t wait to have a hug and high-five people again!!

Taking time to reset and recharge is important, but with the pandemic and lockdown I thought “what’s the point in taking time off, I can’t go anywhere or do anything” but I needed to step away from being on the work hamster wheel for a bit. Just to not think about work for a while.

With my mind rested I feel loads more focused and know I’ll be able to give it my all again. Thanks to anyone who has reached out, checked in, text, called, facetimed - It means the world to me. You are all heroes ❤️