In this episode I speak to clinical psychologist Silvia who opens up rather candidly about her health experiences with alcohol and talks about her work at Unconscious Moderation - a company developing an app that helps people moderate their drinking.
Silvia is Head of Psychology Content at UM and is developing the content, making sure it is scientifically robust and effective for users.
If you'd like to find out more about the app please access the following links:
Remember if you are struggling there are organisations out there to help you:
UK: Samaritans 116 123
USA: 988 National Suicide and crisis line
Canada: 988
Australia: 13 11 14
- - - -
PODCAST LINKS
Website: https://tsup.co.uk/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5DhAEcEE07jsp2JjKLYeDv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087974033840
Please like share and comment across all our channels guys if you liked this content! Thank you.
Episode synopsis
In this quick raw and real expose I share with you my struggles with alcoholism. Did you know up to 71% of people in rehab have an existing mental health condition? It's a staggering statistic and one that highlights the link between addiction and mental health very well.
Alcoholism isn't a funny deal and it can destroy lives, if you or anyone are suffering with an addiction please seek medical attention asap.
For me, what helped in my recovery is an organisation called Horizon's who gave me tips and tricks to remain abstinent off alcohol.
Sources of information
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/tools/drinking-check/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22298792539&gbraid=0AAAAAD6s1rB_ry9OyrdKHogTnX0HzP8g8&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_8rBBhCFARIsAJrc9yDEhUDNiBYCrISVXXfui8oPHw6ZbHWnVGoIEbKAYE78FfnEiB2qLdAaAmvkEALw_wcB#/respondent-age
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/addiction-what-is-it/#:~:text=Getting%20help%20for%20addictions&text=You%20could%20see%20your%20GP,drug%20addiction%20support
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/drugs-and-alcohol/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22211015404&gbraid=0AAAAADk6C8ccLS5j6YhtAhQsI76u76y7T&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_8rBBhCFARIsAJrc9yDrKkOebAjlu6pHnJyLEqwc-0eVlEBVbdafp4X39SxNhM2TzQmieN4aAg09EALw_wcB
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/five-action-steps-for-quitting-an-addiction
https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/addiction-types-and-support
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2022-to-2023/adult-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2022-to-2023-report#:~:text=Over%20two%2Dthirds%20(71%25,groups%20needed%20mental%20health%20treatment.
Links for further information about this podcast
Website: Home- The Speak Up Podcast
Facebook: Facebook
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thespeakuppodcast
Spotify: TheSpeak up podcast | Podcast onSpotify
Episode synopsis
In this whistlestop tour I talk about Psychosis, define what it is, the hallmarks of the condition such as hearing voices, seeing things, and delusions. I then give my best tips on how to support a loved one through it. Be sure to tune in to this informative episode.
Sources of information
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/psychosis/overview/
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/understanding-psychosis
https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/step/psychosis/
Links for further information about this podcast:
Website: Home- The Speak Up Podcast
Facebook: Facebook
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thespeakuppodcast
Spotify: TheSpeak up podcast | Podcast onSpotify
Episode synopsis
In this quick episode I talk briefly about my first therapy experiences and then dive into the advantages and disadvantages of public and private therapy. I then provide 4 different ways to find a therapist in the UK towards the end.
Sources of information
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/
https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/
https://www.bacp.co.uk/search/Therapists
Links for further information about this podcast
Website: Home- The Speak Up Podcast
Facebook: Facebook
Episode synopsis
In this quick episode we take a whistlestop tour and talk about Delusional Disorder a rare yet debilitating psychiatric illness where one experiences delusions.
This isn't the same as Schizophrenia in that the person experiences only delusions without the presence of hallucinations or voice hearing.
So in other words, a person suffers delusions alone. These can differ by topic and nature, but most sufferers cling to these 'false fixed beliefs' with tenacity and often get easily offended or sensitive when challenged.
These are hallmarks of the condition alongside seeing events as significant to the delusion.
I have personal experience with this disorder so I illustrate this with an example in the episode.
Sources of information
Delusional Disorder - Harvard HealthDelusional Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, Types & Treatment
Delusional disorder - Wikipedia
Links for further information about this podcast
Website: Home - The Speak Up Podcast
Facebook: Facebook
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thespeakuppodcast
Here I introduce the episode topic of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I talk about the features of the condition, symptoms and how it impacts behaviour. We then talk to Jeff a sufferer of this condition in the full episode.
I briefly touch on treatment and medications. Please note, we are not a medical podcast and it is for educational purposes only. Please consult your GP for professional advice.
Four main strands of symptoms for PTSD:
- Intrusive thoughts, emotions and feelings (flashbacks, smells, and tastes for example from a traumatic event)
- Avoidance - avoiding triggers or stressful stimuli.
- Change in moods or psychological wellbeing; depression, anxiety, little appetite, difficulty sleeping.
- Hyperarousal; been jumpy, irritable, and panicked. Hyperactive nervous system response. Insomnia.
Medications; SSRI's / Anti depressants
Therapy: CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or EMDR (though is lesser known or used on the NHS it is a specialist trauma focussed therapy)
If you like this trailer be sure to stay tuned for the full episode on release where I interview Jeff a sufferer of PTSD, and I ask him some questions about what its like to live with the condition.
In this short trailer I introduce BPD (commonly known as EUPD - Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder). Before I interview Dave, a sufferer of BPD. This trailer forms part of a segment of the upcoming episode.
I talk about what it is, the symptoms and features of BPD including "Splitting" which is sometimes known as black and white thinking. Putting people on a pedestal and by contrast devaluing people.
I also go over how the disorder impacts on behaviour.
I cover briefly treatment and medications for the condition although bare in mind we are not a medical podcast. DISCLAIMER: This does not constitute professional medical advice, and is only for educational purposes.
SOURCES OF RESEARCH:
What is borderline personality disorder (BPD)? - MindOverview - Borderline personality disorder - NHSBorderline personality disorder - Wikipedia
Bringing to you The Speak Up Podcast trailer 2025! Please like and share this across all your social media platforms to show your support! #podcasting #mentalhealth
www.tsup.co.uk https://open.spotify.com/show/5DhAEcEE07jsp2JjKLYeDv
Hello and welcome to season 3 ep. 1 of TSUP!
In today's episode I talk about some of the new changes you may have noticed on the podcast - including our new intro/outro sequence.
Main topic includes talking about the governments welfare reforms to PIP and Universal credit.
Key points raised:
- The government had pledged to help and support disabled people into work. Although it isn't clear into what jobs and where these jobs are going to come from.
- Economic activity and growth has been slow.
- PIP and UC cuts may plunge people into more poverty because they rely on these funds for support.
I give you this and my own personal opinion in this episode. Tune in to find out more.
If you like listening to the podcast why not like, share and comment across your social media this helps our podcast grow! You can also keep up-to-date and find out more about us on our website at www.tsup.co.uk
In this interview I talk to Charles about his journey with both physical and mental health difficulties; he explains to me the moment he came to a crossroads with his mental health - tired of repeating the same patterns of behaviour - Charles talks about how Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helped him break-free from "obligations" and self imposed expectations of other people and himself. He mentions how to find your baseline and start from there with good intention. Charles also shares some mantras of his including "Energy is currency" you have to be mindful how you spend it and on whom! Also its not what's been done to you, its what you choose to do about it that matters. Everybody has a choice in how they react to events in life, and Charles goes on to say this is what makes you who you are.
In this episode I interview Nikita who has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). There are many different forms of the condition; such as the stereotype of been overly clean. Nikita has a form of OCD that means she is constantly checking things.
She states that OCD is about much more than the myth of someone been overly clean which is a misconception, and that it isn't a 'quirk', but it is an illness that can be unpleasant to deal with.
Nikita talks to us about her crafts business Sissy & One, and tells us what she would most like to change in the world, in addition to her favourite idols.
I hope you all get something valuable out of this episode guys and I look forward to having you on the next one!
Disclaimer: We are not a medical podcast, please do not use this information as a substitute for proper medical advice from your GP or doctor.
USEFUL LINKS:
https://ocdaction.org.uk/
https://rethink.org/ocd
In this interview I talk to former universal credit agent and whistleblower Alan McClemont, who shares with us his experiences, as we explore the relationship between the benefits system and public mental health. #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #podcast #DWP #government
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are not necessarily the opinion of the podcast platform or author. We are not a medical podcast so please do seek advice from your GP or suitable medical practitioner.
In this short episode I go through some of the avenues to get help for your mental health - both in crisis and non-urgent.
Please note - some of this information applies only to North Yorkshire and North-East regions of the UK. If in doubt, please Google your area and 'mental health helpline' for your nearest resource.
NON URGENT RESOURCES
Book an appt with GP - Your doctor must be your first point of contact. Make an online urgent appt request!
Self refer to IAPT - Improving Access to Psychological Therapies - for those with mild to moderate anxiety, depression and/or wellbeing. You can self refer here: https://northyorkshiretalkingtherapies.co.uk/online-referral-form/
North Yorkshire only.
Ask your GP for a referral to your local Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). This may take a couple of weeks to months depending on the severity of your case and NHS backlogs.
Email Samaritans - jo@samaritans.org
USEFUL COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Scarborough Survivors Mental Health Resource Centre, 01723 500222
www.scarboroughsurvivors.org.uk
CRISIS RESOURCES
Samaritans
Call 116 123 (24/7 helpline)
Mental Health Emergency Helpline
0800 0516 171
(County Durham, Darlington, Teeside, North Yorkshire and York only.)
If immediate risk to life ring 999
DISCLAIMER: We are not a medical podcast so if you have any concerns about your health please consult your doctor. We are not a substitute for proper medical advice.
In this episode I present you with my roadmap to recovery. Recovery is never linear or straightforward. There will be setbacks and highs and lows. That been said there are things you can on the way to recovery to positively impact you on the way. I give you my five tips that have helped me on my own journey, and also present the news on the next episode - all exciting stuff!
Want to watch more episodes like this? Why not visit our linktree: https://linktr.ee/thespeakuppodcast for more great content and to keep abreast of all our channels.
Season Two is here!
In S2 Ep.1 I discuss Mental Health Medications and my own personal journey of trying different types of antidepressants. Did you know there are different classes of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs to treat mental illness? I talk about my struggles to find meds that work; and I also talk about Psychosis, what it is...and Antipsychotic medications to treat it.
We talk about Psychosis what it is, what it isnt, and the medications licensed to treat it, as well as some of the other conditions that feature psychotic symptoms.
Throughout this episode I draw on credible sources of information that I have collated for this episode, see reference list at the end. DISCLAIMER: We are not medical professionals and all information shared is for educational purposes only. We believe people need to be informed to make the right choices. The information I share is not intended to replace your doctors advice, and I am not trying to make decisions for people. I cannot be held liable for how you use this information. Where possible all efforts have been made to supply and use credible, up to date, and publicly available information from public bodies and health care authorities.
REFERENCES
Overview- Psychosis (nhs.uk, 2019) https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/psychosis/overview/
Overview - Anti-Depressants (nhs.uk, 2021)
Guidance - Anti Psychotic Medicines (Gov.uk, Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, 2005)
About Anti-Psychotics (Mind, 2020) https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/antipsychotics/about-antipsychotics/
USEFUL TO LOOK AT
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
British National Formulatory (BNF)