The Struggling Mind Podcast with Lee Anderson

My guest on this episode is a good friend of mine Lou O'Connell MBE, The Mental Wealth Mentor. Lou's experiences of numerous bereavements in childhood and early adulthood led Lou to develop an understanding of how to effectively help and support others manage adversity. Her journey has seen her serve 28+ years in the British Army (including 4 operational tours), volunteering with several charities and training in many therapeutic modalities. In 2015 Lou was awarded an MBE in the Queens New Year's Honours list for her work with bereaved military families. This award simultaneously embarrasses her and validates her priorities and choices made along the way. In the summer of 2021, Lou qualified as a mental health nurse with First Class Honours during the global Coronavirus pandemic. Throughout her military, voluntary and nursing careers, Lou has supported a diverse range of client groups, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, bereaved children and adults, military personnel, and young people at risk of offending. Lou loves facilitating the healing and development of others through coaching, mentoring and training. Her style has been described as a breath of fresh air, honest, straight-talking, down to earth, humorous yet compassionate (and sometimes a bit sweary).  When not studying or working, she can be found out walking with the love of her life, her chocolate Sprocker Spaniel, spud. Lou can be found on; Lou O'Connell on FB and LinkedIn @the_mental_wealth_mentor Lee can be found @thestrugglingmindpodcast @leeandersoncoaching FB and Instagram Lee Anderson on linkedIn www.leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, you may find these organisations helpful; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Army Benevolent fund, Help for Heros, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity

In this episode I talk to Tate Smith, an award-winning trans activist, consultant, and speaker, who's passionate about trans male visibility, educating others and debunking myths surrounding trans people. Tate's accolades include being named one of Attitude Magazine's 10 LGBTQ+ Trailblazers To Watch Out For In The Future, one of 50 Champions of Inclusion on the 2023 Diversity Power List and a LinkedIn Top Voice. Tate has discussed his medical transition, coming out in a corporate environment and the impact of toxic masculinity and male privilege on his journey to discovering what it means to be a man. Taking an intersectional approach to his work, Tate is a strong advocate for gender equality, men's mental health and raising awareness of the menopause, all of which has seen him become a prominent and influential voice who champions the trans+ community.

Aaron WD Huey is a Men’s Coach and Mentor... Moved from Life Coaching to specialising in coaching “Tradies” in the Australian Construction Industry. As a father, failed ex-husband and former carpenter, Aaron has been through his own journey with his mental health and personal growth. Working his way up to management he’s seen the highs and lows of the construction industry and felt the impact that the fast paced, pressure driven work environments can have on tradies onsite and at home. Along with his knowledge, experience, and his life coaching skills, Aaron is dedicated to giving back and helping motivate and empower other men in the industry to look after their mental health, improve their relationships and create a happy and thriving life through personal development. Aaron is a remarkable man doing some incredible things to highlight the changes needed to address the issues around stigma and Mental Health culture in the Australian Construction Industry. You can find Mark @Aaron_wd_huey on IG You can find Lee @leeandersoncoaching on IG www.leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been effect by anything discussed in this episode please reach out to the following support services. Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity

Author and Award Winning Speaker Ryan Harland talks about how he and his older brother were sexually and physically abused by their father and how years later after reporting the abuse his father never stood trail for his crimes. Ryan talks about his brother Kevin and shares his grief about the sudden loss of him aged only 33 and the impact it had on him and his mum. Ryan is a survivor, he was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) late in life and has written a book 'Riding the Storm' about his story of hope and survival to inspire other who are going through or have been through similar experiences. You can reach out to Ryan via his socials @ridingthestorm1977 on Instagram and facebook If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, please reach out to the following organisations; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, National AIDS Trust If you would like to share your story email leeandersoncoaching@gmail.com

In this episode I catch up with my mate Mark, we bonded on a Yorkshire 3 peaks challenge last year not long after he left his career as a policeman to become a stay at home father and train to become a carpenter. We talk about his transition from salary to self employed, how going into therapy has helped him to overcome some bad times. Plus, why its important to encourage talking about our mental wellbeing with our friends and colleagues. We have a good chat and a giggle in this one. You can find Mark @bobby_to_chippy on IG You can find Lee @leeandersoncoaching on IG www.leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been effect by anything discussed in this episode please reach out to the following support services. Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity

In this episode, Lee chats to Mel Bradley who has created an incredible Online Men's Mental Health Community and Support Network for men to connect, talk and share their struggles, thoughts and experiences in a safe environment. Mel shares how she became addicted to pain killers, how she broke free from an abusive relationship to take back control of her life and created a movement using her story to help shine a light on the stigma that is taking so many peoples lives. What this woman has done using her platform is help to save lives and also given so many others hope. Mel Bradley can be found @menagainstmountainsmovement on IG and FB If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, please reach out to the following organisations; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity If you would like to share your story email leeandersoncoaching@gmail.com

*Trigger warning*  Suicide features heavily in this episode so please be mindful and look after mind. In this episode Lee welcomes Susie Bennett PhD researcher exploring Male Suicide at University of Glasgow; we discuss her research in-depth and talk about what can drive a man to believe that suicide is the only option open to them. Lee discloses the build up to his two suicide attempts and the importance of normalising the conversation around suicide and how we can become more aware of the signs, presenting behaviours and checking in with your mates. Susie Bennett @male_suicide_research Contact s.bennett.2@gla.ac.uk to get your hands on her research paper. If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, please reach out to the following organisations; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity If you would like to share your story email leeandersoncoaching@gmail.com

In this episode we talk about grief. Grief can be a very lonely journey on an untrodden emotional path we're not fully prepared for, it's in these times when we need to reach out for support and Karen is one of those people who will sit with you and, your grief. Karen is a qualified grief counsellor who's passionate about raising awareness around mens mental health, grief & loss and anxiety; She has experienced her own grief after losing her brother. We have a very open and raw conversation about grief and loss and the impact loss has on us and talk about the importance of having difficult conversations to help people normalise talking about their grief. Karens details: Website: www.kgcounselling.co.uk IG & FB @karen_goodhew_counselling Lee Anderson details: www.leeandersoncoaching.com IG & FB @leeandersoncoaching If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, please reach out to the following organisations; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity If you would like to share your story email leeandersoncoaching@gmail.com

In this episode, Lee chats to Sam who is in recovery for drug addiction and alcohol. His story is one of relapse and how cold water therapy and creating a sober community is helping him with his sobriety. This episode will offer a lot of insight and understanding to those who are struggling to become clean or sober and those of you on your own recovery journey. We talk about how addiction is perceived within society, the impact it has on you and those around you. How alcohol is promoted and socially excepted without being shown the addition side to it. It's an honest chat where Sam and Lee offer some insight on how they got sober and how it's changed their lives. You can find Sam Phillips @dare_to_dip on IG & TikTok You can find Lee Anderson @leeandersoncoaching IG www.leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, please reach out to the following organisations; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity If you would like to share your story email leeandersoncoaching@gmail.com

This week I sit down and have a chat with Marcus who describes himself as an 'ex-bulimic, B rated rock star' who is now a Nutrition coach helping men who struggle with eating disorders navigate their way through the tricky world of dieting. He gives a very interesting insight into his struggles with bulimia and how he physically saw himself led to over training and his then obsession with dieting. Marcus explains about how our subconscious attitude towards food is something we need to be aware of and how commercially we as men have so much pressure on us to look a certain way it can lead to many of us developing issues with our looks, fitness habits and behaviours. There are so many fascinating insights into male eating disorders, some of the reasons why and how disorders can manifest, plus the mental and physical implications it can have on us. Marcus can be found on Instagram @mkaincoaching  Lee can be found on instagram @leeandersoncoaching or www.leeandersoncoaching.com  If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, you may find these organisations helpful; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, weight matters.co.uk Music credit 'check it out' by Mountaineer

In today's episode I sit down with Will Mahaffey who talks to me about how the trauma he experienced growing has turned him into a relentless athlete is search of ways to challenge himself mentally and physically whilst raising awareness for mental health. Will shares how at a young age he experienced the loss of his dad and his uncle to suicide within a week of each other and how after leaving the family home in his early teens he started selling drugs to finance himself. He decided to join the British Army at 21 in order to get some stability in his life and within 6 months of joining the Infantry Will was posted to Afghanistan in a period deemed to be the most horrific times any military personnel would experience in front line battle.  After leaving the army, Will turned to drugs and went to prison, whilst in prison Will was still not dealing with a lot of his issues but had the opportunity to enrol on the 'Learning together program' and earned himself a 2-1 degree in criminology. He went on to further his education and after being released was asked to attend an awards ceremony in London Fishmongers Hall on 29th Nov 2019. Will was caught up in the terror attack that took place in London Bridge and was and unsung hero getting bystanders to safety before casually getting the train home. You can hear the full account in the episode, I'm still speechless at his actions.  Will is now a dedicated athlete who has competed in the Iron Man competitions and is currently in training to swim the channel next year. Will's resilience, relentless and passion to help and support others really shines through and for me is incredible for taking back his power and is owning and sharing his space.      Will can be found on Instagram @william_mahaffey_  go give him some love and sponsor his channel swim via the link in his instagram bio.  Lee can be found on Instagram @thestrugglingmindpodcast and @leeandersoncoaching and LinkedIn leeandersoncoaching www.leeandersoncoaching.com For any inquiries regarding Life coaching or mentoring from Lee please email lee@leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, you may find these organisations helpful; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, www.prisonreformservice.org Music credit 'check it out' by Mountaineer

This week I chatted with Marc who after serving multiple prison sentences decided he need to change his criminal ways. He transferred to a therapeutic prison where he started to work on rehabilitating his mindset, developing and understand why he though and behaved the way he did to be able to break the cycle of repeat offending.  Marc now works for a prison reform charity helping to support offenders to be rehabilitated into not re-offending and change the way they view themselves. Marc shares his story which helped him to make the transition from criminal to earning a degree placing him in a position to help reform prisoners, injustices, fighting for prisoners rights against the government policies through his work with the prison reform service. Marc is a firm believer in restorative and therapeutic practices and the greater sense of self it can provide. He also believes that time should be invested into changing social norms because they are been a huge driver in why people offend.  Marc can be found on twitter @Marcconway80. Lee can be found on Instagram @thestrugglingmindpodcast and @leeandersoncoaching and LinkedIn leeandersoncoaching www.leeandersoncoaching.com For any inquiries regarding Life coaching or mentoring from Lee please email lee@leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, you may find these organisations helpful; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Prisonreformservice.org Music credit 'check it out' by Mountaineer NDXQeew63OMtcWZaPFhu

In this week's episode I have a conversation with Chris Michaels from @dark_sidepodcast, who's written a number of books some based on mental health and the evolution of the human mind. We focus our conversation around our experiences of being in relationships where we were gaslighted by previous partners and the effects it had on our new relationships and how the emotional and mental scars take a long time to heal. Chris talks about staying within a relationship that had become toxic and trying to function after being medically discharged from the Royal Navy started to take its toll on him mentally. He discloses about his partners manipulation within the relationship making him question his sanity which was the start of him being gaslighted by them, he explains that outwardly they presented to friends and family that the relationship is good but inwardly the relationship was mentally abusive. We compare our stories of being gaslit and the the reasons why it took us both so long to leave our respective relationships.    Healthline.com have some ways you can recognise gaslighting and how to get support. Chris can be found on instagram @dark_sidepodcast Lee can be found on Instagram @thestrugglingmindpodcast and @leeandersoncoaching and LinkedIn leeandersoncoaching website www.leeandersoncoaching.com For any inquiries regarding Life coaching or mentoring from Lee please email lee@leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, you may find these organisations helpful; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous Music credit 'check it out' by Mountaineer

In today's episode I sit down to have a frank and brutally honest conversation with chef and youth worker Paul Smith, who whilst growing up was involved with gang life in Glasgow where during that time he was stabbed multiple times on different occasions. Paul reveals that growing up he wanted to become 'a name' earn respect, make money selling drugs and have notoriety on the streets of Glasgow. Paul explains in-depth this thoughts and feelings lead up to, during and after being shot and how at the age 14 years old he was arrested for stabbing someone 9 times ending up with him serving 10 years in prison. There is so much to paul's story that your gonna have to listen to the episode.   Paul's decision the turn his life around which led him back to his passion for cooking and he trained to become a chief. Paul now trains and supports young adults who are looking for guidance, teaching them responsibility and life skills to keep them away from a life of crime through a youth organisation called the G20 based in Scotland.  Paul is a massive example that taking responsibility for yourself and making yourself accountable to make huge lifestyle changes. Paul, I salute you and your drive to inspire and help other grow with your guidance to follow their passion and find their purpose.  G20 is charity based youth organisation based in Scotland.   Lee can be found on Instagram @thestrugglingmindpodcast and @leeandersoncoaching and LinkedIn leeandersoncoaching website www.leeandersoncoaching.com For any inquiries regarding Life coaching or mentoring from Lee please email lee@leeandersoncoaching.com  If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, you may find these organisations helpful; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous Music credit 'check it out' by Mountaineer

In today's episode I sit down with Carolyn who talks about her active role in highlighting the chronic illness she suffers with called P.O.T.S. it's a illness she accepts that will not go away, it's an invisible illness that affects many people but is only physically felt by the suffer. It's an illness that Carolyn was diagnosed with 17 years ago and has held her captive with symptoms of chronic fatigue, nausea and suffers can experience 'flare up days' when you symptoms can have you admitted to hospital. Carolyn opens up about how her illness has affected her mental and explains that she used to self-harm due to her depression brought on by her P.O.T.S.  Carolyn sheds light on the lack of research and information available in the UK and Ireland and talks about how she has started campaigning to raise awareness around P.O.T.S and other invisible illnesses. Carolyn has recently launched her Warriors Unite podcast were she provides a platform for other suffers of chronic illnesses to connect and share their stories in order to raise awareness and to build a community.   Carolyn can be found on Instagram @warriorsunitepodcast and @mypotsandme or her website www.mypotsandme.com for her blog Lee can be found on Instagram @thestrugglingmindpodcast and @leeandersoncoaching and LinkedIn leeandersoncoaching website www.leeandersoncoaching.com For any inquiries regarding Life coaching or mentoring from Lee please email lee@leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, you may find these organisations helpful; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, dyssupport Music credit 'check it out' by Mountaineer

In this week's episode I have the pleasure of talking to Rebecca who is married to Steve (Season 1 - episode 5) she talks about that whilst in the process of changing jobs she was planning and organising their wedding and on her return from a weekend away, Steve broke the news to her that he had a tumour on his brain. Rebecca gives her version of events of the impact that had on her and how she managed to maintain a normal and stable environment for them both without receiving any support from any outside agencies or from Steve's work. Rebecca talks about how work became her sanctuary and that how leaning on her family and friends helped her to when things got difficult. Rebecca also shares how important it is to reach out and connect with others that are going through similar experiences, and discusses how important it was for her to keep going and stay focused.    Lee can be found on instagram @leeandersoncoaching, LinkedIn Lee Anderson  www.leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, you may find these organisations helpful; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Veterans Welfare service, Army Welfare service, Armed Force community, Army Benevolent (ABF) Music credit 'check it out' by Mountaineer If you would like to share your story email lee@leeandersoncoaching.com

In today's episode I sit down with Tom, the co-host of @MYHPodcast and founder and host of an independent Manchester based radio station Cotton City Radio. This episode is really hard hitting and for some will be a tough listen. Tom has had to deal with a lot of trauma over the past four and half years, he talks about how a few years ago whilst playing rugby he unknowingly suffered a heart attack and how that affected him mentally, he also shares his heartbreaking story of experiencing the loss of a child and the impact that has had on him and his wife. If that wasn't enough heartache he also had to deal with the passing of his nana. Tom's had a lot to process in a short period of time and shares in such an honest and matter of fact way that will resonate with so many of us.  Tom can be found on instagram @myhpodcast and @cottoncityradio  Lee can be found on instagram @leeandersoncoaching or www.leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, you may find these organisations helpful; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, nct.org.uk, Sands Music credit 'check it out' by Mountaineer

In this seasons opening episode, I ask a good friend of mine Taylor James (waffleshoppodcast) to host this episode, as I turn the tables on myself and become the guest. It's a chance for me to introduce myself and to talk about why I felt it was important to use the podcast as a space for people to share their stories, taking us through their struggles and they subsequently overcome them. I also share aspects of my adventure through life and the importance of reaching out and helping one another.   Taylor James can be found on Instagram @waffleshoppodcast  Lee can be found on instagram @leeandersoncoaching or www.leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, you may find these organisations helpful; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous Music credit 'check it out' by Mountaineer

In this week's episode, Lee talks to Tony who opens up about the tragic life changing event that devastated his family, leaving a massive hole in his life and how 4 years on he's slowly coming to terms with his brothers murder. Lee can be found on instagram @leeandersoncoaching or www.leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, you may find these organisations helpful; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous Music credit 'check it out' by Mountaineer If you would like to share your story email leeandersoncoaching@gmail.com

In the second part of our conversation Ralph and I talk about breaking the chains of abuse, childhood trauma and the importance of dealing with situations as they arise rather them carrying them for years.  You can find Ralph on Instagram and podcast @chainedtothedevil You can find Lee on Instagram @leeandersoncoaching and www.leeandersoncoaching.com If you've been affected by any of the issues mentioned in any of the episodes, you may find these organisations helpful; Mind Charity, Samaritans, NHS Mental Health, Papyrus, Crus Bereavement, Victim support, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous Music credit 'check it out' by Mountaineer If you would like to share your story email leeandersoncoaching@gmail.com