chat chit

We know that Christmas can be a particularly tough time for people who may struggle with their mental health; from masking at social events to feeling guilty when we do experience them glimmers of fun and enjoyment. This links very closely to those who have experienced loss and why this Christmas special focuses on how to support others and yourself through the festive season(and other significant dates) when you have experienced bereavement in the family. We welcome Jo, the founder of BCSY (Bereaved Children Support York) on to the podcast to discuss both her experiences of losing her husband and her sons father as well as the charity she set up. On this episode, amongst talking about our favourite Christmas songs and traditions, we chat about how to manage expectations around Christmas and the communication and honesty that is essential when you've lost a close family member. Whether you are a parent trying to support your family through the festive season or a young person trying to understand the loss and bereavement you are going through, this episode of chat chit gives some gems of advice of how to best deal with significant dates and the Christmas season.EnjoyThat is it for chat chit for season 2 but we will be back sometime in the spring to chat a little bit more for season 3.Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

You may have heard in episode 18 that we did a podcast with Mike from changing lives about addiction and the impacts of drugs and alcohol. In this episode we focus on a different type of addiction and the impact gambling can have on your mental health. My friend Ryan or "Coombsy" joins me on this episode of chat chit to discuss his gambling addiction and his mental health. We discuss Gambling and mental health in tandem and how there is a bit of a chicken and the egg complex when it comes to his story where both became intertwined with each other. From being a serial liar to chasing the wins, we hear about how Ryan has now learnt to manage his addiction and the advice he gives to people who might be struggling with the same thing. He talks about the help he got and how he stays well now. Amongst discussing the larger topics around the stigma of addiction, we hear how stays busy now and give himself purpose through his passions of football and his agency "Inter Sport Management UK" I have known Ryan since I was 11 and it was great to have him come on a talk so honestly about what he went through because it is certainly not an easy topic to be so open about. A top bloke with a big heart and that certainly comes across in the episode.EnjoyIf you are worried about your Gambling then you can visit GamCare - The leading provider of support for anyone affected by problem gambling in Great BritainPlease if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

We are back with another episode of chat chit and in this one we chat to Emily about her experiences. Emily is one of the York Mind Young person steering group and initially when we first started releasing the podcast she had no desire to speak about her mental health on a podcast. 18 months on and talking and being open about her experiences about what she has been through is a key thing that helps her maintain her mental health. From trying to understand her diagnosis’s to recognizing the how medication can act as a crutch for her mental health, we go through Emily's story and see how far she has come. Enjoy.Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

Now if you have listened to the podcast for long enough, you will know that we try to focus on the ways that people manage and help themselves to improve their mental health but what about the things that may negatively impact us?In this episode I speak to the absolute legend that is Mike from Changing lives (alcohol and drug use service in York).We have an open and honest conversation about the impact of certain substances and how they may impact our mental health including some personal anecdotes. We are not trying to scare anyone into never touching alcohol ever again, but what we did want to do is highlight some ways that you can perhaps reduce your consumption or get support with your drug or alcohol usage. We focus predominantly on alcohol and marijuana, but what we also talk about is how different drugs come with different hangovers and how they can act as con men. Whether you are using drugs or alcohol as a way to mask and try ignore something that might be going on with your mental health, or you just want to cut down a bit, this episode gives you a way in to start understanding how you may be able to start talking about it.EnjoyPlease if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

It may feel  sometimes like managing your mental health and trying to go to work aren't exactly the most compatible things. For me(Chris), I have always struggled to stay in a job long term because of the impact of stress and a full time job on my mental health.So in this episode we interview Vicky and Mark who work at York Mind to try support people and businesses to make workplace wellbeing at the forefront of employers minds. We hear about their lived experience of what helps them individually in the workplace, as well as absolutely key advice about how we can keep ourselves healthy at work. Some more unusual anecdotes about fish and the Teletubbies creep into this episode, but it doesn't take away from their insight. They also talk about York Mind has to offer in terms of training and the new "Knowledge hub" which has been created so that employers have access to information and resources to help their employees through creating  a mentally healthy work environment.You can sign up to it here York Mind - Knowledge Hub or by contacting corporatewellbeing@yorkmind.org.ukEnjoy.Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

I promise I'm not even trying to come up with weird names for podcast episodes now, they just fall out my brain.Anyways, welcome back to chat chit and on this episode we have the lovely Beth on the podcast. In this episode we touch on soooo much, it felt like we could've done a 3 parts to this episode, but that's probably because we kept getting distracted and started reminiscing about Sheffield university. Whether you are going to the University of Sheffield or not, this episode covers moving to university and trying to manage anxiety to finding out who you are as a person. We also talk about her dealing with bereavement of a both a close friend and family member. Beth shifted careers and is now a trainee counsellor at 1-2-1 counselling and talks how the impact of her own mental health impacted the change of direction to becoming a counsellor. We talk through all the ways Beth manages and learn more about the benefits of Hula hooping to Chaka Khan....I really enjoyed recording this episode and I hope you feel the same hearing it back.Enjoy.Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

Look at you you lucky person being treated to a bonus episode of chat chit. In this episode I have teamed up with Richard from Cornwall Mind to produce a collaboration podcast on the trials and tribulations of producing a mental health podcast. Cornwall Mind produce "A space to speak your mind" which is a radio show and podcast that has been going for over 4 years now. It has been produced by people with lived experience as part of one of their well being groups. In this episode we talk about some of our favourite moments  producing the podcasts and some of the things that we find a little bit harder. If you are listening to this then you obviously know where to find chat chit but if you want to hear other episodes of a "a space to speak your mind" you can find it here. A space to speak your mindEnjoy Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

 I must start by apologizing because yes, the episodes of chat chit are now going out every 3/4 weeks rather than every two. You'll just have to check out some of the episodes you haven't listened to yet. In this Episode we chat to 121 counselling's Holly. Holly talks about her lived experience of having anorexia nervosa and also how she tries to manage her anxiety and transitions through school. We talk about the way that her struggles have influenced the work she does today with 121 counselling and the work she wants to pursue in the future. These things have given Holly her "purpose" and because of this, alongside eating the same breakfast every day(Granola, Yoghurt and a kiwi), Holly is in a much better place.  She is such a kind soul and through the work she does, just wants to give back to other people who may need the support.Enjoy. 1-2-1 Counselling | YormindPlease if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

A couple of weeks ago we had Helena share her story of OCD, anxiety and depression as well as tangents galore. This week on the pod we get to hear the experiences of her dad Martin; how he managed, how his faith helped him and how it was for him when she decided to go to New Zealand... This is the third parent episode of chat chit and was great to chat to Martin about his and Helena's experiences. You will hear his dulcet tones talk about how his work within Stockton hall hospital helped him be objective when it came to supporting Helena and focus on what she need.  What you can tell throughout this conversation though is how Martin is such a caring and considered guy and what I would class as "one of the good ones".  EnjoyPlease if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

In this episode we hear about Helena's story. This episode acts as part 1 in a mini series, where in a couple of weeks we get to hear a second perspective on the same story, when Helena's dad (Martin) talks openly about how he tried to support her. This episode covers a range of topics from self stigma and denial of mental health to how Helena has come to manage her OCD after a number of years. From Chris absolutely going round the houses to explain intrusive thoughts with a dog as a metaphor, to a planned trip to New Zealand on her own, this episode of chat chit definitely covers a lot.Due to her anxiety and OCD, Helena took time off school, but how she has battled through and still is pursuing her future in physiotherapy and the involvement she has trying to improve mental health services is absolutely outstanding and is so eloquent with how she explains her story. Enjoy. Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

We are back after a mid season break with the accidental pride podcast. In this episode we hear Roo's story of mental health and how they came to understand their gender. Me and Roo have known each other for a long time, but unfortunately this doesn't stop me from accidentally misgendering them at the beginning of the podcast. We discussed it and we kept it in because we thought it was an important topic to talk about. Roo is eloquent with how they describe their story, but also very knowledgeable  when explaining both sexuality and gender, and the link they can have to mental health. Both educational and a really good listen I hope that people find as much value in listening to it, as I did in recording it. Enjoy For more information  LGBTQIA+ | YormindPlease if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

We switch this episode up a bit and start by focusing on the things that help Andy and Chris. In all honesty, we go off topic and talk about mountaineering and climbing alot, but what we do get round to is the way that both these activities can be great for your mental health and can act as a great metaphor for mental health. We hear how climbing acts as a stress release and a preventative measure for Chris to manage his mental health, and we hear how Andy co founded an organization called Black Dog Outdoors to help facilitate people to get out in to nature and do something to aid their mental health. These guys are just genuinely lovely blokes and it was great to go to the core of the podcast and chat chit about mental health and what helps us.Blackdog OutdoorsFreeklime | YormindPlease if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

This weeks episode kicks off a mini series around OCD where we interview a few different people on their stories and perspectives where OCD plays a featuring role in their mental health journey. In this episode we chat to Hannah who educates me on what OCD is and how it isn’t just being clean and tidy! On top of hearing about how she manages we hear how her mental health journey has influenced the podcast she is producing for her degree.Enjoy!https://www.yormind.org.uk/support-services/mental-health-services/national-services/https://ocdaction.org.uk/Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

TW - This episode references suicide and thoughts of suicide. We are all best at judging what things affect us, so please be mindful where this conversation topic may impact you.  Crisis Lines | YormindDue to us being a truly global podcast... this is the first episode of chat chit which has been solely recorded over video call where Harvey has dialed in from Italy.  Harv talks about when he first reached out to his brother when things became too much for him. He understands his mental health as a jigsaw where different puzzle pieces create a whole understanding of what it is he goes through and how he manages. From walks being "criminally underrated " to routine playing a big part in Harv managing his mental health, we get an insight into his life and story of mental health. Harvey is an unbelievably intelligent, caring and articulate guy and it was a pleasure having him on to talk about his experiences. He is a good friend of mine so I know it was hard for him to not be too much of a nuisance on the episode as well.Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

In this episode, we have done a little bit of a collaboration with our friends at York Ending Stigma. Emma leads a number of champions to raise both awareness of Mental health and break some of the stigma around it. Links to all they do below! In this episode we understand the stigma that Emma has faced when it has come to dealing with her mental health; from work place stigma to self stigma. Self esteem and human connection play a big role in all of our lives and and Emma talks about these things with upmost importance of it when it comes to managing your mental health. She is both eloquent and knowledgeable on all things mental health and it is a pleasure to work alongside her.Enjoy.York Ending Stigma - York CVSYork Ending Stigma – Let's Talk Suicide Prevention (whysuicideprevention.co.uk)Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

Alongside talking about her escapism and love for aqua marine animals and crocodiles, Mabel talks in depth about her diagnosis of Tourette's and her more recent diagnosis of ADHD. She talks about how they impact her life daily but also how she manages them, particularly in the workplace. Mabel is a good friend of mine from York and talks so openly and honestly about her struggles with both neurodivergence and depression. Even in the face of adversity these things  have not stopped her from pursuing and successfully continuing on the pathway to becoming a lawyer. Enjoy. Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

Why do I feel like this? Sometimes this is a question which we try to answer when we are feeling sad, or anxious and sometimes you just cant put your finger on it. In this episode we hear Sarah talk about the self help support she received from IAPT and how she tried to get to get to grips with the very question of why do I feel like this. In this episode we also hear about the boundaries Sarah sets with work and in her relationships with friends so she continue to manage her mental health as well as how changing the emphasis around the language is an important way of not spiraling.  From team sports to crying in a corridor we chat a load of chit about different ways Sarah manages and what she is doing now. Enjoy.Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

Trigger Warning -  Tom Talks about how he lost his brother to suicide. He talks about this in the first 10 minutes of the podcast.In this episode we learn how Tom manages both his mental health through his absolute commitment to routine as well as how he supported his family when times are tough. Tom's experiences have motivated him to pursue and advocate for mental health and speaking out, where he has done many talks in schools and used his social media "Tom's.Talks" to motivate people to reach out for support and encourage them to be the best version of themself. Tom is a big dreamer with a big heart and you hear that in the podcast where you understand his story and how he manages. Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

Trigger Warning - This episode does reference chronic illness, self harm, trauma, and suicide which you may find triggering. It may show you that you are not alone at there with whatever it may be struggling with, but please be aware. Although at times this episode covers some heavy topics it is full of loads of advice and ways to manage. The title hints at just a tiny part of what we cover in this episode, where I interview Mimi with her story. She speaks so articulately about her art as a huge way of managing and communicating about her mental health, as well as having a cowboy to chat chit to her when she needs distracting. We cover both her chronic illnesses and how that impacts her mental health and ultimately that its okay to be apologetically yourself and you cant offend anyone for just existing!! Below are the links to different elements of support with CRPS and Fibromyalgia. Art Studio & Gallery | Ni Studios | Leeds | United KingdomComplex regional pain syndrome - Treatment - NHS (www.nhs.uk)Fibromyalgia - Self-help - NHS (www.nhs.uk)Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.

In the newest episode of chat chit we get a teachers perspective on Mental health. Mr walker/James/ Sir are all different ways I refer to him in this episode, but what you get to hear is a little bit about his struggles as well how it is for a teacher to try support young people in schools. He talks about his running as a way to clear his head and his fundraising for York Mind. He truly is a great guy and teacher and he likes lego aswell so what's there to dislike?Have a listen and hear how a teacher may support you in school and how there are different ways you can ask for support rather than having to battle it all on your own!Please if you like or have benefitted from the episode then give us a share, review, follow us or rate us on the platform you are listening on.For anymore information, support and services on mental health, visit Yormind which can help you to support someone else or give you a little bit more understanding of your own mental health as well.