MQ Open Mind

Revisiting the ’Gone Too Soon’ Webinar

In honour of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month,  this week, we’re re-releasing our Gone Too Soon webinar as a podcast episode. 

Hosted by MQ’s Bryony, the panel consisted of Professor Rory O’Connor, Dr Ruchika Gajwani, a clinical psychologist and MQ Fellow, and MQ ambassador Harry Corin.

In this discussion, they spoke about the current state of treatments and interventions, the misconceptions about suicide and how research may prevent more people from being gone too soon. 

Claire Eastham & Living With Panic Disorder

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to author and MQ ambassador Claire Eastham. Earlier this year, Claire released a book called ‘How I Learned to Live With Panic’, which explores anxiety and panic disorder whilst providing helpful knowledge on how to manage panic attacks.

In this inspiring conversation, they spoke about the difficulties with getting a diagnosis, learning how to understand your condition and how to support someone with panic disorder.

Nick Morgan and Protecting Youth Mental Health

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to Nick Morgan, the founder of the organization Euro Youth Mental Health, and activist and lived experience campaigner, Chryssi.

Euro Youth Mental Health is a non-profit organization that advocates for children and young people’s mental health.

In this discussion, they spoke about the importance of volunteering, using lived experience in research, and supporting young people's mental health.

Learn more about Euro Youth Mental Health here: https://eymh.org/

Visit MQMentalHealth.org to learn more about MQ and mental health research.

Gemma Oaten and Living With an Eating Disorder

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to actress and eating disorder campaigner Gemma Oaten. Gemma is known for playing Rachel Breckle in the popular soap opera Emmerdale. 

 

At age 10, Gemma discovered that she had an eating disorder, although due to a lack of clinical understanding, she continued to struggle for another 13 years. Now Gemma is the CEO of the charity SEED UK,  which aims to help those living with an eating disorder.

 

In this fascinating conversation, they spoke about the difficulties with getting a diagnosis, the severity of eating disorders and providing support for survivors.

 

Visit MQMentalHealth.org to learn more about MQ and mental health research.

 

If you, or someone you know, is affected by an eating disorder, then please reach out for advice and support from one of the following organisations:

https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
https://eatingdisordersanonymous.org/
https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

Lily Bailey and Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to mental health activist and author Lily Bailey. At age 16, Lily was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, although her first experiences with OCD occurred during childhood. 

Recently, Lily released the children’s book, ‘When I See Blue’, about a young boy and his struggles with OCD.

In this thorough conversation, they discussed the misconceptions about OCD, whether writing can be cathartic, and the potential future of OCD treatments. 

Visit MQMentalHealth.org to learn more about MQ and mental health research.

Azeem Rafiq and the Impact of Racism on Mental Health

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to MQ ambassador and cricket star, Azeem Rafiq. Azeem played cricket professionally in England for Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

In 2020, Azeem shared his experiences of racism and bullying at Yorkshire, which became a major media story in the United Kingdom.

In this riveting conversation, they spoke about racism in sport, having a winner’s mindset, and using religion to improve your mental health.

Visit MQMentalHealth.org to learn more about MQ and mental health research.

James Downs and Embracing Lived Experience in Research

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to MQ ambassador and yoga instructor, James Downs.

James is a member of the Gone Too Soon steering group, helping to shape the direction of MQ's next funding programme as an expert by experience. In this episode, we spoke about the prevalence of eating disorders, the inclusion of people with lived experience in research, and improving your mental health through yoga.

If you, or someone you know, is affected by an eating disorder, then please reach out for advice and support from one of the following organisations: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

https://eatingdisordersanonymous.org/

https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ 

Amazin LeThi & Dr Jessica Schleider and Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to athlete and LGBTQ+ advocate, Amazin LeThi, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology at Stonybrook University, Dr Jessica Schleider. In this episode, they spoke about supporting the mental health of the LGBTQ+ community, the importance of representation, and the impact of meaningful moments on your mental health.

 

Learn more here https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/home/

Leigh Timmis and Finding Your Purpose in Life

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to speaker and Guinness world record holder, Leigh Timmis. They spoke about self-improvement, finding your purpose, and breaking records.

 

https://www.mqmentalhealth.org/home/

Dr Alexandra Pitman and Identifying Loneliness

In this episode, Professor Rory and Craig spoke to Associate Professor in Psychiatry at UCL and Consultant Psychiatrist at Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Alexandra Pitman. They spoke about loneliness, the importance of inclusive research, and enjoying solitude.

Links to the topics mentioned in the episode:

- https://www.bespokementalhealth.co.uk/mental-health-awareness-week

- https://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychiatry/research/epidemiology-and-applied-clinical-research-department/loneliness-and-social-isolation

- https://iris.ucl.ac.uk/iris/browse/profile?upi=APITM02

- https://twitter.com/UCL_Loneliness/status/1511696881642000397

- https://www.ucl.ac.uk/psychiatry/research/epidemiology-and-applied-clinical-research-department/loneliness-and-social-isolation-26