Welcome to episode 84 with Chris Young, who is an author, podcaster and mental health advocate.
Chris spent many years working as a social worker but had to leave his dream job after his mental health declined to the point of crisis on more than one occasion.
During this time Chris would experience long periods of depression, disassociation, self-harm and suicidal thoughts. He would eventually be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
Chris’ training gives him an incredible insight in to mental illness from the perspective of the patient and the support system and it was fascinating to chat him about both.
We talk about the additional stigma around BPD, the side effects of medication and the difficulties in getting a diagnosis.
We also chat about the walk the Chris undertook in 2011 where he worked his way around the edge of the U.K, to raise aware about mental illness.
He chose the edge of the country to represent the edge of society where many people with mental health problems feel they are and he undertook his walk without any money and relying on the kindness of strangers.
Chris had some incredible adventures on his journey and his stories really do restore a little faith in how mental illness is viewed by others.
Chris has a podcast called Walk a Mile in My Shoes which is available on all platforms and you can joint the Facebook group here: Walk a Mile in My Shoes | Facebook
You can follow Chris on Twitter @walkamileuk and his book about his walk ‘Walk a Mile: Tales of a Wandering Loon is available in all good book shops!
You can catch up with me at www.propermentalpodcast.com or connect with me via social media @propermentalpodcast.
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Thanks for listening!