Bryony Gordon: My OCD made me think my family would die
Apr 5, 2024
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Bestselling author and mental health campaigner Bryony Gordon discusses her struggles with OCD, binge eating, and addiction. She shares how exercise became her salvation and talks about living with dark, intrusive thoughts, advocating for mental health awareness and support.
Passion for journalism rooted in childhood influences like journalist mother and early exposure to news stories.
Balancing authenticity in storytelling with personal vulnerabilities in journalism career.
Importance of mental health awareness, breaking stigma, and transforming personal struggles into empowerment.
Deep dives
The Journey of Journalism Passion
The episode highlights the guest's passion for journalism, tracing it back to childhood influences, including having a journalist mother. The urge to pursue journalism as a career was fueled by early exposure to newspapers and the excitement of exploring news stories.
Challenges and Confessions in Writing
The guest discusses facing challenges in their career, including confessional writing and open discussions about personal life experiences. The focus on authenticity in storytelling and the balancing act of revealing personal vulnerabilities while maintaining a professional image are key points.
Navigating Mental Health Issues
The episode delves into the guest's struggles with mental health, particularly OCD, and the impact it had on various aspects of their life. It sheds light on the internal battles faced due to mental health issues and the journey towards seeking help and support.
Advocacy for Mental Health Awareness
Discussion centers around the importance of mental health awareness and breaking the stigma attached to mental health issues, especially in women. The guest's advocacy work, including initiatives like Mental Health Mates, emphasizes the need for open conversations and support for those dealing with mental health challenges.
Empowering Through Vulnerability
The guest's journey of embracing vulnerability and transforming personal struggles into a platform for empowerment is a key theme. By sharing candid experiences and amplifying marginalized voices, the guest aims to inspire others to overcome shame and societal pressures, fostering a sense of community support and resilience.
Bryony Gordon is a bestselling author, mental health campaigner and founder of Mental Health Mates. She has been a columnist for the Telegraph for over twenty years where she has written honestly and openly about her experiences of mental illness and addictions. Her latest book, Mad Woman details her experiences of OCD, binge eating and the endless battle to stay sober. Bryony tells James about the realities of living with dark, intrusive thoughts and how exercise became her salvation.
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