Will Young on childhood trauma and how singing saved him

Will Young is a singer, actor and author of multiple hit singles and albums of the last 20 years. 

If you are like Emily, Sophie and I you will remember Will Young from his nascent pop self in Pop Idol, the first of the talent shows that we all became hooked on. 

You will be grateful, as I was, at Will Young’s capacity to have this conversation about profoundly important and complex issues with me, a total stranger. 

The quality and depth of our conversation was defined by his willingness to be spontaneous. Being open. Daring to explore aspects of himself, his life and his talent that was not curated, but therapeutic. 

When you listen to this episode you will hear us explore:

• His childhood trauma at boarding school and it’s lasting legacy on his mental health
• His experience of depersonalization/derealization disorder and Emily’s explanation of these disorders
• The different ways he regulates his nervous system and how he ‘gets back online.’
• How he built his resilience, one aspect being singing for 30 minutes a day. 
• Will’s relationship with his voice and how it is ‘his best companion.’
• We talked about the suicide of his twin brother Rupert. Bringing into awareness the narrative that ‘some people can’t get there’ in a culture that is always looking for fixes.
• Will’s creative energy being channelled in many different directions, particularly in the face of the toxicity of the music business.
• Our ambivalent relationship with attention. 

When you take this episode out of your ears, your mind and body will be buzzing with new ideas, thoughts and responses to life. You will definitely be left feeling inspired. 

Support Links

Childhood trauma: https://lookthroughtheireyes.org/what-is-childhood-trauma/ 

Suicide prevention: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/ 

Sibling bereavement support: https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/bereavement-support/supporting-brothers-and-sisters/ 

More information on depersonalisation and derealisation: https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/tips-for-coping-with-depersonalisation-and-derealisation/ 

Find Will:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willyoungofficial/?hl=en

Will's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2zi1QKto2CGMfqiJfANljz?si=6274f223450e4e5b

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