Guest Charly Cox, bestselling author and poet, discusses the therapeutic power of writing and living with bipolar II disorder. They explore the value of self-awareness, seeking support, and the significance of poetry in expressing emotions. They also delve into the impact of social media on mental health and the speaker's exhibition of sentimental items for self-healing and connection.
Writing offers a way to manage mental health by providing clarity and control over overwhelming thoughts.
Seeking validation from external sources, such as social media, is futile and detrimental to mental well-being; self-acceptance and self-love are key.
Embracing sentimentality and nostalgia allows us to honor our past experiences and appreciate the lessons they have taught us.
Deep dives
The Power of Writing to Manage Mental Health
In a podcast episode, poet and author Charlie Cox discusses how writing has helped her manage her mental health. From a young age, Cox found solace in writing as a way to express her intense teenage emotions. She explains that putting thoughts into words on paper makes them feel manageable and less overwhelming, allowing her to gain clarity and a sense of control. Cox emphasizes the importance of writing for oneself, as a private and safe way to process thoughts and feelings. She encourages others to explore the power of writing and self-expression as a means of finding wisdom, self-acceptance, and nurturing their own mental well-being.
The Need for Self-Validation in an Age of External Validation
The podcast delves into the topic of seeking external validation through social media and the detrimental impact it can have on mental well-being. Cox shares her own journey of realizing the futility of relying on inconsistent sources for validation and the importance of turning inward to build self-acceptance and self-love. She highlights the role of social media addiction and the detrimental effects of comparing oneself to others. Cox encourages listeners to prioritize their own happiness and contentment, rather than seeking validation from external sources.
Embracing Sentimentality and Nostalgia
The episode also delves into the beauty of sentimentality and the value of nostalgia. Cox reveals her penchant for collecting sentimental items that hold meaning and memories. She urges people to celebrate their past experiences and the lessons they have learned along the way. Cox believes that nostalgia allows us to teleport back in time and appreciate the moments that have shaped us. She encourages embracing sentimentality as a way to honor our own journeys and find joy in the richness of life.
The Importance of Being True to Yourself
Throughout the podcast, Cox emphasizes the necessity of being authentic and true to oneself. She encourages listeners to unapologetically embrace their own identities and opinions, rather than conforming to societal expectations or seeking approval from others. Cox argues that being true to oneself is a radical act of self-love and self-empowerment. She reminds us that our own happiness and contentment should be the ultimate goal, rather than external validation or fitting into preconceived notions of what is considered 'right'.
Embracing the Complexity of Life
The podcast episode explores the beauty of embracing life's complexity and rejecting linear narratives. Cox encourages listeners to celebrate the ups and downs, the fuzziness, and the unpredictability of life. She urges us to unlearn societal norms and expectations, and instead find joy in the nuance and messiness of our experiences. Cox reminds us to approach life curiously, extract lessons from both positive and challenging moments, and be open to the constant process of growth and self-discovery.
Nostalgia – keeping souvenirs of poignant moments – plays a big part in allowing poet and bestselling author Charly Cox to fill her life with meaning. Choosing to be sentimental can help us take stock and celebrate where challenges have been overcome. In this chat with Fearne, Charly explains what it means to live with Bipolar II, including both manic highs and depressive lows, and how writing helps her make sense of her thoughts.
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