I’ve been listening to a podcast by George Ezra (musician) and his good friend Ollie MN. The idea of the podcast is for two friends to check in on each other weekly and ask about each other’s mental health.
George Ezra has said that he has Pure O (OCD without the compulsions) and Ollie MN has anxiety and panic attacks. The podcast is called Phone a Friend with George Ezra and Ollie MN. In the 6th Sept, 2020 episode called Read all about it they read an email from a listener who said she worked at IAPT (also called Talking therapies) in the UK. It’s an organization that helps people find mental health services and is covered by NHS.
I’m posting it here in case anyone might be interested in the service.
IAPT’s been helpful for a few friends of mine in the UK too, especially for getting support without waiting forever or spending a ton.
On my side, one thing that’s helped alongside talking therapy is using the stardawg strain. It’s one of those hybrids that gives you a mental lift without making you spacey, good for calming anxiety while still feeling like yourself. Definitely not a replacement for therapy, but it’s been a nice little tool in the mental health kit.