John Durrant is behind the Living Mental Health blog and podcasts. Here, he explains why he wants to make more people aware of mental health issues – and show why you shouldn’t be scared of them
Who are you and what do you do?
Hey everyone! My name is John Durrant, and I am a Mental Health Advocate/Activist. I started sharing my journey after my psychotic break in 2018, I’ve done training sessions in schools and with the local council as well as several talks.
What led to you starting the Living Mental Health website and what’s the thinking behind it? Did the blog lead to the podcast?
I was asked to do a mood diary but felt like I was being judged, leading to anxiety. I was on Twitter and saw other people blogging so I thought I would give it a go. This then led to me thinking about a podcast. I’ve never done anything like this in the past, but I found it felt like self-therapy in a kind of way. I think it has really helped me improve my skills and confidence.
Are you Suffolk born and raised? Would you like to say anything about your lived experience of mental health?
Well, I was born at our local hospital in Gorleston in Norfolk and from the day I left the hospital I was raised in Suffolk. I feel my lived experience is something powerful and we can all learn a lot from each other. With my personal experience of mental illness, I share my story in the hopes that others can take something from it to assist in their recovery and not feel alone.
Would you like to thank anyone for helping you with the website/podcast?
The Restoration Trust leant me a laptop and a microphone so that I could start up my podcast. They then put some money towards me getting a PC set up, along with David Robertson from Jader Ltd. This meant that I could have a more efficient and effective set up, to really get myself up and running. Also, I’d like to thank the Rethink Mental Health charity who have lent me a screen for my set up, which makes a big difference.
For those not in the know, how can the Living Mental Health podcast help people? Who have you featured so far?
I have a range of guests on my podcast from all different backgrounds, which allows me to cover all sorts of topics around mental health. I just hope something myself or a guest has said has helped someone on their own journey. I have had Dan Biddle who was injured in the 7/7 London Bombing; a member of the local mental health trust; a chap from Ireland talking about the walk and talk that they do and many others. Everyone has a story to tell.
How can people find out more about LMH?
I have Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, as well as my own website livingmentalhealth.com where you can find my blogs and videos of my podcasts. I have also started up a YouTube channel which I am trying to grow. So, as you can say, I am everywhere! If you want to contact me personally the best way would be to email me at john@livingmentalhealth.com
What are your hopes for the podcast?
I want to reach more people so that my podcasts and blog can hopefully help them. I also want people to talk about mental health and mental illness in a positive way. If anyone has any feedback or wants to chat, I am all ears!
Visit Livingmentalhealth.com and Living Mental Health (Podcast). The latest podcast is with Integrative Counsellor Sam Grainger.
Featured image – supplied
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