If you think this doesn’t involve you… I’d encourage you to keep reading.

Mental health doesn’t exist in isolation. The way we treat one another has a huge impact on wellbeing. We can either help create safety, or make it harder for someone to be themselves. (Even if it's unintentional.) There's no 'middle ground' when it comes to supporting equal rights. So if you saw the title of this and thought, I’m not queer, this isn't relevant to me. Well. Queer people rarely cause the mental health struggles of other queer individuals. It’s the discrimination, stigma and expectations built into society that create fear.

"I was in a constant negative thought loop. It wasn't just affecting me, it was affecting all the people around me and all areas of my life. I literally couldn't even do the most basic tasks."

Valentina and I had a ​lovely chat about her skin journey​ - and the mental impacts of chronic severe eczema.

Let’s talk skin picking. I know, no-one likes to talk about it… that’s more reason to do so. To break down the stigma and shame.

Skin picking, or dermatillomania, is a mental health condition. A person picks or scratches their skin, often causing injuries or scarring. (Also called excoriation disorder, but that’s not as common.)

As an itchy hypnotherapist living with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) myself, I know how relentless and draining it can be. The pain, exhaustion, constant emotional strain… it can make each day feel like climbing a mountain with no rest stops. You keep pushing through – which then makes the physical symptoms worse. Plus, you’re grieving. For lost time with your child and lost opportunities. All you crave is a break, but life keeps on moving around you.

I left home… maybe 10 weeks ago? I honestly don’t know at this point. With a one-way flight to Thailand. Not expecting to find deep contentment and peace in Bali. Now I have a week left and a friend asked what I need to do that I’ve not managed yet…