Tonight I watched “A street cat named Bob”. The film is adapted from a book, which is the true story of a heroin addict overcoming homelessness and addiction thanks (in part) to his friendship with a stray cat that he rescued. The film is very moving and relatable for me as an addict, and IContinue reading “Men, it’s okay to cry: my autistic perspective”
Category Archives: Mental Health
An open letter to autistic addicts
My fellow autistic addicts, As we approach the end of a historically difficult year, I hope that you can look back and be proud that you have survived. This year has brought many tests, and you have passed. If all you did this year was make it through, I want you to know that wasContinue reading “An open letter to autistic addicts”
I am autistic, I am an addict, I am mentally ill
As self-advocates, we are often met with suggestions of how we should discuss ourselves. It’s deeply frustrating because it suggests that we have forgotten our own humanity, but unsurprisingly, we do not need to be reminded that we are people. You will hear me use identity First language a lot. This is not because IContinue reading “I am autistic, I am an addict, I am mentally ill”
OPINION: Crisis-driven intervention in mental health is threatening people’s lives
It’s no secret that mental health services in the UK are chronically underfunded. Our current government has expressed time and again it’s disdain for universal healthcare, and has funded it accordingly. As a result of this under-funding, mental health services in the UK now operate a “crisis-driven intervention” model. This is incredibly dangerous. So whatContinue reading “OPINION: Crisis-driven intervention in mental health is threatening people’s lives”
Suicide Prevention Week: A reflection
“Who cares if one more light goes out? In a sky of a million stars It flickers, flickers Who cares when someone’s time runs out? If a moment is all we are We’re quicker, quicker Who cares if one more light goes out? Well I do” One More Light, Linkin Park This week marks suicideContinue reading “Suicide Prevention Week: A reflection”
What grief has taught me about my responsibility to the world
“To be is to be perceived, and so to know thyself is only possible through the eyes of the other. The nature of our immortal lives is in the consequences of our words and deeds, that go on and are pushing themselves throughout all time. Our lives are not our own, from womb to tomb,Continue reading “What grief has taught me about my responsibility to the world”
Is it okay not to be okay?
In recent years there has been a significant increase in the acceptance and removal of stigma surrounding mental health conditions. Let me start by saying that this is vital. It is important that those of us experiencing mental health issues feel safe to discuss their experiences and reach out for support. The reason I amContinue reading “Is it okay not to be okay?”
Emergent Divergence 