EPISODE 10: The Creature - Reflections On My Recovery From Depression & Anxiety

Trigger Warning: Depression, Anxiety, Self-Harm & Suicide mentions.

This week VERVE member Jo Walshe reads us her blog ‘The Creature: Reflections On My Recovery From Depression & Anxiety’ about her own mental health journey. Her description of ‘The Creature’ is one that many of us can relate to. If you are in a vulnerable and impressionable position within your own recovery, we recommend to listen to this recording once you feel more stable. After her reading, Erin Whiteley (Chief Managing Feminist at VERVE) and Helena Burton- Jones (Podcast Manager), discuss with Jo their own experiences, finding comfort in the similarities and differences their mental health journeys have taken them on.
VERVE urges you to seek help if you are struggling. We will always strive to break the stigma and provide safe spaces for these conversations to be had.
Look at the episode notes for ways to find help.

Episode Notes:
Honest and intimate blog ‘The Creature - Reflections On My Recovery From Depression & Anxiety’ by VERVE member Jo Walshe: https://www.verveup.com/shesaid/the-creature-reflections-on-my-recovery-from-depression-anxiety

Definition of C.B.T therapy that Jo & Helena advocate for if you want to learn more: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/

Book Jo mentions by Carrie Hope-Fletcher entitled ‘All That She Can See’: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32710790-all-that-she-can-see

Jo’s badass intersectional bookclub ‘TryHards’: https://www.instagram.com/tryhardsbookclub/

If you need help, VERVE urges you to seek it. Here are a few links to go to if you’re struggling:

In the US:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): 1-800-931-2237

In the UK:

SupportLine: 01708 765200

Samaritans: Call 116 123

Papyrus (for people under 35): Call 0800 068 41 41 – Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, weekends 2pm to 10pm, bank holidays 2pm to 5pm or Text 07786 209697

Childline (for anyone under 19): Call 0800 1111 – the number won't show up on your phone bill

The Silverline (for older people): Call 0800 4 70 80 90

VERVE links:

https://www.verveup.com

https://www.instagram.com/verve_up/

https://twitter.com/verve_up

https://www.facebook.com/verveup/

Credits:
Speaking:

Jo Walshe - VERVE Member & Writer

Erin Whiteley - VERVE Chief Managing Feminist

Helena Burton- Jones - VERVE Podcast Manager & Editor

Music Intro & Outro:

Jamie Masterson - Freelance Music Producer (insta: jaytmasterson)

Speaking over Intro & Outro music:

Anna Quick- Palmer - Chief Feminist Operative & Founder of VERVE