An online resource for wellbeing talks and podcasts
Head Talks is an online resource that aims to inform, inspire and engage those who are interested in mental health and wellbeing. This organisation provides more than 100 free videos that give advice, personal anecdotes and live talks to provide you with the knowledge and inspiration needed to build your own toolbox of resources to better your mental health. Head Talks brings mental health out into the open to reduce the stigma and push for equivalence between physical health and mental health care, as one is no more important than the other!
Through this website you can find talks from celebrities and public figures who discuss their personal experiences with mental illness, and a range of professionals who give their expert insight and tips on working towards recovery. Head Talks share our mission to encourage conversation and they aim to show that stigma and shame have no place in our society. Events and live talks hope to have a wider impact within communities, businesses and in government. Whilst unfortunately mental health issues are becoming increasingly more common, people often tend to think this is a struggle that is unique to them and should be dealt with alone. This organisation wants to showcase how widespread mental health issues are and give hope to sufferers by showing that this is something that can be overcome.
Head Talks recognises that each mental health journey is unique, and we take motivation from different types of sources. On their website you can find videos, podcasts and blog posts on a wide variety of mental wellbeing related topics. They provide various resources relating to grief and bereavement, although none are suicide bereavement specific. You are encouraged to create your own personal playlists to add to your toolbox of resources to help you through the hard times- you can even share and create playlists for others too!
This talk from Paul McGregor on the theme of vulnerability explains why talking and being open about your grief is so important. Paul discusses his father’s mental health and then the loss of his father to suicide and his subsequent journey to finally feeling comfortable to talk about his grief. He discusses how each member of his family dealt with the grief differently, and how he used unhealthy coping mechanisms which led to a real decline in his own mental health. He sought help at age 21 and began feeling safe to feel vulnerable and open up about his grief. Paul set up the organisation Every Mind at Work with the aim to bring conversations about mental health into the workplace- as having open and honest conversations is something that we can all do better at. Paul has also decided to run 8 marathons in 8 days to raise money for young people’s mental health.
In this video, Vikie Shanks discusses her experience of losing her husband to suicide and the complications she faced in explaining his death to her autistic children. Vickie talks about the feelings and questions you are left with after a suicide and she points out that there must be more support for the bereaved people left behind, as the minimal resources available to her at the time were just not enough- this is why we are here! Her overall advice is to take each day as it comes after a loss, as resuming normal life can feel too daunting. Grief is ongoing, and although it levels out over time, it is important to remember that it is ok not to feel alright sometimes.
