The Borderline Podcast

Fighting Loneliness - ReEngage Charity with Esther-Lynne

Summary Esther Lynn, Engagement Officer for the charity Re-engage, discusses their work supporting older people facing social isolation and loneliness. They offer various activities and companionship services facilitated by volunteers. The charity started in 1965 and has grown to support over 8,500 older people with the help of 9,000 volunteers. Esther emphasizes the importance of simple conversations and the impact they can have. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated loneliness among the elderly, and Re-engage adapted by offering telephone befriending services. They also launched a Rainbow Call Companionship Service specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. The charity's activity groups provide opportunities for social interaction and engagement. Volunteers find the experience rewarding, and the charity also educates them on spotting signs of fraud and scams. Reengage aims to combat loneliness among the elderly by providing social connections and support. Loneliness can have physical and mental health effects, reducing lifespan and leading to depression and hopelessness. Reengage offers easy steps for people to reengage with their communities and combat loneliness. Volunteers are trained to recognize signs of loneliness and provide support, although they are not mental health specialists. Donations are important for funding the organization, but volunteering time is equally valuable. Volunteering can be as simple as a half-hour phone call or hosting a tea party. Reengage aims to destigmatize mental health and empower older people to have a voice and be part of the community. To learn more about Reenage please follow: https://www.reengage.org.uk/volunteer/new-volunteers/apply/ To Learn about receiving support please follow: https://www.reengage.org.uk/refer/form/

The Borderline Podcast Power Hour with Milque Colin - Self Sabotage and intrusive thoughts.

In this special episode host Andrew Willox is joined once more by the brilliant Milque Colin. We wanted to try and create an episode where we show the power of having open and honest chats and to engage in areas of our lives which we find most challenging.
 
Milque talks about the damage of self sabotage whilst I relate to this in a way of intrusive thoughts. We do cover a lot of topics and I must warn that we do talk about self harming so please keep an open mind and be aware that we do discuss this. 
 
If you are affected by any of the topics discussed throughout this show, please reach out and talk to someone you trust. Alternatively please call Samaritans on 116-123 
 
We will continue to try to bring you more Power Hour episodes so we can all relate to one another.

Guest 20 - Jill Sitnick - PTSD survivor & MDMA Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy Advocate.

Jill Sitnick shares her experience with MDMA therapy for PTSD and the potential of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. She discusses her childhood trauma, the impact it had on her life, and how she discovered MDMA therapy. Jill explains the process of psychedelic therapy, including preparation, the actual session, and integration. She highlights the effectiveness of MDMA in calming the body's fight-or-flight response and allowing for healing. Jill also addresses the stigma surrounding psychedelic therapy and the importance of sharing her story to educate others. In this conversation, Jill discusses her experience with MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD and the potential benefits of this treatment. She explains how the therapy works, the importance of intention setting, and the clinical trial data supporting its effectiveness. Jill also addresses the potential challenges and obstacles to FDA approval and widespread availability of this treatment. She emphasizes the need for accurate diagnosis, thorough research, and working with trained professionals when considering psychedelic therapy. Jill shares her journey of healing and the inspiration behind her books and YouTube channel.

Guest #19 Michele Mason - Annihilating Anorexia

Michele shares her experience with anorexia nervosa, which started when she was 15 years old. She discusses the physical and emotional toll it took on her, including losing 30% of her body weight and the distorted body image that comes with the illness. Michele emphasizes the importance of early intervention and the need for more awareness and understanding of anorexia. She also highlights the role of social media in perpetuating negative body image and the dangers of promoting extreme thinness. Michele shares her journey to permanent recovery and the challenges she faced along the way. Michele shares her experience of recovering from anorexia and how she navigated the challenges of post-recovery. She discusses the loneliness she felt after leaving the hospital and the need to rebuild her relationship with food. Michele also talks about the impact of her parents' deaths and how it triggered a resurgence of her eating disorder. She emphasizes the importance of support and  understanding from loved ones and encourages those struggling with anorexia to seek help and know that they are not alone. Michele's passion to help others inspired her to write a book, detailing her inspiring story from her young battle with anorexia, her life of permanent recovery and the issues we face today with eating disorders. Her book 'Annihilating Anorexia' is available to purchase through the link below.
Annihilating Anorexia: A Memoir: Amazon.co.uk: Mason, Michele: 9781088178546: Books

Guest #18 Chloe Ditcham

Tonight on The Borderline Podcast we welcome Chloe Ditcham to tell her story. Chloe found fitness as a route of therapy for her mental health. Last year she decided to enter a new level of dedication by entering a competition. She tells how this affected her mental health and and her relationship with food. As she explains, she decided to pull out as she needed to focus on herself in a more positive way, why intuitive eating really is the healthiest thing diet for your body and your mind. Its a honest, open, raw conversation which I'm sure you will all be able to relate too.

MHAW 2024 Special - If only I had Known

In this special Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 episode of The Borderline Podcast host Andrew Willox gives information surrounding early signs of developing mental health conditions, how to identify them and how to find a source of treatment and therapy. The episode also covers ways to support others going through a mental health crisis and why we should never judge others.

Guest #17 - Sarah Wellband - Remedial Hypnosis

Sarah Wellband, a remedial hypnosis expert, discusses her background and the effectiveness of remedial hypnosis in helping people make positive changes in their lives. She explains the difference between traditional hypnotherapy and remedial hypnosis, highlighting the importance of communicating with the subconscious mind. Sarah also explores the role of anxiety as an emotion and how it can be both helpful and debilitating. She emphasizes the need to listen to anxiety and address its underlying messages. In this conversation, Sarah Wellband discusses the power of remedial hypnosis in addressing anxiety and trauma. She explains how the subconscious mind works and how hypnosis can help reframe negative thought patterns. Sarah also highlights the benefits of remote hypnosis sessions and emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and understanding. She encourages individuals to explore alternative therapies and reminds them that they have the ability to overcome tough days.
To find out more about what Sarah could offer you please check out:
outofchaostherapy.com
@outofchaostherapy on Instagram

Guest #16 - Ashley Allen - Clinical Therapist

Ashley Allen, a licensed clinical social worker, discusses the importance of accessible mental health support and the DIY Therapy Courses she created to address this need. She highlights the challenges of finding affordable and compatible therapy options and the limited capacity of therapists. Ashley explains the four modules of her anxiety course, which focus on understanding anxiety, turning off the alarm, managing the internal and external environment, and reducing sensitivity over time. She emphasizes the power of breathing techniques and the positive impact of making small changes in one's environment. In this conversation, Ashley Allen discusses the importance of building trust and competence in managing anxiety. She emphasizes the power of small changes and self-control in reducing anxiety. Ashley also highlights the significance of reducing sensitivity through gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing situations. She mentions that therapy is more accessible for younger generations, but the stigma is decreasing among older generations as well. The conversation touches on the accessibility of medication versus therapy and the value of understanding anxiety rather than solely relying on medication. Ashley also mentions her upcoming course on setting boundaries for mental health.

Guest #15 Chase Warburton

Chase Warburton shares his personal journey of struggling with addiction, mental health issues, and finding healing through religion. He discusses the impact of his upbringing, including feeling neglected and developing a codependent relationship with his mother.
Chase also opens up about his suicidal thoughts and the unhealthy coping mechanisms he used, such as substance abuse and self-destructive behaviors. He then talks about his turning point, where he found solace in religion and embarked on a path of recovery.
Chase emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, rigorous acceptance, self-love, and a relationship with a higher power as pillars for building a solid foundation in mental health. He also introduces the concept of the 1% mentality, which involves making small, consistent changes in different areas of life to foster growth and healing. Chase Warburton shares his journey of personal growth and transformation, emphasizing the power of making small, consistent changes. He discusses the importance of focusing on self-love and self-improvement, highlighting the concept of the 1% mentality. Chase also talks about his experience with meditation and how it can take various forms, not just traditional practices. He shares his story of starting a wellness center and the impact of red light therapy on mental health. Finally, Chase discusses the evolving perception of mental health in America and offers a message of self-acceptance and authenticity.
www.thewellnesscenter.life
Chase@wellnesscenter.life

Guest #14 - Joanna Kacpryzcka - Hypnotherapist, Medium & Quantum Code Channeler

Tonight on The Borderline Podcast we welcome Joanna Kacpryzcka. Joanna has an incredible unique and inspiring story to which paved the life she lives today. Adapting her love of psychology whilst aligning with her core beliefs Joanna explains from a very early age how she was able to connect with other beings we share our world with and who are not normally visible.
This is a brilliant discussion and it is vital we all learn and listen to other methods and practices used based on ones belief.
Joanna Wil be back on later in the year to discuss her story further.
To learn more about Joanna or to potentially book a spot with her, please check out her links below: