Cassie James welcomed Dave Crompton onto her Mighty Radio mid-morning show on Wednesday 3rd March to discuss his various projects around anxiety, depression and removing the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
On the show Dave discussed the anxiety that some may be feeling about coming out of lockdown. From concerns about making the transition from working from home back into the office environment, worries of those furloughed about the return to work after an extended period of absence to the fears that some children may be experiencing about returning to school.
Dave talked about how important it is to recognise the signs of anxiety and how to tackle it.
“Sometimes it can be a little bit of anxiety and other times it can feel quite strong. You can be shaky, sweaty, I used to feel it in my chest, you can get an increased heart rate, sometimes you feel a bit sick, the important thing is to recognise those signs.
“The one thing we have been saying is if you are feeling worried, if you are feeling anxious, talk to somebody.
“I don’t know how many times I’ve talk to someone about how I’m feeling, and I’ve felt better straight away. I’ve not necessarily solved any of the issues, but I’ve felt better about it.
“Saying it out loud often takes the power away from the thing that’s worrying you.”
Dave’s website, Huckleberry Grove, provides somewhere where men and women, and their family and friends, can visit to learn about how they can positively impact their mental and physical health, and lives.
It contains blogs about mental health and positive affirmations as well as meditation guidance and guest blogs from others sharing their experiences.
The local mental health champion also runs the “Our Community” Facebook group which is a safe space for local people to support each other, share stories, wins and worries and discuss the impact which Covid 19 has had on their mental health.
The group also offers people the chance to share tools and techniques for dealing with stress and anxiety, with the aim of creating a supportive community.
If you are struggling with your mental health, don’t suffer in silence, reach out.
Tune into Cassie James mid-morning show every day on Mighty Radio 107.9FM between 10am and midday.