The Life Of Bryony

Welcome to Life of Bryony, where we explore life’s messier moments. GUEST: HELEN FLANAGAN In this week’s episode, I’m joined by actress Helen Flanagan for an honest mental health check-in, where we talk about her struggles with OCD, navigating motherhood, and finding peace after toxic relationships. Helen opens up about living with intrusive thoughts, the weight of “pure OCD,” and how it impacted her self-worth and sense of identity, especially post-pregnancy. She also shares candid insights into learning to love herself and breaking free from the pressure to be perfect. This open conversation covers the importance of a supportive relationship, the courage it takes to be vulnerable, and how Helen redefined her mental health journey after years of self-doubt. She leaves us with a powerful reminder: we’re not alone in our struggles, and we all deserve to find someone who’s good for us mentally and emotionally. Tune in to hear Helen’s journey of resilience, self-compassion, and her path to healing. GET IN TOUCH: 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512, starting with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut - https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 Or email me at [email protected] Don’t forget to share this podcast with someone who you think might benefit from it!  Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s the Life of YOU, where your dilemmas take centre stage, and we try our best to solve them (or at least not make things worse!). In this bonus episode, I’m joined by the amazing Anna Mathur, returning to help me tackle your latest concerns. Today… 📉 Fiona can’t account for her mother’s bad behaviour. How can she manage her mother’s dismissiveness and stand up for herself without causing family drama? 🎉 Amara is on the verge of 40 and doesn’t feel like it’s a party. How can she find a sense of identity and joy as she approaches this milestone? 😬 Mia is wondering if it’s time to say ‘no more’ to her Mr Nice Guy. Is her partner’s ‘vanilla’ approach to intimacy holding her back from truly enjoying their relationship? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU You know what they say: a problem shared is a problem… halved?! Get in touch! 🗣️ Send a text or voice note to 07796657512 and start your message with LOB 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 You can also email me at: [email protected] And don’t forget to check out Anna Mathur’s latest book, The Uncomfortable Truth. It’s packed with insights to help you stop living for others and embrace your true self! Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Life of Bryony, where we dive into life’s messier moments. GUEST: ANNA MATHUR: In this week’s episode, I’m joined by psychotherapist Anna Mathur, who discusses the debilitating effects of "Good Girl Syndrome." We chat about the pressures women face to please others, the emotional toll it takes, and the internal conflict of suppressing one's true self for the sake of being liked. Anna shares her own experiences, from people-pleasing to burnout, and the journey toward setting boundaries and reclaiming her sense of self. This candid conversation covers the difficulties of saying 'no,' the need to unlearn perfectionism, and the empowering moment when you realise that you don’t have to be ‘good’—you just have to be you. Anna’s latest book ‘The Uncomfortable Truth: Change Your Life By Taming 10 of Your Mind's Greatest Fears’ is out now.   GET IN TOUCH: 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512, starting with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut - https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 Or email me at [email protected] Don’t forget to share this podcast with someone who you think might benefit from it!  Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to The Life of YOU, where your questions take centre stage, and we try our best to help. In this bonus episode, I'm joined by the wonderful Kimberley Nixon as we tackle your most pressing concerns. We’re also marking OCD Awareness Week with a special focus on mental health and OCD. Today… 🔴Jane’s 17-year-old son is struggling with OCD and has been waiting for CBT treatment. How can she support him in the meantime?  🔴Charlie is terrified that his OCD will impact his ability to be a good parent one day.  🔴And where’s the balance between supporting someone and enabling their compulsions? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU You know what they say: a problem shared is a problem… halved?! Get in touch! 🗣️ Send a text or voice note to 07796657512 and start your message with LOB 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut: https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 You can also email me at: [email protected]  Thanks again to Kimberley Nixon and join us again on Monday for more! Bryony xx Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Life of Bryony, where we dive into life’s messier moments. GUEST: KIMBERLEY NIXON: This week, I’m joined by Kimberley Nixon, who shares her deeply personal and raw journey through postnatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after the birth of her son. Kimberley opens up about the terrifying intrusive thoughts, the overwhelming sense of responsibility, and how her experience of postnatal OCD has shaped her as a mother. Her honesty sheds light on a condition many suffer from but few speak about. This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there is hope for recovery and support. LINKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:  The reel I was talking about in the intro - https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAOLXcpoWLS/  This was the sports bra brand I was talking about (not an ad!) - Elomi Also, love this app (not an ad either!) - https://insighttimer.com/en-gb  GET IN TOUCH: 🗣️ If you want to get in touch, I’m only a text or a voice note away! Send your message to 07796657512, starting with LOB. 💬 WhatsApp Shortcut - https://wa.me/447796657512 📧 Or email me at [email protected]. Don’t forget to share this podcast with someone who you think might benefit from it!  Bryony xx FOR MORE INFORMATION AND SUPPORT: We discuss suicide and postnatal OCD in this episode. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Here are some UK-based resources for confidential support: 📞 OCD Action: Visit ocdaction.org.uk for information, support, and peer groups for people living with OCD. 📞 Mind: Call 0300 123 3393 or visit mind.org.uk for information on mental health support. 📞 Samaritans: Call 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for free, 24-hour support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices