<p>This week, I sit down with integrative psychotherapist and author Sophie Scott to talk about what it really takes to support loved ones through mental health challenges without losing yourself along the way. Sophie shares her personal story of growing up in a family touched by OCD and loss, and how those experiences shaped her approach to mental health. We explore the power of listening over giving advice, why boundaries are essential for everyone’s wellbeing, and how burnout affects caregivers who often feel unseen or unsupported. Sophie offers practical strategies – from the 4-7-8 breathing technique to finding individual purpose and accepting messy emotions that can help you care for others and for yourself. If you’re navigating relationships affected by OCD or other mental health issues, this episode is packed with compassion, relatability, and genuinely helpful advice.</p><br><p>BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE</p><p>Sophie’s book, You Are Not Alone in This, is available now.</p><br><p>LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS</p><p>If the content of this episode resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:</p><br><p>Mind – Mental health charity that has resources for managing your own wellbeing whilst caring for someone else.</p><p>Call 0300 123 3393 or visit <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/carers-friends-family-coping-support/support-for-you/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/carers-friends-family-coping-support/support-for-you/</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Al Anon – for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking.</p><p>Call 0800 0086 811 or visit<strong> </strong><a href="https://al-anonuk.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://al-anonuk.org.uk/</a></p><br><p>FamAnon – for family members and friends affected by another’s abuse of mind-altering substances, or related behavioural problems.</p><p>Call 0207 4984 680 or visit <a href="https://famanon.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://famanon.org.uk/</a></p><br><p>OCD Action – for people with OCD, their families, carers and friends.</p><p>Call 0300 636 5478 or visit <a href="https://ocdaction.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ocdaction.org.uk/</a></p><br><p>Samaritans</p><p>Call 116 123 or visit <a href="https://www.samaritans.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.samaritans.org/</a> for free, 24-hour support.</p><br><p>WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU</p><p>Got something to share? Message us @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.</p><br><p>CREDITS:</p><p>Host: Bryony Gordon</p><br><p>Guest: Sophie Scott</p><br><p>Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig &amp; Jonathan O’Sullivan</p><br><p>Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun</p><br><p>Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm</p><br><p>Editor: Luke Shelley</p><br><p>Exec Producer: Jamie East&nbsp;</p><br><p>A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

The Life of Bryony

Daily Mail

How to Support Someone Through a Mental Health Crisis While Protecting Your Own Well-Being

NOV 24, 202550 MIN
The Life of Bryony

How to Support Someone Through a Mental Health Crisis While Protecting Your Own Well-Being

NOV 24, 202550 MIN

Description

<p>This week, I sit down with integrative psychotherapist and author Sophie Scott to talk about what it really takes to support loved ones through mental health challenges without losing yourself along the way. Sophie shares her personal story of growing up in a family touched by OCD and loss, and how those experiences shaped her approach to mental health. We explore the power of listening over giving advice, why boundaries are essential for everyone’s wellbeing, and how burnout affects caregivers who often feel unseen or unsupported. Sophie offers practical strategies – from the 4-7-8 breathing technique to finding individual purpose and accepting messy emotions that can help you care for others and for yourself. If you’re navigating relationships affected by OCD or other mental health issues, this episode is packed with compassion, relatability, and genuinely helpful advice.</p><br><p>BOOKS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE</p><p>Sophie’s book, You Are Not Alone in This, is available now.</p><br><p>LINKS TO SUPPORT GROUPS</p><p>If the content of this episode resonated with you today and you would like support, please consider the following charities:</p><br><p>Mind – Mental health charity that has resources for managing your own wellbeing whilst caring for someone else.</p><p>Call 0300 123 3393 or visit <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/carers-friends-family-coping-support/support-for-you/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/carers-friends-family-coping-support/support-for-you/</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Al Anon – for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking.</p><p>Call 0800 0086 811 or visit<strong> </strong><a href="https://al-anonuk.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://al-anonuk.org.uk/</a></p><br><p>FamAnon – for family members and friends affected by another’s abuse of mind-altering substances, or related behavioural problems.</p><p>Call 0207 4984 680 or visit <a href="https://famanon.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://famanon.org.uk/</a></p><br><p>OCD Action – for people with OCD, their families, carers and friends.</p><p>Call 0300 636 5478 or visit <a href="https://ocdaction.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ocdaction.org.uk/</a></p><br><p>Samaritans</p><p>Call 116 123 or visit <a href="https://www.samaritans.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.samaritans.org/</a> for free, 24-hour support.</p><br><p>WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU</p><p>Got something to share? Message us @lifeofbryonypod on Instagram.</p><br><p>CREDITS:</p><p>Host: Bryony Gordon</p><br><p>Guest: Sophie Scott</p><br><p>Producer: Laura Elwood-Craig &amp; Jonathan O’Sullivan</p><br><p>Assistant Producer: Ceyda Uzun</p><br><p>Studio Manager: Sam Chisholm</p><br><p>Editor: Luke Shelley</p><br><p>Exec Producer: Jamie East&nbsp;</p><br><p>A Daily Mail production. Seriously Popular.</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>