Hurt to Healing

Welcome to this mini-episode of the podcast, where we revisit a powerful and emotional conversation with Neil Laybourn and Jonny Benjamin. In this heartfelt excerpt, Jonny shares his deeply personal experience with mental health struggles, his time in inpatient care, and the events that led him to Waterloo Bridge on a pivotal day in his life. Neil recounts his spontaneous decision to approach Jonny on the bridge, offering connection and hope during a critical moment, despite having no prior knowledge or training in mental health intervention.Together, they reflect on the profound impact of that encounter—Jonny’s gratitude for being treated with humanity rather than as a patient, and Neil’s realisation of the importance of empathy and presence in moments of crisis.Please listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hurt-to-healing-mental-health-wellbeing/id1649515453?i=1000587060647 Jonny's website: https://jonnybenjamin.co.uk/Neil's website: https://neillaybourn.com/

In today’s special mini-episode, I revisit a conversation with the late Dr. Michael Strober, a true pioneer in the field of eating disorders. As I reflect on his recent passing, I want to celebrate his immense contributions to understanding and treating anorexia nervosa.Dr. Strober shares invaluable insights into the complexities of anorexia nervosa, unpacking the interplay of biology, psychology, and environment in its development. He explores the often misunderstood nature of the illness, the challenges in treatment, and the immense strength and discipline possessed by those battling it. This conversation is a tribute to Dr. Strober’s unparalleled dedication to shedding light on an illness that impacts so many.Have a listen to Dr Strober's full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/healing-101-understanding-anorexia-with-dr-michael/id1649515453?i=1000588256082

In this mini-episode, Ben Goldsmith revisits his journey through grief after the loss of his daughter, Iris. He reflects on how moments of sadness can feel relentless but also give way to fleeting comforts—a cup of tea, a sunny morning—that offer a sense of calm. Ben shares advice passed down from his mother, who endured her own losses, and how her words helped him gradually accept that life can go on.As he’s moved through grief, Ben explains that the pain, while overwhelming, has become a way to feel connected to Iris. He’s learned to embrace the waves of sorrow as part of his ongoing bond with her, finding meaning even in the hardest moments.Please go back to listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ben-goldsmith-on-his-journey-with-grief-and-healing/id1649515453?i=1000629994540Follow Hurt to Healing on Instagram: @hurttohealingpodHurt to Healing Website: hurttohealing.co.uk

In this mini-episode, Ruby Wax shares a deeply personal insight into her experience with depression and the impact of mindfulness on her journey. She describes the overwhelming emptiness of depression, comparing it to “white noise” and, in severe moments, the desire for escape. Ruby also explains how her practice of mindfulness has become a lifeline. It hasn’t cured her depression, but it helps her prepare for challenging times and softens the mental spiral that depression often brings. This episode offers a raw, candid look at the resilience needed to face mental health struggles and Ruby’s belief in the importance of focusing on inner strength.Go and listen to Ruby's full episode!Follow Hurt to Healing on Instagram: @hurttohealingpodHurt to Healing Website: hurttohealing.co.uk

In this mini-episode, we’re diving into the powerful story of Shaun Flores as he candidly shares his journey through the challenges of OCD and depression. Shaun opens up about the moment he decided he was ready to fight back, from the spiral of online forums that deepened his hopelessness to the breakthrough moment that made him realise he couldn’t keep living under the weight of his intrusive thoughts. He describes how neuroplasticity and exposure therapy taught him to change his response to OCD and reclaim his life. His honesty offers an inspiring glimpse into the resilience it takes to walk through the fire of mental health struggles.Find Shaun:Instagram: @theshaunfloresFollow Hurt to Healing on Instagram: @hurttohealingpodHurt to Healing Website: hurttohealing.co.uk

In this mini-episode from Hurt to Healing, Susannah Constantine shares her powerful journey from being a high-functioning alcoholic to finding sobriety. She opens up about the emotional toll of living a double life, the pivotal moment that made her realise she needed help, and the challenges of rebuilding trust with her family. Susannah sheds light on the often hidden nature of addiction and the strength it takes to confront it. Find Susannah:Instagram: @susannahconstantineFollow Hurt to Healing on Instagram: @hurttohealingpodHurt to Healing Website: hurttohealing.co.uk