What the Friday Youth Podcast

Episode 38: The 'Small Problems Becoming Big Problems' episode

In this episode, Ella and Ruby from Invictus Wellbeing discuss how small issues can escalate into significant mental health problems if not addressed early.
Ruby emphasises that mental health support is crucial even before a crisis, likening it to preventive care. She explains that ignoring feelings can lead to burnout and anxiety, which can worsen if left unchecked.
Ruby advises on early signs of struggle, such as anxiety, changes in behavior, and sleep patterns, and stresses the importance of self-care and seeking help. She reassures that mental health support is not selfish but essential for personal and societal well-being.

Episode 37: The 'Normalising Mental Health' episode

In this episode, Finley discusses normalising mental health with Ruby from Invictus Wellbeing.
Ruby explains that the stigma around mental health often deters young people from seeking help. She emphasises that mental health struggles are common and not needing a diagnosis to take care of one's mental health is normal.
Ruby suggests using direct language to discuss mental health issues and educating others to reduce stigma. She advises choosing who to confide in and highlights the role of schools, friends, and social media in reducing mental health stigma. Normalizing mental health is crucial for easier access to support and making people feel safer to discuss their issues.

Episode 36: The 'Stress and Life Transitions' episode

Beau discusses stress and life transitions with Michela from Invictus Wellbeing.
Michela explains that life changes, such as starting college or a job, cause stress due to uncertainty and cultural pressures. She differentiates between normal stress, anxiety, and burnout, emphasising the importance of recognising when to seek help.
Healthy coping mechanisms include routine, breaking tasks into manageable steps, and mindfulness. Avoidance, comparison, overloading oneself, and not asking for help worsen stress. Social media can exacerbate stress, and daily habits like sleep, exercise, and social connection can mitigate it.
Professional help is recommended if stress impacts daily life.

Episode 35: The 'Finding Out About Mental Health' episode

Miroslav discusses mental health with Michaela from Invictus Wellbeing.
Michaela explains the difficulty in finding clear information about mental health due to medical jargon and stigma, but notes progress with youth-led movements and online resources.
She defines mental health as the foundation of emotional and psychological well-being, emphasising that it exists on a spectrum and can be influenced by stress, support, and self-care. Common mental health issues in young people include anxiety, depression, ADHD, eating disorders, and self-harm.
Michaela advises seeking help early, using reliable online tools, and normalizing mental health conversations to reduce stigma.

Episode 34: 'The 'Opening Up About Mental Health' episode

In this podcast episode, Noah interviews Danny from Invictus Wellbeing about the challenges young people face when opening up about their mental health.
Danny explains that young people often fear judgment and feel misunderstood, especially with the pressure to compare themselves to others online. He emphasises the importance of emotional intelligence and encourages seeking help as a sign of strength, not weakness.
Danny suggests starting small, such as journaling or talking to a trusted friend, and highlights various support options like school counselors, mental health charities, and anonymous online platforms. He reassures that asking for help is a positive step and can lead to better mental health outcomes.

Episode 33: The 'Cyber Bullying' episode

Blake discusses cyberbullying with Danny from Invictus Wellbeing.
Cyberbullying is defined as any form of bullying that occurs online, including social media, messaging apps, and gaming chats. It can be particularly damaging due to its 24/7 availability and anonymity.
Danny advises victims to document evidence, block the bully, and seek help from trusted adults or mental health professionals. Cyberbullying can severely impact mental health, leading to decreased confidence, sleep disturbances, and long-term relationship issues. Schools and communities should educate youth on digital respect and provide safe spaces for support.
Various resources, such as Childline and Young Minds, are available for those affected.

Episode 32: The 'Depression' episode

In this episode of the "What the Friday" podcast, Warren and Danny from Invictus Wellbeing discuss depression, differentiating it from general sadness, and its impact on daily life.
Danny explains that clinical depression is a diagnosable mental health condition affecting cognition, behaviour, and emotions, and can manifest in various forms, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder.
He emphasises the importance of recognising signs of depression, such as prolonged sadness, loss of interest, changes in eating and sleeping habits, and the need for professional help. Danny also highlights the role of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication in treatment, and encourages reaching out for support to overcome depression.

Episode 31: The 'Sleep' episode

Tamara and Latifat discuss sleep deprivation among teens and young adults, inviting Dr. Joy to explain the science behind it.
Dr. Joy explains that teen brains release melatonin later, causing sleep difficulties. Teens need 8-10 hours of sleep, which lack affects focus, memory, and mood. Screen time before bed suppresses melatonin and disrupts circadian rhythms.
Insomnia can be caused by stress, caffeine, screens, and inconsistent routines. Naps are beneficial if short, but weekend sleep-ins can disrupt the body clock. Energy drinks are discouraged due to their negative effects. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to immune system issues and poor vaccine response.
Dr. Joy advises consistent sleep habits and a wind-down routine for better sleep.
For more information: 
Find your local GP or register with a GP surgery https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp
Locala: https://www.locala.org.uk
You can also find a range of useful links on Destination https://destination.org.uk/app/section/useful-links (Sign in required)
 
Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes or sign up to the Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults at www.destination.org.uk where you can find loads of useful life-benefiting content for young people.    
You can also follow up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod(@WhatTheFridayPod)
Special thanks to Locala and Kirklees College for supporting this episode, Jimi for editing and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together.
Finally special thanks for Paul A Jackson for the music. 

Episode 30: The 'Connection Between Mental Health and Sexual Health' episode

In the "Headspace vs Bedspace" episode of the What The Friday youth podcast, host Gabby and expert guest Dr. Joy discuss the inextricable link between mental and sexual health.
Dr. Joy explains that mental health issues like anxiety and low self-esteem can impact sexual well-being, affecting body image, performance, and relationships. Conditions such as vaginismus and erectile dysfunction can be directly linked to mental health. Stress and poor mental health can lead to avoidance of sexual activity or promiscuity.
Dr. Joy emphasises the importance of open conversations about sex and relationships to break taboos and improve overall health. She advises seeking help from GPs, sexual health clinics, and mental health services.
For more information: 
Find your local GP or register with a GP surgery https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp
Locala: https://www.locala.org.uk
You can also find a range of useful links on Destination https://destination.org.uk/app/section/useful-links (Sign in required)
 
Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes or sign up to the Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults at www.destination.org.uk where you can find loads of useful life-benefiting content for young people.    
You can also follow up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod(@WhatTheFridayPod)
Special thanks to Locala and Kirklees College for supporting this episode, Jimi for editing and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together.
Finally special thanks for Paul A Jackson for the music. 

Episode 29: The 'Youth Diabetes' episode

Bailey Grace interviews Lucy, a type 1 diabetic, about her experiences and the impact of diabetes on young people.
Lucy shares her symptoms, including extreme thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss, and discusses the importance of raising awareness for type 1 diabetes, which is often overshadowed by type 2.
She highlights the emotional challenges, such as anxiety and stigma, and the need for proper management, including carb counting and insulin injections. Lucy emphasises the importance of being prepared, seeking support, and using new technologies like CGMs. She also advises on maintaining a balanced lifestyle and seeking help for psychological struggles.
For more information: 
Find your local GP or register with a GP surgery https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-gp
Locala: https://www.locala.org.uk
You can also find a range of useful links on Destination https://destination.org.uk/app/section/useful-links (Sign in required)
 
Don't forget to subscribe for new episodes or sign up to the Destination information & opportunities web-app for teens and young adults at www.destination.org.uk where you can find loads of useful life-benefiting content for young people.    
You can also follow up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatthefridaypod/ or TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefridaypod(@WhatTheFridayPod)
Special thanks to Locala and Kirklees College for supporting this episode, Jimi for editing and Youth Social www.youthsocial.co.uk for pulling everything together.
Finally special thanks for Paul A Jackson for the music.