Becoming Lucy

Lucy Hodgkinson
  • 5.0 (13)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated weekly

Becoming Lucy is real life stories with real people where real change happens. It's where healing meets humour, and where Lucy and Hana turn life's chaos into connection.

  1. 11 Aug

    I WROTE A SUICIDE NOTE… THEN CHOSE TO LIVE | Sobriety, Addiction & Choosing Life

    ⚠️ Content warning: This episode contains discussions of alcohol addiction, medication dependency, suicidal thoughts, mental health and recovery. Please listen with care. ⸻ What if the life you think you can’t imagine… is actually the one that saves you? For years, Racheal believed alcohol was part of who she was. It was there for every celebration, every social event and every difficult moment. As her drinking escalated, she also became reliant on sleeping tablets, unable to imagine life without either. Then she hit rock bottom. After writing a suicide note, Racheal woke up the next morning and made a decision that would change everything. Today, she’s proudly sober, has lost seven stone, completed a marathon and discovered a version of herself she never believed was possible. In this honest and deeply moving conversation, Racheal opens up about growing up, working as a holiday rep, the hidden reality of alcohol addiction and relying on sleeping tablets, the impact addiction had on her mental and physical health, and the moment she realised she had to choose life. Together, we explore the powerful link between addiction and mental health, the fear of losing your identity when alcohol has become part of your life, learning to manage triggers and cravings, rebuilding relationships, and why sobriety became the greatest act of self-discovery she has ever experienced. Whether you’re sober, sober curious, supporting someone with addiction, or simply searching for hope during a difficult chapter, Racheal’s story is a powerful reminder that transformation is possible, and that it’s never too late to become the person you’re meant to be. Because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do… is choose yourself. In this episode, we cover: ✨ Racheal’s life before alcohol took over🍹 How drinking slowly became part of her identity💊 Her reliance on sleeping tablets and how she couldn’t switch off without them💔 The moment she hit rock bottom and wrote a suicide note🧠 The powerful connection between addiction and mental health🌱 Learning who she was without alcohol🏃 Losing seven stone and completing a marathon❤️ Managing triggers, cravings and staying sober🤝 The role friends and family played in her recovery💬 Why she’s now unapologetically herself🌟 Hope for anyone who feels change is impossible ⸻ ⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer • Informational Only: This content is for general information and entertainment. It is not professional advice (legal, medical, financial, or otherwise). • No Guarantees: We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes from using the information shared. • Personal Views: Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the official positions of any affiliated organisations. • No Liability: We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast. • External Links: We are not responsible for content found on any external sites mentioned.

    I WROTE A SUICIDE NOTE… THEN CHOSE TO LIVE | Sobriety, Addiction & Choosing Life

  2. 4 Aug

    I SURVIVED CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE… THEN EPILEPSY CHANGED MY LIFE | PTSD, Mental Health & Invisible Illness

    ⚠️ Content warning: This episode contains discussions of childhood sexual abuse, trauma, PTSD, mental health struggles and epilepsy. Please listen with care. ⸻ When most people hear the word epilepsy, they think of seizures. But for Lisa, epilepsy is only a small part of a much bigger story. In this incredibly honest conversation, Lisa shares how surviving childhood sexual abuse and early life trauma shaped her mental health, relationships and the way she viewed herself. At just 12 years old, she was diagnosed with epilepsy, beginning a journey that brought challenges far beyond the condition itself. Together, we explore the realities of living with an invisible illness, the emotional impact of PTSD, anxiety and depression, the side effects of medication, and the importance of understanding the person behind the diagnosis. Lisa also discusses her experience of eczema and the way she believes periods of stress and trauma have affected her overall health. At one of the darkest points in her life, Lisa speaks openly about experiencing a serious mental health crisis that resulted in her being sectioned, and how that became a turning point on her journey towards healing. More importantly, this isn’t just a story about adversity—it’s a story about resilience. Lisa opens up about therapy, self-awareness, learning to trust herself again, and the people who stood by her when she needed them most. This episode is a powerful reminder that everyone is fighting battles we can’t always see, and that healing is rarely a straight line. Whether you’re living with epilepsy, supporting someone who is, navigating the effects of trauma, or simply want to better understand invisible illnesses, Lisa’s story is one that will stay with you. ⸻ 🎙️ In this episode, we discuss: • Childhood sexual abuse and the lasting impact of trauma • Being diagnosed with epilepsy at just 12 years old • PTSD, anxiety, depression and invisible illness • Medication side effects and their impact on mental health • Lisa’s experience of being sectioned during a mental health crisis • Family planning, pregnancy and living with epilepsy • Eczema and Lisa’s personal experience of the connection between stress and her health • Family relationships, healing and support • Therapy, resilience and finding hope after trauma ⸻ 💛 Connect with Lisa 📱 Instagram: @ltbailey_ ⸻ 🎙️ Follow Becoming Lucy 📱 Instagram: @becominglucy 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major podcast platforms. If this conversation resonated with you, please follow, subscribe, leave a review and share the episode. It helps us continue bringing Real People. Real Stories. Real Change. ⸻ 📚 Resources • Epilepsy Society – https://epilepsysociety.org.uk • Epilepsy Action – https://www.epilepsy.org.uk • NHS – Sodium Valproate Information – https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sodium-valproate/ ⸻ ⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer • Informational Only: This content is for general information and entertainment. It is not professional advice (legal, medical, financial, or otherwise). • No Guarantees: We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes from using the information shared. • Personal Views: Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the official positions of any affiliated organisations. • No Liability: We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast. • External Links: We are not responsible for content found on any external sites mentioned.

    I SURVIVED CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE… THEN EPILEPSY CHANGED MY LIFE | PTSD, Mental Health & Invisible Illness

  3. 28 Jul

    MY MUM HAS YOUNG ONSET DEMENTIA… THIS IS WHAT NO ONE PREPARES YOU FOR | Love, Loss & Finding Hope

    What happens when the person who once looked after you suddenly needs you to look after them? In this episode of Becoming Lucy, Tiff shares the deeply personal story of her mum’s young onset dementia diagnosis and the life-changing journey that followed. From the subtle early warning signs that were easy to dismiss to the emotional reality of becoming a caregiver, this is an honest conversation about love, grief, resilience and hope. Together, we explore the challenges of getting a diagnosis, the impact dementia has on the whole family, and the heartbreaking moments that stay with you forever, including when Tiff’s mum went missing and had to be guided safely home. But this episode isn’t just about loss. It’s about finding light in the darkest moments. Tiff shares how she’s transformed heartbreak into purpose by raising awareness through fundraising, community events, silent discos and even taking on Mount Kilimanjaro. Her mission isn’t just to raise money for dementia and Alzheimer’s charities, but to help people better understand the reality of living with the disease. Her story is a powerful reminder that while dementia changes lives, it never takes away the importance of connection, dignity or creating meaningful memories together. Whether you’re caring for a parent, supporting someone with Alzheimer’s, worried about the early signs of dementia, or simply want to better understand what families experience behind closed doors, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, understood and, above all, hopeful. ⸻ In This Episode • The early signs and symptoms of young onset dementia • The journey to receiving a dementia diagnosis • The emotional impact on families and caregivers • Guilt, grief and navigating life after diagnosis • Care homes, support networks and asking for help • Dementia awareness and breaking the stigma • How music, community and fundraising can bring moments of joy • Finding hope, purpose and resilience after heartbreak ⸻ Follow & Support If this episode resonates with you, please consider: ❤️ Following the podcast ⭐ Leaving a review 📤 Sharing this episode with someone who may need to hear that they are not alone ⸻ Resources & Links Tiff’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tiff.kilimanjaro26?igsh=MXdzdmxxajM4NjBxcg== Becoming Lucy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/becominglucy?igsh=dXdtNTdqbjB4MG5u Support Tiff’s Kilimanjaro Fundraiser https://givestar.io/gs/tiff-climbs-kilimanjaro-for-ftd-brothers-foundation?fbclid=PAVERFWATRt5ZwZG9mAmV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzEyNDAyNDU3NDI4NzQxNAABp09sCd2eXITTfgadMJn5fcLe_1vjPr9DhkHlzTvkT0MOMPJoxjgk0Tp2H_vW_aem_U5RGl3wzgjGBRBfKrWpSBQ ⸻ Chapters 00:00 – Young Onset Dementia: Tiffany’s Mum’s Story 02:02 – The Early Dementia Symptoms Everyone Missed 04:11 – Why Doctors Thought It Was Depression 07:59 – Dementia Explained: The Christmas Lights Analogy 12:07 – How Lockdown Accelerated Dementia Symptoms 15:00 – The Hidden Reality of Being a Dementia Carer 19:52 – Finding Support After a Dementia Diagnosis 24:59 – Why Early Dementia Diagnosis Matters 30:14 – What Happens During a Dementia Assessment? 36:05 – Raising Dementia Awareness Through Social Media 39:02 – The Day My Mum Went Missing with Dementia 44:59 – Finding Hope After a Dementia Diagnosis ⸻ ⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer • Informational Only: This content is for general information and entertainment. It is not professional advice (legal, medical, financial, or otherwise). • No Guarantees: We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes from using the information shared. • Personal Views: Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the official positions of any affiliated organisations. • No Liability: We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast. • External Links: We are not responsible for content found on any external sites mentioned.

    MY MUM HAS YOUNG ONSET DEMENTIA… THIS IS WHAT NO ONE PREPARES YOU FOR | Love, Loss & Finding Hope

  4. 21 Jul

    WHY I TOOK MY SON OUT OF SCHOOL | Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Home Education & Motherhood

    What happens when your child’s diagnosis changes the way you see yourself? In this episode of Becoming Lucy, we sit down with Sarah to hear her personal story of motherhood, home education and self-discovery. Sarah isn’t a clinician, psychologist or medical expert. She’s a mum sharing her lived experience of supporting her son through his autism diagnosis, navigating the challenges of mainstream education, and making the incredibly difficult decision to home educate after concerns about his mental health and prolonged school refusal while waiting for specialist school support. As Sarah fought to understand what her son needed, she found herself looking back at her own childhood through a completely different lens. From struggling at secondary school and later being diagnosed with dyslexia, to questioning whether she may also be autistic or have ADHD, she shares how her son’s journey unexpectedly helped her understand herself. We also explore how this self-awareness transformed her confidence, her parenting and even her career. After years of feeling like she never quite fit traditional employment, Sarah went on to build her own successful business, creating a life that works with her strengths rather than against them. In this episode, we discuss: • Autism, ADHD and dyslexia through one mother’s lived experience • Home education and why Sarah never planned to homeschool • School refusal, mental health and navigating the education system • EHCPs, diagnosis pathways and specialist school support • How understanding your child can help you understand yourself • The emotional impact of feeling misunderstood at school • Building confidence, resilience and a successful business after years of self-doubt Whether you’re a parent, educator, exploring your own neurodivergent journey, or you’ve ever felt like you simply didn’t fit the system, Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder that understanding often begins with compassion. ⸻ Resources & Links Connect with Sarah Follow & connect with Sarah (HEY Pear)    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heysarahpear/ ⸻ Resources Mentioned Home Education £2 Tuition Hub – Affordable online learning resources and support for home-educating families.    https://the2poundtuitionhub.com Home Education For All UK – Private Facebook community for home-educating families across the UK.Home Education UK – Information, guidance, and resources for families choosing home education.    https://www.home-education.org.uk/ Learning Resources BBC Bitesize – Free curriculum-based learning resources for children of all ages.    https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize Dyslexia Support British Dyslexia Association – Information about dyslexia, diagnosis, support, and practical advice.    https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/about-dyslexia SEND & Parent Support Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum – Information, support, and guidance for families of children with additional needs.    https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/education/special_educational_needs/parent_forum.aspx Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) – Official GOV.UK guidance on EHCPs and support for children and young people with SEND.    https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/education-health-and-care-plans ⸻ Becoming Lucy Podcast – Follow us for behind-the-scenes content, episode clips, and updates.    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becominglucy/   ⸻ ⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer • Informational Only: This content is for general information and entertainment. It is not professional advice (legal, medical, financial, or otherwise). • No Guarantees: We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes from using the information shared. • Personal Views: Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the official positions of any affiliated organisations. • No Liability: We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast. • External Links: We are not responsible for content found on any external sites mentioned.

    WHY I TOOK MY SON OUT OF SCHOOL | Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Home Education & Motherhood

  5. 14 Jul

    Scleroderma Took My Sister… Now I’m Carrying On Her Legacy | Grief, Healing & Finding Purpose

    When Alex Santana lost his sister, Giselle, to the rare autoimmune disease systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), his world changed forever. What followed was a journey through unimaginable grief, mental health struggles and searching for purpose—one that would ultimately transform heartbreak into hope. In this deeply moving episode of Becoming Lucy, Alex opens up about growing up in Scotland, chasing bigger dreams, stepping into the world of television and reality TV, and how losing Giselle at just 38 years old reshaped every part of his life. Together, we explore the devastating reality of sibling loss, the impact of rare autoimmune diseases, and the emotional toll of watching someone you love battle a life-limiting illness. Alex shares the final moments with his sister, the grief that followed, and why he now dedicates his life to raising awareness of scleroderma and supporting others facing bereavement. We also dive into spirituality, signs from loved ones, mental health, self-acceptance, finding purpose after loss, and the healing power of community. Alex reflects on how social media unexpectedly became part of his recovery, why advocacy gave his grief meaning, and how fundraising, charity work, television opportunities and even learning to figure skate helped him rebuild his confidence and discover who he was becoming. This is an honest conversation about resilience, healing after loss, finding light in life’s darkest moments, and believing that even after unimaginable heartbreak, hope can still exist. Whether you’ve experienced grief, lost a sibling, supported someone through illness, struggled with your mental health, or simply need reminding that life can grow around pain, Alex’s story is one that will stay with you long after the episode ends. In this episode we discuss: Grief, bereavement and sibling lossSystemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and rare autoimmune disease awarenessMental health, resilience and healingSpirituality, signs and finding comfort after lossPurpose, advocacy and charity fundraisingReality TV, acting and personal growthSelf-acceptance and rebuilding confidenceThe power of community, storytelling and hope If this episode resonates with you, please follow Becoming Lucy, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need to hear Alex’s story today. Guest: Alex Santana ⸻ Resources • Scleroderma & Raynaud’s UK (SRUK): https://sruk.org/ • Follow Giselle Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@gisellebalfour?_r=1&_t=ZG-97qLcrN0pAO • Follow Alex Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alex.santana91?igsh=MXNhbmh0dW5rbXhveQ== • TikTok: @mralexsantana ⸻ Chapters 00:00 – Why Alex is sharing Giselle’s story 02:16 – The unexpected moments that change your life forever 03:28 – Growing up in Scotland and feeling different 05:42 – Childhood, identity and finding where you belong 09:36 – Discovering a passion for performing 11:21 – Leaving hairdressing behind for a career in TV 12:24 – Starting over in London and facing rejection 17:44 – Learning resilience through life’s setbacks 19:44 – The moment Giselle was diagnosed with scleroderma 21:56 – Who Giselle really was beyond her illness 25:30 – Losing his sister at just 38 years old 33:30 – Turning grief into purpose through awareness and fundraising 44:54 – Healing after loss and rebuilding a life 56:10 – Spirituality, signs and feeling connected to Giselle 1:05:29 – TV, documentaries and what’s next for Alex 1:24:02 – Why believing in yourself changes everything 1:25:29 – Who Alex is becoming ⸻ ⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer • Informational Only: This content is for general information and entertainment. It is not professional advice (legal, medical, financial, or otherwise). • No Guarantees: We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes from using the information shared. • Personal Views: Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the official positions of any affiliated organisations. • No Liability: We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast. • External Links: We are not responsible for content found on any external sites mentioned.

    Scleroderma Took My Sister… Now I’m Carrying On Her Legacy | Grief, Healing & Finding Purpose

  6. 7 Jul

    I Lost All Four Limbs After a UTI Turned to Sepsis… | Quadruple Amputee & Hand Transplant

    A simple UTI nearly cost Kim Smith her life. Within days, her body had gone into septic shock. Doctors told her family she had just ‘hours to live. She survived—but sepsis had caused such devastating damage that all four of her limbs had to be amputated. Most people know sepsis can be life-threatening. Few realise it can begin with something as common as a urinary tract infection. In this unforgettable episode of Becoming Lucy, Kim shares her extraordinary journey from surviving sepsis and becoming a quadruple amputee, to receiving a groundbreaking hand transplant and learning to rebuild her life one step at a time. Together, we explore the devastating reality of sepsis, delayed diagnosis, limb loss, organ donation, disability, mental health, recovery, resilience, and how one decision to become an organ donor changed Kim’s life forever. But this isn’t just a story about survival. It’s a story about identity, hope, purpose, and refusing to let unimaginable loss define your future. Kim speaks openly about living with prosthetic limbs, undergoing a pioneering hand transplant, coping with rejection after surgery, rebuilding her confidence, and using her experience to raise awareness of sepsis and organ donation in the hope of saving lives. Whether you’ve been affected by sepsis, know someone living with limb loss, are considering becoming an organ donor, or simply need reminding of the incredible strength people are capable of, this conversation is both deeply moving and incredibly inspiring. In this episode we discuss: • How a simple UTI developed into life-threatening sepsis • Septic shock and the devastating consequences of delayed treatment • Losing all four limbs and becoming a quadruple amputee • Living with prosthetic limbs and adapting to everyday life • Receiving a pioneering hand transplant and the challenges that followed • Organ donation and the life-changing impact of saying yes • Mental health, grief, acceptance and rebuilding identity after trauma • The power of resilience, advocacy and finding purpose after unimaginable loss • Recognising the signs and symptoms of sepsis that could save a life • Why sharing stories like Kim’s can help prevent future tragedies If this episode moves you, please follow Becoming Lucy, leave a rating or review, and share this episode with someone you care about. Greater awareness of sepsis really can save lives. ⸻ Support & Resources • The UK Sepsis Trust – https://sepsistrust.org • NHS Organ Donation – https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk ⸻ Connect with Kim Smith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kims2ndchance?igsh=emphYmp3NTJ5YXdtTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kims2dchance?_r=1&_t=ZN-97mhblHIdX9 Follow Becoming Lucy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becominglucy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@becominglucy ⸻ Chapters 00:00 – How a Simple UTI Changed Everything 02:24 – Life Before Sepsis 06:56 – The First Signs Something Was Wrong 09:49 – Understanding Sepsis 12:45 – The Missed Warning Signs 16:02 – Septic Shock 19:50 – Delayed Treatment & Life-Changing Consequences 22:36 – Learning to Advocate for Yourself 32:04 – Rebuilding Life as a Quadruple Amputee 35:02 – Choosing a Hand Transplant 37:58 – Acceptance & Hope 42:00 – Waiting for the Call 45:02 – Meeting Her Donor’s Family 51:47 – Rejection, Recovery & Starting Again 57:40 – Learning to Live Differently 01:01:02 – Finding Purpose Through Advocacy 01:03:16 – Raising Awareness of Sepsis 01:06:40 – The Future of Hand Transplants 01:09:44 – Living with Prosthetics 01:14:13 – Mental Health After Trauma 01:18:38 – Hope, Purpose & Moving Forward 01:21:40 – Why Organ Donation Matters ⸻ ⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer • Informational Only: This content is for general information and entertainment. It is not professional advice (legal, medical, financial, or otherwise). • No Guarantees: We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes from using the information shared. • Personal Views: Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the official positions of any affiliated organisations. • No Liability: We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast. • External Links: We are not responsible for content found on any external sites mentioned.

    I Lost All Four Limbs After a UTI Turned to Sepsis… | Quadruple Amputee & Hand Transplant

  7. 30 Jun

    I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE… | Surviving a Violent Attack Abroad, PTSD & Learning to Feel Safe Again

    One ordinary walk home changed Charly’s life forever. After surviving a violent attack while working overseas, nothing felt safe anymore. The physical injuries healed, but the panic attacks, hypervigilance and fear stayed for years. In this incredibly honest episode of Becoming Lucy, Charly shares the story of the night that changed everything. She opens up about surviving a violent attack abroad, navigating PTSD, rebuilding her confidence, and learning how to feel safe in the world again. Together, we explore trauma, panic attacks, anxiety, the body’s response to traumatic experiences, therapy, the criminal justice system, resilience, and what it really takes to reclaim your life after everything you once knew has been turned upside down. This isn’t just a story about surviving. It’s a story about learning how to truly live again. Whether you’ve experienced trauma yourself, supported someone who has, or simply want to better understand the long-term effects of trauma, this conversation is raw, educational and ultimately full of hope. In this episode we discuss: • The night that changed Charly’s life forever • Surviving a violent attack while living overseas • PTSD, panic attacks and the hidden effects of trauma • How trauma changes the brain and the body • The police investigation and navigating the criminal justice system • Therapy, hypnotherapy and finding the right support • Rebuilding confidence after violence • Resilience, healing and post-traumatic growth • Why recovery isn’t linear • Becoming authentically yourself after trauma If this episode resonates with you, please follow Becoming Lucy, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who may need to hear this conversation. ⸻ Support If you’ve been affected by any of the topics discussed in this episode, support is available. • Mental Health Foundation – https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk • RAINN – https://www.rainn.org • Hypnotherapy Directory – https://www.hypnotherapy-directory.org.uk ⸻ Connect with Charly Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlyylouise?igsh=djhiOTllajA2Mndx ⸻ Follow Becoming Lucy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becominglucy?igsh=dXdtNTdqbjB4MG5u TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@becominglucy?_r=1&_t=ZN-97cJn8Zyj9G ⸻ Chapters 00:00 – Introduction: The Night That Changed Charly’s Life 06:18 – Living the Dream Before Everything Changed 11:25 – A Ten-Minute Walk Home 21:20 – When Your Instincts Tell You Something Is Wrong 30:08 – Running for Her Life 32:26 – Fighting to Survive 33:44 – “I Thought I Was Going to Die” 35:46 – The Attack Ended. The Trauma Didn’t. 37:19 – Reaching Safety 39:35 – The Police Response That Shocked Her 49:51 – Searching for the Men Who Attacked Her 56:46 – Living With Trauma 57:34 – Learning to Feel Safe Again 01:00:16 – Starting Over in a New Country 01:02:03 – ‘Jazz Hands Charly’: The Mask That Hid Her Pain 01:06:30 – When Trauma Lives in the Body 01:12:27 – Healing, Hypnotherapy & Finding Herself Again 01:18:38 – Becoming Charly 01:23:16 – Final Reflections ⸻ ⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer • Informational Only: This content is for general information and entertainment. It is not professional advice (legal, medical, financial, or otherwise). • No Guarantees: We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes from using the information shared. • Personal Views: Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the official positions of any affiliated organisations. • No Liability: We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast. • External Links: We are not responsible for content found on any external sites mentioned.

    I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE… | Surviving a Violent Attack Abroad, PTSD & Learning to Feel Safe Again

  8. 23 Jun

    I Was Living the Dream… So Why Wasn’t I Happy? | Anxiety, Depression & Learning to Live in the Grey

    From the outside, Charlie looked like she was living the dream. ☀️ Sunshine.   ✈️ Travel.   🌍 New experiences. A life many people would envy. But what happens when you're living the life you've always wanted... and still find yourself struggling? In this honest and powerful conversation, Charlie shares her journey through anxiety, depression, sleep paralysis, heartbreak, therapy, medication and self-discovery. We explore the warning signs she missed, the reality of mental health behind the holiday rep lifestyle, and what happened when the life she had worked so hard to build no longer felt enough. This episode is a reminder that mental health struggles don't always look the way we expect them to — and that asking for help can be the first step towards healing. If you've ever felt anxious, overwhelmed, lost, depressed, or disconnected from who you are, this conversation is for you. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE • Life as an overseas holiday rep and the pressures behind the lifestyle • Recognising the signs of anxiety and depression • The impact of alcohol on mental health • Sleep paralysis, emotional extremes and losing confidence • Therapy, medication and seeking support • Relationships, heartbreak and healing • Learning self-awareness and emotional regulation • Rebuilding confidence and rediscovering yourself ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💬 QUOTES FROM THE EPISODE "Living in a bubble can hide the real struggles." "Reaching out can jumpstart your recovery." "I'm finally living the life I always dreamed of — with no masks." ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⚠️ CONTENT WARNING This episode contains discussions around: • Anxiety • Depression • Mental health struggles • Suicidal thoughts • Emotional distress Listener discretion is advised. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 💛 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT & CHARITIES If this conversation resonates with you and you're struggling, please reach out to a healthcare professional, trusted friend, family member, or support service. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 📞 Samaritans (24/7) https://www.samaritans.org Call: 116 123 🧠 Mind https://www.mind.org.uk 💙 Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk 🏥 NHS Mental Health Support https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ 🚨 If you feel at immediate risk of harm, call 999 or attend your nearest A&E department. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🔗 CONNECT & FOLLOW 🎙️ Becoming Lucy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becominglucy Follow for inspiring stories, behind-the-scenes content and future episodes. 💛 Charlie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakleycharliepole ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 I Was Living The Dream... So Why Wasn't I Happy? 03:58 Living the Dream as a Holiday Rep 05:52 The Memories We Forgot About 12:03 Trapped Inside the Holiday Bubble 17:31 The Signs Everyone Missed 24:29 Demons in the Room: Living with Sleep Paralysis 25:00 What Was Really Going On? 30:45 Living in Black and White 32:51 The Depression I Didn't Know I Had 38:46 Starting Over in London 42:41 The Thoughts I Couldn't Escape 45:38 Dating When You Don't Love Yourself Yet 52:23 Finding Love When I Least Expected It 55:02 Heartbreak, Healing & Starting Again 57:46 Learning to Face Life Alone 01:01:26 Who Am I Without Anxiety? 01:06:02 Finding the Grey in the Middle 01:11:52 Rebuilding Relationships 01:15:47 Who Is Charlie Becoming? 01:23:04 Final Reflections ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ ⚠️ Podcast Disclaimer • Informational Only: This content is for general information and entertainment. It is not professional advice (legal, medical, financial, or otherwise). • No Guarantees: We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or outcomes from using the information shared. • Personal Views: Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the official positions of any affiliated organisations. • No Liability: We are not liable for any actions taken based on this podcast. • External Links: We are not responsible for content found on any external sites mentioned.

    I Was Living the Dream… So Why Wasn’t I Happy? | Anxiety, Depression & Learning to Live in the Grey
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5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Becoming Lucy is real life stories with real people where real change happens. It's where healing meets humour, and where Lucy and Hana turn life's chaos into connection.

Information

  • Creator
    Lucy Hodgkinson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lucy Hodgkinson

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