Ep7. Ruby Wax - telling the world about your mental health breakdown

Comedian, presenter, writer and campaigner Ruby Wax has been very public about her mental health. Her most recent book “I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was” (2023) details a severe breakdown which, after 12 years of good health, she didn’t see coming. In the book Ruby sets off on a series of journeys to try and find “inner peace” including a 30-day silent retreat, swimming with whales, visiting a refugee camp and staying at a Christian monastery. It’s during one of these trips that she suddenly realises she needs help and she describes what it was like being admitted to a mental health institution for treatment.

In a frank discussion with Peter Leonard, Ruby discusses the depths of her depression and recovery. She explains why using this very personal experience in her writing and performance is an important part of her mental health awareness campaigning.

Ruby set up the charity Frazzled Cafe 7 years ago. It’s an online support group where anyone can talk in a safe, non-judgemental space about their emotional and mental health and how they’re really feeling. She believes that to be heard is half the cure.

You can find out more information at frazzledcafe.org 

*This episode contains strong language and explores what it’s like to live with a mental health disease.

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