As one of the country’s most influential celebs on mental health matters and the highs and lows of being a woman in modern times, Bryony Gordon has it spot on – she’s witty, wise and toe-curlingly honest. Especially when it comes to a heart-to-heart with Muddy.

Huge congrats on your new book Mad Woman. Tell us about it.

Thank you! My previous book, Mad Girl, focused on the first three decades of my life, and Mad Woman is mainly based on the last three years. It’s a bit messy and all over the place, which was kind of what I wanted to get across, as life and recovery can be messy. We have these notions that we want people to triumph over their demons and live happily ever after, but that isn’t what it’s like for most people. We have ups and downs and flat bits. Recovery for me has not been linear and it feels like I’m constantly peeling off layers of an onion. The book is a bit like a warm hug to women to say: you’re not the problem.

How much do you think you have changed between the two releases?

I got sober and am also 10 years older. Fundamentally I’m the same person but my circumstances have changed a lot. With my obsessive-compulsive disorder, it feels like it shape shifts and I have to try and catch it before it gets out of control.

You write a lot about your mental health, what made you want to be so open?

I write about all the things that make me feel bad about myself to make others feel good. Mental illness tends to thrive in isolation, and this is my way of going against that. I don’t feel any shame about writing this stuff. I feel it’s my duty to get it down on paper. Ten years isn’t that long in terms of mental health, but lots can change and I’m constantly learning new things.

Tell us about your charity Mental Health Mates

I started to meet other people like me. I couldn’t see anything like this for people with mental health issues. I kept hearing the statistic that one in four suffer with their mental health, but I’d never met any of them. It was like, ‘If you’re one of the one in four, reveal yourself to me and let’s catch up!’

The charity encourages people to walk more. What are your tips to start exercising?

Nobody ever wants to exercise, but nobody ever regrets it. It’s about how you feel rather than how you look. Remember that everyone else is in their own heads when they’re exercising so literally no one is looking at you so don’t worry about that. Start small. Don’t try and take on a marathon straightaway. Try activities like Couch to 5K first and be prepared to be wowed by the effect it has on your mental health.

Can we get involved with the ‘Big Challenge’?

You can donate via our Just Giving page.

What advice would you give if to readers who are suffering with their mental health?

Just hold on and make sure you speak to someone you trust. Whether this is a doctor, partner, or a friend, remember that a problem shared is definitely a problem halved. Know that you’re not alone (even when your brain is telling you that!)

Bryony Gordon‘s book, Mad Woman, is out now. For more on Bryony’s mental health charity go to @mentalhealthmates

Bryony Gordon is at Fowey Literary Festival on Sat 11 May, buy tickets here – the festival runs 10 – 18 May 2024.

Bryony Gordon: walking, warm hugs and why I don’t feel shame

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