I put a short podcast on social media yesterday from the great late Matthew Perry, talking about addiction. It was his very last podcast, before his untimely death.

It just goes to show how mental health is at the forefront of our physical health. And while I continue to try to point the importance of mental health out, through social media it’s not a talking point.

Anyone and everyone can fall on hard times and our emotions take a knock, we may also become depressed, turning to vices like prescription drugs, binge eating, alcohol, anything that makes us feel better in the short term.

Drug Addiction

For anyone who deals with drug addiction, they will understand what Matthew Perry went through and how difficult mental health is when it comes to any form of addiction.

No one chooses to become an addict in the same way; no one chooses to be homeless. Things happen; you fall on hard times and you turn to something to help you through, and for a finite time you begin to feel better.

Addicts are 'someone' not 'no-one'

Through addiction, people are something. And perhaps that's what the world needs to remember, there are reasons why people get into drug use and alcohol. Drugs are used to shut out pain, which can at times feel unbearable.

My thoughts go out to Matthew, his family and friends at this sad and most difficult time.

His Friends' co-stars Dedication

His Friends co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer released a statement about Matthew's death on Monday (30 October), writing: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew.

“We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”

If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24-7 from Frank, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, emailing or visiting their website.

In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP - (Source: independentcouk)

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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