About FlatWhiteChats
Flat White Chats was started as a podcast designed to break the stigma around mental health. Since the beginning I've been lucky enough to chat to some very interesting guests about their mental health journies and battles, and how they are overcoming these daily.
These interactions have prompted the sale of the items here. They embody my desire for creating an environment in which people feel comfortable and confident enough to discuss mental health, with those they feel they want to.
The first step is the hardest and the bravest; but it's also the first step towards the next chapter in your life.
100% of the profit from the sale the of these items will be donated to:
The Farming Community Network (FCN), which helps support farmers who might be suffering with mental health issues and help them get through these times
The RESTART rugby campaign, which provides financial, practical and emotional support to ill and injured players during and after their professional rugby career.
These are two charities I feel strongly about for mental health reasons.
Who is FlatWhiteChats?
For those of you who don’t know… well, now you’re gonna know:
This is my story. This is me.
I’ve had my battles with mental health linked to PTSD which came about after witnessing a friend of mine pass away on the rugby field from a heart attack, depression and frankly an awful relationship with food! By sharing my story and being honest with people about it all, I’m hoping to help create a platform and an environment in which people can feel comfortable and confident enough to discuss their own mental health: whether that be with me, a friend, or a professional.
At my worst my weight ballooned; I ate just about anything and everything in sight! I’d never been a massive drinker but would often drink frequently as a ‘get out’. I wasn’t comfortable in my own body. Putting on a false personality, I lied about being okay to a lot of people because I didn’t want them worrying about me or seeing me as a burden.
It took a passing comment one day by a friend: “Oh Lee, your shirt looks a bit tighter!” to act as my lightbulb moment. I needed to change and start my new chapter.
As a daunting but big first step I went and had counselling. This allowed me to start speaking slightly more openly and honestly to family, friends and my employers. These people have supported me ever since. They continue to do so to this day.
Since this I’ve launched my podcast. I’m trying to talk openly about my own mental health, as well as talk to others about theirs. I’ve been honoured that so many good and honest people have wanted to chat with me, but also have trusted me to discuss this with them. It’s been phenomenal to discuss, learn and understand the many different ideas and coping techniques that we all have.
Mental health is something we often don’t talk openly and honestly about. There isn’t a 5-minute fix; you’re not going to be doing cartwheels down the street thinking everything is solved immediately after discussing issues. However, by talking you’ve taken the hardest and bravest step.
With the right support network and people around you, everyday becomes easier and manageable.
Remember my phone is always switched on, my inboxes are always open to chat and talk. But please remember I'm not a mental health specialist or counsellor I'm here to help you take that first step and start to point you in the right direction.
I’ll always listen. It’s not weak to speak!
