Show Notes
Today's guest is content creator and copywriter Tom Pinks, who is The number of teenagers saying they don't drink alcohol is 39% [https://www.thegrocer.co.uk/news/huge-rise-in-low-and-no-alcohol-consumption-among-young-adults-yougov-poll-shows/686689.article#:~:text=Nearly%20four%20in%2010%20(39,from%20drinking%20alcohol%20at%20all.].
Tom talks about how he was bullied at secondary school before eventually finding a way to take control and stand up for himself. He was also dealing with his mum's diagnosis of cancer and says that it could have been quite a dark time had it not been for the resilience that kicked in as he learned to take care of his emotions.
He also talks about feeling shy when he started university - have a listen to Tom's top tip for making friends in a new environment! Tom says this is when he started using alcohol to hide his shyness and pretend to be more extroverted than he was. Whilst he says it didn't feel like a problem in the moment, he struggled to keep up with the drinking of Freshers and eventually realised it was too much.
Tom told me how he eventually cut down on drinking and became isolated as he distanced himself from friends who were drinkers. He was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and had to take time out to address it. He tells us how difficult that experience was, and what help is available now to young people going through similar, from free counselling to support of communities online.
Tom's experience of being sober since then is fascinating to listen to - from being fully alive at the music gigs he loved, to the experience of dating without alcohol.
Who is Tom Pinks?
Tom is a mental health professional, writer and podcaster for The Mix, the UK's leading digital support service for under 25's. A former teacher, Tom now spends his time ensuring as many teens have the resources they need to thrive in life. Whether this be written guides on navigating relationships, identity, and general wellbeing, or podcasts with experts on how to manage and improve mental health.
Tom has been living sober for almost 18 months, and is an advocate for clean living after witnessing the many benefits this brought into other parts of his life. He now practices transcendental meditation daily, and puts his love and energy into hosting events across London designed to help young people make new friends.
Useful links:
* The Highly Sensitive Person [https://amzn.to/3EhA53C] (affiliate link) * The Mix [https://www.themix.org.uk/] - essential support for under 25s, including free counselling * Tom's blog about sober dating [https://www.themix.org.uk/sex-and-relationships/single-life-and-dating/sober-dating-52118.html]
More teenage parenting from Helen Wills
* Helen Wills Counselling and Parent Coaching [https://helenwills.com/] * Actually Mummy parenting teens blog [https://www.actuallymummy.co.uk/] * Helen on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamhelenwills/]
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Please note that Helen Wills is not a medical expert, and nothing in the podcast should be taken as medical advice. If you're worried about yourself or a teenager, please seek support from a medical professional.
Episode produced by Michael J Cunningham [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-cunningham-245586266/]
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TW: Self-harm