Micha Frazer-Carroll
CN: Eating disorders, dissociation,
hallucinations, exams, abuse, suicide
As Blueprint’s one-year anniversary quickly approaches, we look back on our most read pieces since launching.
10. Anorexia, my privilege, and me
23/09/2017 – Carl Wikeley
“What if I had been thinking about this in entirely the wrong way? What if the key to understanding my mental illness was not searching for the root cause, but thinking about its effects?” In this piece, Carl explores the relationship between conceptions of mental health, eating disorders,Ā sexuality,Ā and identity. Ā Read more
9. Dear mum, I’m sorry I used to be embarrassed by your accent
26/03/2017 – Sienna Hewavidana
“When I was 11, my mother trialled as a teaching assistant in my class. As she introduced herself, suddenly, amplified for all to hear, was a strong Srilankan accent. In a room full of well-spoken white children, my mother was an alien.” Discussing internalised racism and the social isolation that can come being a first generation migrant, Sienna’s piece was picked up by BBC Radio’s Asian Network, where she was interviewed about the piece live. Ā Read more
8. āI thought Iād gone madā: Your guide to dissociation
16/02/2017 – Emma Simkin
“I missed lectures, supervisions, birthdays, meals out and half of my final exam paper ā not because I didnāt turn up, but because my mind disconnected from where I was. I thought Iād gone mad and was terrified to tell anyone.” Dissociation is a common symptom of anxiety, but it is commonly misunderstood by professionals, and there are very few online resources on it. Here Emma Simkin brings us an invaluable guide, along with lived experience, on dissociation. Ā Read more
7. Dumplings, desserts, and bikini pictures: travelling in recovery from bulimia
9/10/2017 – Daisy Carter
āI am used to matching pictures of my skinny self with romance, and validation, and worth.ā Daisy Carter tells us about the journey of her recovery from bulimia, and how it interacted with travelling. Ā Read more
6. Mental illness exists beyond depression and anxiety ā why don’t we talk about it?
04/03/2017 – Emma Simkin
“Tell someone youāre feeling low and struggling to get out of bed, and aside from offering kindness and support, no one really bats an eyelid. Tell the same person that you think that motorway signs are giving you hidden messages about the secrets of time, and they look at you like youāve just grown three heads or murdered a puppy.” In this piece, Emma Simkin discusses the underrepresentation of mental health problems beyond depression and anxiety; and how this relates to stigma. Ā Read more
5. “Stop practising Skype sex on your laptop webcam”: Biba Kang ā advice to my teenage self
23/02/2017 – Biba Kang
“Do not confuse having a poor central heating system with wanting a relationship.Ā You will get a boyfriend when you are emotionally ready to give and receive love, not as a hot water-bottle substitute.” Independent writer Biba Kang shares her top tips for her younger self relating to sex, relationships, and feminism. Ā Read more
4. Why I’m not revising for my exams
20/05/2017 – Aisja Mahmood
“I will fight tooth and nail to challenge the idea that there is only one way to be a student.” Aisja Mahmood tells us how disability intertwines with her stance on learning and exams. Ā Read more
3. Am I sick enough? On “high functioning” mental health problems
21/04/2017 – Sophie Buck
āApproaching my college counsellor, she told me I was āfineā if I was still able to work.ā Sophie Buck unpacks ideas of “functionality” surrounding what we see as good mental health ā and how this is related to capitalism. Ā Read more
2. This year I devour: life after abuse
9/11/2017 – Danielle Howe
āI was asked recently if I had ever been in love. I think yes, I think I have. But I also believe that everyoneās version of love is different. Mine has been one founded upon control and abuse.ā Danielle Howe tells her story of recovering in a psychiatric ward following an abusive relationship. Ā Read more
1. “13 Reasons Why” has failed teenage girls
16/04/2017 – Martha Rose Saunders
“My main feeling finishing the show was just sadness.” In a piece that went viral, Martha Rose Saunders tells us how “13 Reasons Why” fails to tackle serious issues affecting teenage girls. Ā Read more
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