Joaquin Phoenix as “the Joker” - Spoiler alert “There’s no point telling you (the punchline) you just won’t get it.” Austerity, Mental Health, Rich/Poor divide, Bullying, the ugly side of capitalism, single parents, tragedy and murder. There’s no super heroes, not even just a hero, only missed opportunities for redemption and individuals taking advantage of others bad fortune. The retribution is empty and hollow, the baying crowds are as distant from empathy as the rich, an

EastEnders, Brexit and Football Apparently Mental Health as a subject is a little out of place at a Comedy Festival. It’s just not funny. After all isn’t humour a way of escaping from that sort of thing? Depression and its like, that is. I also got told the other week that talking about suffering from this sort of disorder isn’t suited to a music programme on local radio. That discussion felt particularly uncomfortable. The Media Show I heard on The Media Show on BBC Radio 4

Two things are true this week 1. Getting out and involved in the “Arts” is good for you 2. Leicester Comedy Festival starts on Wednesday We’ve always known the first. They can write a new government report and recommend culture as a way to help your own state of Mental Health, but we know it’s always been true. That going out, sharing in a communal event and expressing yourself will make you feel better is hardly a light bulb moment. It’s as obvious as the fact that oblitera

How to save your life It’s far too easy to be defined by Mental Health, to allow it to construct your day and for you to be seen through the moods that follows as a result. By it's expression in your actual physical appearance and through the downright daily drudgery that this life can all but add up to. And if poor Mental Health takes you as its victim, no matter you have otherwise achieved, it will be your final note, your defining feature if you like. It can set out the l

I was thinking of filming a music video based on this idea… …That when it comes to mental health, people - particularly men? - would talk to a whole host of other professions rather than an actual professional. It’s what started me off on this whole journey, having these conversations after my concerts. The Chord of E You can forget those years, normally eight, of education and residency to achieve the glorious title of shrink. Give me someone who can steam some milk and grin