Getting Personal with Denise Welch
The Cheshire Magazine’s Clare Stobart talks exclusively to the television star about her book “The Unwelcome Visitor”
Keeping fit and healthy is so important for mental health. Endorphins from physical activity not only makes us feel good but helps us tackle those obstacles and goals that come our way in everyday life. Everybody deals and copes with mental health differently, however, I truly believe that investing in health and wellness is a must.
A healthy lifestyle is sure to keep the mind clear and reduce stress, it’s such a hot topic amongst friends, particularly limiting alcohol and unhealthy foods. By having a healthy balanced diet, it’s amazing how different you feel and look, from your complexion right through to the brightness of your eyes.
Don’t underestimate exercise either, it is the best way to boost your mood. When you feel low on energy, it amazes me how much if you push through and say yes to a workout, you feel totally re-energised and concentration levels are at an all-time high.
Most importantly it’s maintaining a balance and finding some “me time”. Find time to do what’s important to you whether it’s spending time with the family, meditating, working out, playing a sport, socialising, listening to music or reading a book. This will then prevent stress and we all know that stress causes adverse health effects.
Denise is a true inspiration and a bundle of energy. From the outside world, she has the perfect life, so happy, healthy and bubbly, however, like a lot of people, Denise struggles with her mental health. When you can share your story like Denise and openly talk about your battles with depression or any other type of mental illness you help so many people who may struggle in silence.
Writing a book on such a private topic must have been such a difficult thing to do, I’m sure anyone that reads your book will be so grateful that you shared your personal experience to raise awareness of mental health. What gave you the courage to write “The Unwelcome Visitor”?
I felt the need to write the book that I always wanted and could never find. And after the last (what used to be called “a breakdown”) serious episode I had 2 years ago, I impulsively video recorded the episode over a three-day period. I always talk in hindsight about what it’s like to go through a major depressive disorder episode, but something compelled me to put myself out there as I was going through it. The video went viral and the response was such that I felt I needed to put it into words and to chronicle how I have lived with “The Unwelcome Visitor”. I always wanted to help people understand their own unwelcome visitor and help the people who love them to understand the unwelcome visitor.
What are your thoughts on the impact of exercise on mental wellbeing? Do you feel that the two go hand in hand?
People often say, “Pull yourself together!”, “Snap out of it!”. People who have never suffered from any kind of mental illness have no idea how people will turn to alcohol, drugs, food to numb the pain. When people say “You’ve got to exercise” that is so true. But, when you are in a depression, you can’t even get out of bed. You can’t even wash; exercise is impossible. But when you are feeling well, exercise is important. I am naturally a lazy person, exercise is not my natural bedfellow, but recently, having to deal with the pandemic and with my father’s declining health*, I have found a new love for exercise and going to the gym is very much now absolutely part of my wellbeing. Being at a gym that considers mental health to be equally as important as physical health is a godsend for me. So now, to me, the two go hand in hand and it builds my physical strength which builds my mental strength to deal better next time an episode comes. So absolutely, exercise is very much part of my life now.
Throughout the pages of “The Unwelcome Visitor”, you refer to your own battle with clinical depression over the last 30 years. What advice would you give to anyone who may be struggling?
My advice to anyone suffering from depression is when you feel well enough, read my book because it shows you that I completely understand everything you’re going through. To the families of those who are depressed, please look at the chapter about ‘Friends and Family’, to teach you how to understand a bit more. It’s so difficult to access mental health services, it was difficult before the pandemic, it’s nigh on impossible now to get a quick appointment. But, unlike when I was poorly and we didn’t have social media, there are some incredible sites that can help you. Obviously, there are charities like Mind, Sane and The Samaritans. But if you live in say Coventry you can Google “depression groups in Coventry” and there will be people to metaphorically throw their arms around you or hopefully physically throw their arms around you. They will help guide you through the worst until you can seek the appropriate help via the NHS, should you need that. More importantly than anything, do not be afraid to say to people how you feel. And to anybody else reading this, if you see your loved ones going quiet and withdrawing, that’s when they need your help.
Self- love and care also improves our mental and physical health. What rituals do you implement day-to-day to ensure you look after yourself and those you love and care for around you?
I’m a Geordie and I like all the wrong foods. I like pies and peas and fish and chips, and I still allow myself to these meals. When I gave up alcohol, people automatically assumed I lost weight. I actually put on over 2 stone because I replaced alcohol with food, and I was very aware that I was on a rocky road. I then lost weight with Lighter Life and I still actually use the Lighter Life ethos, so 2 days a week I flexi-fast. Also going to the gym has just pointed out to me what changes I need to make in my diet. I don’t have any particular rituals, but I do look after myself. If I want to have a duvet day I can and do, if I want to take myself to bed early and watch The Real Housewives of anywhere in the world, that’s like a meditation to me. I switch off and get lost in other people’s problems.
*At the time of this interview, Denise’s Dad was poorly and has since sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with Denise and her family at this hard time.
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