Mike Douglas

Maybe more... This week I realised, there’s more going on. There's trauma still at work.My lived experience, like all of us, impacts what I do/ think, how I do/ think and why. This week we've had time and headspace...

This week I realised, there’s more going on. My lived experience, like all of us, impacts what I do/ think, how I do/ think and why. This week we've had time and headspace to talk about some of that, and I noticed something I wanted to reflect on.

www.openjournalbc.com/post/maybe-m...

I’ve counted and my 2025 Runs so far are:

10 miles+: 1
1/2 Marathon+: 9
15 miles+: 17
20 miles+: 2
Marathon+: 1

With a run total of 472 miles (so far)

I’m looking good for my first two run goals of 500 and 623 miles. Getting to 750 will require a lot more work

#NikeRunClub #RunForFun #SelfCare

Due to personal commitments over the coming months, podcast recording been postponed. I’m hoping to be back in October with some amazing guests and conversations being shared later in the year.

Thank you for your continued support. 💜🖤

Birthday Reflection It’s over ten years now… over tens years more of life than I thought I would have. And not just any ten years, while there’s difficult days, struggles and danger, it’s also been ten years filled with ...

It’s that time again… birthday reflections on over 10 years of chatting mental health 💭

www.openjournalbc.com/post/birthda...

What a Month - May Recap What a month it’s been! May has been packed with changes, challenges and successes.We finished April and rolled into May by agreeing our house sale and onward purchase, meaning May has involved lots o...

What a month May has been!

We’ve had Mental Health Awareness Week, Portsmouth Comic Con, I made the Vuelio Top10 UK Mental Health Blogs, and so much more.

www.openjournalbc.com/post/what-a-...

Just caught up on Eurovision, my favourite was Germany, and I liked: Spain, Netherlands and France.

Dumbfounded by some of the voting.

🙌A huge thank you to @vuelio for creating this list and for sharing and celebrating our blogs. Along with all the other super Top 10 Blog signposting you’re doing 🩷 <If you haven’t already, check out the other Top 10s to discover some awesome Blogs and Creators>

🥹I am absolutely delighted and privileged to again be part of this wonderful list of Mental Health Bloggers and Creators.

It’s #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek next week & what a great way to prepare for the week by having some outside/ green space time in this beautiful setting. Reflecting on the importance of conversations, support networks, creating safe spaces, & making time to pause.

🌳 Another wonderful visit to the beautiful @aliceholtforest

🐭 This time Henry was really interested in the #Gruffalo Trail, we read a few #Stickman Trail signs and we played in the woodland play space.

Portsmouth Comic Con'25 Each Spring I look forward to attending Portsmouth Comic Con at the Guildhall, and discovering the exciting additions and developments the organising team have made to the event. This year was no diff...

🧜🏼‍♀️🧙🏼‍♂️🦹🏾‍♀️ Each Spring I look forward to attending Portsmouth Comic Con at the Portsmouth Guildhall, and discovering the exciting additions and developments the organising team have made to the event. This year was no different!

www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...

🪐 What a weekend of wonder ✨

Work and emails seem pretty boring this week after Portsmouth ComicCon, #StarWarsDay and all the amazing experience spaces and exhibitions on the weekend.

Only 12 months till the next one… 🦹🏾‍♀️🧙🏼‍♂️

Portsmouth Comic Con'24 What a weekend this was; from the amazing atmpsopare and experinces to the cosplay and panels. Each year this event becomes... more; and there's so many things to mention.Initial arrivalThis year my e...

👩🏼‍🎤👨🏽‍🎤Looking forward to Portsmouth Comic Con this weekend!

🦹🏾‍♀️🧙🏼‍♂️If you’re not sure what to expect, or would just like to know more, here’s my thoughts and experience of last years event.

www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...

Ep311 Grief, Support Network and go on... with Dan (Part 2) Podcast Episode · Open Journal · 15/04/2025 · 38m

Ep312, and part two too Ep311 with Dan

In this episode Dan joins us to talk about grief, bereavement, support networks, intellectualisation of therapy, the importance of conversation and listening (go on...).

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...

Stress Awareness & Changes April is Stress Awareness Month and has come at a time when I am continuing to make changes to better manage my own stress and mental wellbeing. Having written a few times over the last year about the...

✍🏼 April is #StressAwarenessMonth and has come at a time when I am continuing to make changes to better manage my own, and our household’s, stress and mental wellbeing.

Read more: www.openjournalbc.com/post/stress-...

Portsmouth Comic Con’25: What’s Coming The first Portsmouth Comic Con was held in May 2018, and wow, has this event grown and evolved since it's impressive begining. I'm really looking forward to attending Portsmouth Comic Con again this y...

Who’s looking forward to Portsmouth Comic Con at Portsmouth Guildhall?

🦹🏾‍♀️🧙🏼‍♀️🧞‍♂️🧜🏼‍♂️🧚🏽

I am!

www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...

🎧Podcast episode 311 with Dan, available now.

In this episode Dan joins us to talk about grief, bereavement, support networks, intellectualisation of therapy, the importance of conversation and listening.

🎙️This is episode 1 of a 2 part conversation.

Listen now: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...

Neurodiversity Celebration Week’25 Following on the routine of posting after awareness and celebration days/ weeks, I wanted to reflect on Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17th to 23rd March 2025). I'm quite liking utilising the dates ...

Reflecting on #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek (17th to 23rd March 2025) and keeping the conversation going.

www.openjournalbc.com/post/neurodi...

Open Journal BlogCast | Mental Health & Lifestyle | Hampshire Discussing mental health, illness, wellness, stigma and support. Featuring events, activities and a range of awesome advocates.

openjournalbc.com hosts a range of mental health and wellbeing content; including Mike's (blog) insights and experiences, with reflections on wellbeing. And, podcast conversations with guests sharing personal experiences, knowledge and signposting to campaigns, services and support.

🏅First medal of the year!

Very pleased with my first challenge completion. I actually managed 13 + 20 miles over my two runs.

My year total so far is 164 miles. Fingers crossed for continued progress towards the stretch goals of:
🏃🏼‍♂️ 500 miles
🏃🏼‍♂️ 623 miles (1,000 km)
🏃🏼‍♂️ 750 miles 😅

Following World Book Day Last week it was World Book Day. A day that often focuses on the wonderful colourful and imaginative characters that fill our pages; and that can sometimes underplay how important those characters and...

Following on from and reflecting on #WorldBookDay; A day often focused on the imaginative characters that fill our pages; can sometimes underplay how important those characters and stories are for our wellbeing.

Read more: openjournalbc.com/post/following-world-book-day

It’s #WorldBookDay 📚

Books are so important for our social, emotional and mental wellbeing; for our awareness, education and compassion for ourselves and others.

They can be where we discover challenges, successes and journeys. And where we start to build our knowledge & confidence to share ours.

Ep309 with Bruce available now.

In this episode Bruce joins us to talk about prioritising self care, being proactive with our wellbeing, reflecting on our purpose, saying no to more things and the happiness hypothesis.

🎧 Listen now
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...

Upcoming @openjournalbc Podcast Episodes & Guests

🎧 Ep308 with Alex (@seizingthedaycompany) - Available now

🎧 Ep309 with Bruce (@day_crafting_) - 4th March

🎧 Ep310 with Adam (@adam_the_anxiety_blogger) - 18th March

🎧 Ep311 & 312 with Dan (@dudale92) - 1st & 15th April

It’s such a beautiful game

♟️What a lovely afternoon of #BoardGames

🎲 We opened up the Santorini #Kickstarter and discovered some exciting new characters, play styles and win conditions.

♟️ Looking forward to getting a look at the solo play options next time.

🎙️Podcast Ep308 with Alex.

In this episode Alex joins us again to re-cap Bluffing Your Way In Ballet at Edinburgh Fringe and to discuss what's next.

🎧 Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/5UVp...

🩰 Find out more about Bluffing Your Way Ballet at - seizingthedaycompany.co.uk

Ooo, after maybe 24 months, the Kickstarter Santorini #BoardGame has arrived! Looking forward to playing this soon

I’ve just noticed the ‘All’ tab on my #NikeRunning app. This is so interesting.

And o my goodness, that’s a lot of miles!

Blog | Open Journal BlogCast Via the blog Mike provides reflections on his own lived experience with mental health, awareness and education around mental health wellbeing, and related support, services, products and campaigns.

More thoughts at: openjournalbc.com/blog