Mortal And Strong

Introducing Voice No. 33 - Lucy Thompson; the incredible strength that is the founder of the charity Nip (Nipple Innovation Project).

In this episode Lucy is talking to us as a Voice - sharing her journey with some very rare conditions and discussing topics very rarely spoken about but that may resonate with so many people. Firstly Lucy shares her experience of being born with a congenital hip disease - Developmental Dysplasia Hip (DDH) and how despite having hip surgery as a baby, she will inevitably need surgery again in the future. However this means that every day she is faced with debilitating pain, mobility issues needing occasional mobility aids. We talk openly about the stigma of needing a mobility aid as a young person, and the immense battle as a young working woman and mother to adjust to having a hidden disability.

We then continue to talk about a condition which very few people know about but probably affects a lot more people than they realise - PMDD which is Premenstrual Dysphoric disorder. This is a severe form of PMS, whereby the hormone imbalance during the menstrual cycle becomes so severe that it can cause irrational and overwhelming mood swings, including suicidal ideation that can be difficult to manage. We do have an honest and in-depth conversation about how there is greater need for a supportive society that recognises that mental health is not a choice, nor a personality trait and that better understanding is needed to help people adjust and recover. Lucy is a brilliant example of the need to become self-aware as she shows how learning to listen to her body has helped her find a way to live the best life she can by making adjustments to knowing her own limitations. Including how she discovered the life-changing benefits for her of cold water dips and how these have had a profound impact on her mental health.

A truly honest and inspiring Voice that covers some lesser-talked-about health conditions.