Mental health advocate Dr. Alex George openly shares his struggles with loneliness and neurodevelopmental conditions. As a former A&E doctor and Love Island contestant, he has faced challenges including ADHD, OCD, and the loss of his brother Llŷr, who died by suicide. Currently, he is undergoing assessment for autism.
Loneliness and Mental Health Struggles
Dr. George reflects on a particularly isolating period in 2024, describing it as one of the loneliest years of his life. His experiences with alcohol misuse and poor self-image compounded his feelings of loneliness. He emphasizes that human connection is essential to overcoming isolation, stating, “Loneliness is an epidemic in itself.”
Reconnecting and Finding Purpose
To combat loneliness, Dr. George rekindled old friendships and engaged in community circles. He encourages others to take proactive steps: “You can’t just sit in the house and expect other people to come to you.” His efforts led to a more connected life, where he no longer feels lonely, despite facing challenges.
Understanding Normality Through Personal Experience
In his new book, *Am I Normal?*, Dr. George delves into society’s definition of normality and discusses self-acceptance. He shares his evolving understanding of his mental health conditions, how they shape his identity, and the societal pressures surrounding them. Diagnosed with ADHD in September 2022, he acknowledges it has brought significant positive changes in his life.
The Impact of Technology on Loneliness
Dr. George highlights the role of technology in exacerbating loneliness. He observed that despite having a large social media following, he felt isolated in real life. He admits to dedicating too much time to digital connections over authentic relationships.
Confronting Grief and Social Expectations
Through writing, Dr. George addresses societal attitudes toward grief. He believes that the belief to “move on” too quickly does not align with the reality of experiencing loss. Instead, he promotes that living with grief is a lifelong process, contrary to societal norms that suggest otherwise.
The Journey of Self-Acceptance
Dr. George’s journey through therapy and self-reflection has enabled him to better understand himself and his experiences. He emphasizes that recognizing mental health struggles is vital for progress: “The best thing that has ever happened to me in terms of change in my life has been being diagnosed with ADHD.”
*Am I Normal?* will be available from Octopus Books on January 15th, aiming to challenge conventional notions of normality and promote deeper self-acceptance.
