A few words on the Film Stories 500 show in London on Thursday – and what’s been going on in the background. Hello, and welcome to the spot on the Film Stories site where we chat about mental health, wellbeing, and the things that may be affecting you, or people around you. This is a ... Mental Health & Wellbeing Matters | Tomorrow
A few words on the Film Stories 500 show in London on Thursday – and what’s been going on in the background.
Hello, and welcome to the spot on the Film Stories site where we chat about mental health, wellbeing, and the things that may be affecting you, or people around you. This is a regular column on the site, and the idea is that over the years we’ve been doing it, there’s hopefully something in there that’s of use.
That said, this column has been missing for a week or two, and in truth, it was nearly missing for another week too. Long story short, my father died a week or two back, after a not particularly easy last 18 months. I’ve needed to give myself a little space for a whole bunch of things.
But one thing I didn’t do – and I had the opportunity – was postpone tomorrow.
An illness for a family member or friend does bring with it a healthy amount of ‘am I doing the right thing’, and ‘should I commit to that, as I might be needed over there.’
I’m in the midst of trying to celebrate 500 episodes of the podcast that started this very site off, and many months ago, a date was booked for a live show in London. Also some time ago, Romesh Ranganathan – someone who’s been a supporter of Film Stories since day one – agreed to be the guest.
It’s been both a bit worrying and also a bit useful having 27th November in the diary for so long, especially when it became clear that my dad would do well to last to the end of the year. But I kept it there for two reasons. One, I’m rubbish at celebrating anything I do, and wanted to try and change that a bit. Two, it’s felt like something to work towards in very cloudy times.
There’s been a consequence, which I guess if I’d been cleverer I’d have worked out: I haven’t actually had much time to promote the event in the end. But also, it’s become something I’m looking forward to, in a period of time where there’s not been too much else to enjoy.
Trying to work out what to commit to, and what to do, when you’re engulfed in loss and grief? Well, nobody gives you a textbook for that. It comes with confusion, guilt, worry, concern, and none of these words are on the poster for tomorrow night.
But also: I think it’s right not to feel guilty for having something fun and enjoyable to do.
For those going tomorrow, and thank you for supporting me, please be assured you’re not getting 90 minutes of this. For those also in the midst of family illness and grief, sending a huge virtual hug in your direction. And also, no matter how shitty things get, a reminder that it’s actually okay to find a smile.
Thanks for reading, folks. This column will – in theory! – return next week. And you can find the listing for tomorrow’s event, here.
