In this episode, I sit down with Conor Warren. the founder and CEO of Spark UK. We talk about Conor’s experience of growing up with anxiety, accessing counselling from a young age, and how grief and major life changes shaped his mental health. We explore what it was like to start a mental health organisation at 14, the bullying and backlash that came with it, and the pressure of growing up in the public eye while trying to create change.

We also talk about burnout, the link between mental and physical health and how anxiety can show up in unexpected ways in the body. Conor reflects on balancing university, running a charity, learning when to say no, and the guilt that can come with rest. We go on to discuss faith, purpose, and why Conor believes young people are searching for meaning in an increasingly uncertain world.

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If anything in this conversation brings up difficult feelings, you’re not alone, and support is available.

If you’re in the UK, you can contact Samaritans free, 24/7 on 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org.

If you’re elsewhere, you can find local helplines at findahelpline.com.

And if you’re in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency services.

Find out more about Conor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamconorjames/

Resources

https://www.mind.org.uk/

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The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network or its partners.