Iris is putting Aidan in the hot seat for our season finale.

Aidan (he/him) has faced self-harm, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and the challenge of finding peace with his sexual identity and autism diagnosis. Growing up, silence often felt like the only option, especially when school, peers, and wider society failed to provide the understanding he needed.

In this vulnerable episode, Aidan shares the pivotal moments that made him realise his mental health needed attention, from the weight of lockdown to admitting himself to the mental health team with the support of his partner. He reflects on the stigma of being a young man opening up, the stereotypes that labelled him, and the difficulty of connecting with other men in a culture that discourages softness.

He also speaks candidly about how autism intersects with his mental health, the impact of overthinking on his relationships, and what it means to navigate survival in the quieter moments. Through honesty and reflection, Aidan shows how conversation, connection, and taking things one day at a time have been key in moving forward.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt silenced, misunderstood, or “fine” when they weren’t. It’s a reminder that healing is slow, setbacks are normal, and vulnerability is a strength.

If you or someone else you know requires mental health support at any time, no matter what, remember it is important to never suffer in silence. Be a part of the change and start talking. Below are the helplines listed in the episode:

• Samaritans📞 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

• SHOUT📲 Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (Free, 24/7)

• Mind📞 0300 123 3393 or text 86463

• Papyrus HOPELINE247 (for people under 35)📞 0800 068 41 41 / Text 07860 039 967

• Childline (for under 19s)📞 0800 1111 (Free, 24/7)

This week's episode puts Aidan in the hot seat. Iris hosts as Aidan is interviewed.

Here is Aidan's Mic'd Minute - the full episode is out this Monday at Midnight.

Iris (she/they) has just completed Year Eleven, dealing with pressure, deadlines, and overwhelming expectations. As well as finding her identity, she found herself juggling ambition and an emotional toll that became too heavy to ignore.

In this honest episode, Aidan sits down with Iris to talk about the mental strain that often comes with growing up, especially when it feels like you're supposed to have it all together. Together, they explore perfectionism, academic stress, teacher pressure, and the quiet burnout that comes from always being the one others rely on for advice.

They also unpack the strain of friend fallouts, how expectations from others and ourselves can damage our wellbeing, and what it means to fall apart quietly behind closed doors. Iris brings humanity and humour to a conversation about trying to be everything to everyone while slowly learning to be kind to yourself.

This episode is for anyone who’s felt like they’re failing simply by not coping, and a reminder that mental health challenges are real, valid, and deserving of space.

If you or someone else you know requires mental health support at any time, no matter what, remember it is important to never suffer in silence. Be a part of the change and start talking. Below are the helplines listed in the episode:

• Samaritans📞 116 123 (Free, 24/7)

• SHOUT📲 Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258 (Free, 24/7)

• Mind📞 0300 123 3393 or text 86463

• Papyrus HOPELINE247 (for people under 35)📞 0800 068 41 41 / Text 07860 039 967

• Childline (for under 19s)📞 0800 1111 (Free, 24/7)ree, 24/7)