Our guest is Rachel Bilski from the charity PTSD UK. PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and is typically associated with veterans. However, it isn't only veterans who can develop it – And Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, CPTSD, is less well known and, therefore, can take longer to diagnose.Rachel's lived experiences of CPTSD contribute to her work as a lecturer and supervisor for the Minded Institute for Yoga Therapy Training Institute. We put your questions to Rachel...

This month, our Sunflower Conversations Podcaster, Peta Hooke, interviews Althea, talking about ADHD and Autism.The Sunflower Conversations is a Podcast where we explore the experiences of people living with hidden disabilities and what the Sunflower means to them.It’s a space to share your experience and to empower and encourage more people to support invisible disabilities. If you want to share your experience, get in touch with us by emailing us here. Connect with the Hidden Dis...

Our guest is Amy Kelly, Head of Communications and Fundraising at Crohn's & Colitis Ireland. Amy was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when she was 27 and shares her lived experiences and the impacts and adjustments she has made to her life.Amy explained that inflammatory bowel disease is an autoimmune disease and how it differs from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Amy walks us through what the symptoms are and shares some interesting statistics about the impacts of IBD on patients. The...

This podcast was recorded as an Instagram Live.CONTENT WARNING. The terms suicide and eating disorders are referenced. Please visit your healthcare provider if you are concerned about any issues relating to this topic. Anna Cooper, co-founder of the Menstrual Health Project, and Dr Rebeccah Tomlinson joined us to answer questions from the Sunflower community about Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). In addition to explaining the differences between PMDD and PMS/PMT, they ...

CONTENT WARNING. We touch upon suicide, eating disorders and self-harm. Our guest will talk about her lived experiences, and signposting to charities for support. Please visit your healthcare provider if you are concerned about any issues relating to this topic. This podcast was recorded as an Instagram Live.For years, Amani battled with anxiety, rage, suicidal thoughts and attempts, which she attributed to severe CPTSD and the other symptoms she experienced were attributed to endometrio...

Eve Jensch is 37 and was diagnosed with Parkinson's two years ago. Eve lives in Ireland with her three children and her husband and joins us to talk about her lived experience with Parkinson's. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition, which means that it causes problems in the brain as the cells stop working correctly and, over time, stop producing dopamine.Eve is passionate about dispelling the myth that Parkinson's is an old man's disease. She uses her social media platform to c...

Clare and her daughter, Matilda, join us to discuss Matilda's school experiences. Matilda is nine years old and in year five at primary school; she is autistic and has ADHD.Friendships can be challenging because Matilda is autistic and doesn't always pick up on social cues. Having ADHD means she needs to be active. Matilda tells us about the adjustments her school has made to support her, including a visual timetable and movement breaks. Mum Clare shares her journey so far, first identifying ...

Our guests are Karina Smith and Michelle Culbert, from South Florida, who both have Optic Nerve Glioma, a rare eye condition affecting sight that typically affects young children. It is a slow-growing brain tumour in or around the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. As the tumour progresses, it presses on the optic nerve.Karina and Michelle believe they are the only two adults in Florida with this rare eye condition. Sadly, there is very little knowledge, advice, and guidance on...

CONTENT WARNING. The topic is eating disorders, and throughout the podcast, our guest will talk about their lived experiences, as well as signposting to charities for support. Please visit your healthcare provider if you are concerned about any issues relating to this topic.Undiagnosed autism and ADHD have played a part in Adam developing an eating disorder at secondary school. He battled through excruciating pain until the point of becoming hospitalised and, as a result, being left irreparab...

Our guests are Marcus Tanner and Dorothy Watson, CEO of The Sunnybank Trust.“The Sunnybank Trust supports adults with a learning disability across North East Surrey to have confidence, opportunities and control over their own lives and to be able to live without prejudice and discrimination.”In our conversation, we tackle the myths and stigma attached to learning disabilities (LD) and what action must be taken to dispel them. The statistics see less than favourable outcomes for people with an...