Dr Alex

Fear a little less. Those words echo in my mind every day. This year, I'm running the London Marathon for @anthonynolancharity a cause that's incredibly close to my heart. Whilst at university, I lost my very close friend, Freya Barlow, to leukemia. Freya was right, we often get so caught up in worrying about the future that we forget to live in the present. This advice has shaped me, and now, it's driving me to take on something even bigger. Anthony Nolan does life-saving work by matching stem cell donors with people battling blood cancer and other disorders. Their mission gives hope to families facing the unimaginable, and their research is saving lives. If I can help even one person facing what my friend went through, I will. Every donation, no matter how small, can make a difference. If you're able to donate, even just a little, it would mean the world to me and Freya's family. The link is in my bio, thank you so much 🙏 Fear a little less. It’s amazing where it can get you 💙 #friendship #mentalfitness #londonmarathon

This was for both Freya and Llŷr - I simply couldn’t have done it without you. When the road got long, having you by my side gave me the drive I needed to reach the finish line. I miss you every single day, and I hope I’ve made you proud. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support I received along the way, and for everything we’ve achieved together for Anthony Nolan. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart 💙 Alex x 📸 credits: Chloe Morgan Media

My dear friend Freya got cancer when we were at medical school. Our plan was to run the London Marathon when she got better. She never recovered. Just before she passed, Freya asked if I would run the London in her honor. Yesterday I fulfilled my promise. For Freya 💙 #londomarathon #runner #run

Today is the 1st of May, which means it’s #postyourpill and I’m 4 months in to my new medication, so I wanted to give an update on how it’s going. I’m so grateful that these pills have given me the lift I needed to climb out of a dark, scary place - to lift my head up and fully engage with everything else I do to support my mental health, such as exercise, nature, meditation, staying alcohol-free, but also to really live and enjoy my life. Sometimes a little extra help is what makes the difference. And that’s not a weakness. It’s a strength. To whoever needs to hear this today: future you will thank you for getting the help you need and deserve. Whether that’s medication, therapy, or simply opening up to someone - don’t let stigma be the reason you don’t reach out. If you feel you can, join me and #postyourpill to end medication stigma. We are not pro-meds, we are anti-shame. Feel free to share this to your stories, you never know who in your life needs this message. Remember, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you, always, for your support. Alex x #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #postyourpill #antishame

When you’re feeling down, your mind can play tricks on you. “Stay inside. Cancel your plans. You won’t contribute much. Just stay in bed.” Thoughts like these show up when sadness takes the wheel. But pause for a moment and ask yourself: What would the happiest version of me choose right now? Then go and do it. Send this to someone who needs the reminder today #mindset #mentalfitness #MentalHealth

Do you trust yourself? Overthinking isn’t about thinking too much, it’s about not trusting yourself to handle what might happen.⁠ ⁠ The anxious brain craves certainty. But real strength comes from saying, “I don’t know… and that’s okay.” ⁠ Trust yourself. Choose values over fear. Keep moving forward.⁠ ⁠ The control you’re chasing? It’s already within you 💭 ⁣ Save this for the days your mind won’t stop racing. #mentalfitness #MentalHealth #overthinking #anxiety

I spent years training to become a doctor and working on the frontline in A&E - and I’ll always be grateful for everything the NHS taught me. Those shifts, my colleagues and the patients I had the honour of treating shaped who I am. But over time, I realised I could help even more people by stepping away from the hospital and using my voice in a different way. Quitting medicine wasn’t an easy decision - it felt like walking away from the path I’d spent my whole life building. But it taught me something important: it’s ok to change direction. It’s ok to outgrow a career, a title, or an identity if your purpose evolves and it’s important to keep moving. Now, I focus on spreading awareness about mental fitness, prevention, and the tools we all need to protect our wellbeing before crisis hits and I’m so grateful for this community and the kindness, connection, and support we’ve created together. I believe in a future where mental fitness reaches as many people as possible, helping build resilience, confidence, and well-being in everyday life. If you’re standing at a crossroads, wondering whether it’s “too late” to change lanes - trust me, it’s not. Growth doesn’t follow one straight path, but what awaits on the other side might just exceed your wildest dreams 💙 #mentalfitness #growth #careers

Have we been getting it all wrong? Our minds are crying out for a way of living we’ve forgotten about - one that’s simpler, more connected, and really fulfilling. I think it’s high time we look at how our ancestors can teach us how to live happier. That’s exactly the conversation I’m having on this week’s episode of the Stompcast. I’m joined by neuroscientist and creator of The DOSE Effect, Tj Power. Together, we explore his fascinating framework for understanding how four key brain chemicals - dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins - shape both our mental and physical wellbeing. Tj’s organisation, The DOSE Lab, offers down-to-earth, science-backed tools designed to help people take charge of their mental health by rebalancing their brain chemistry. The best part? A happier, healthier mind is within your reach. You have the power to reset, rebalance, and thrive. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts 💙 #podcasts #mentalfitness #happiness

Go out there and try everything 🌎 Your decisions aren’t as permanent as they feel, instead think of them as tiny experiments. What’s that thing you’ve been putting off? The truth is, you don’t need all the answers, you just need to start and take the first step. Keep learning, keep growing, just keep moving, and see where the journey takes you. I’m excited to hear what you get up to 💙 Send this to someone who is feeling a bit stuck right now and let me know what you’re excited to go after this year in the comments 👇 #mentalfitness #advice #inspiration

Feeling overwhelmed or anxious? Try this simple grounding technique to bring yourself back to the present moment: 👀 3 things you can see 👂 2 things you can hear 🤲 1 thing you can feel This quick exercise helps you focus on the here and now, shifting your attention away from anxious thoughts and back into your body. Grounding in the present moment brings clarity and calm, reminding us that we can always come back to center. Save this post for whenever you need it, or send it a friend who might need the reminder to pause today 💙 #mentalfitness #grounding #anxiety

I have been in heaven. I’ve honestly never seen something more beautiful than this magical island and my beach side room at the @ichaymangreatbarrierreef with its own plunge pool 🤩 The @whitsundaysqld have been an absolute dream and a must visit. Feeling more relaxed than I have done in years and so grateful I get to experience the world like this. It’s very special and I’m making memories to last a lifetime, on to the next stop 🙏 #gifted #travel #australia

The rocking chair analogy that really helped put things into perspective for me. This is why our mental fitness is so important, to break negative thought cycles and be fully present in the moment. For more mental fitness techniques, check out my book, The Mind Manual, via the link in my bio #negativethoughts #mentalfitness #MentalHealth #therapy

Grief isn’t something to “get over”, it’s something we learn to live alongside. The people we love never truly leave us; as long as we keep their memory alive, they will be with us forever💙 Some days, I laugh. Other days, I cry. And always, there’s a space in my heart that will never be filled, but that’s just the price we pay for love. Sending lots of love to anyone going through a difficult time at the moment, I am here for you x #grief #mentalfitness #evolution

I have spent four years of my life volunteering in this role and so I hope you don’t mind me sharing some of my reflections and memorable moments. Thank you for being there for me. I hope I have and will continue to have a positive impact. A new chapter begins. #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #mentalfitness

How can we best support someone with anxiety? This week on The Stompcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Owen O’Kane, a leading psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience. His book Addicted to Anxiety explores whether there is an addictive component to anxiety and, more importantly, how we can break the cycle. Owen shares some amazing tips for managing anxious thoughts, reminding us that the goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety but to carry it with us in a way that doesn’t hold us back. This was a truly incredible episode and I know you’ll take so much from it. Give it a listen now wherever you get your podcasts 💙 #podcasts #mentalfitness #anxiety

“With ADHD it’s like having 10 highly caffeinated squirrels barreling around and that can create so much anxiety” On this week’s episode of the Stompcast I am joined by Alex Partridge, the founder of LADBible and UNILAD, and host of the hugely successful podcast @adhd_chatter_podcast. Alex, like me, was diagnosed with ADHD later in life at 34, and since he has built a platform dedicated to helping others understanding their ADHD diagnosis and recently released his debut book “Now It All Makes Sense: How An ADHD Diagnosis Changed My Life”. This episode is an eye-opening look into what ADHD actually is and how it affects those who have it. I strongly encourage you to listen, it’s available now wherever you get your podcasts 💙 #podcasts #mentalfitness #adhd

What I’ve learnt in the 2 years since I was diagnosed with ADHD, so that you don’t have to. 1. More thought through responses > Instant gratification, 2. Take your symptoms or diagnosis seriously, it isn’t just a trend or a quirk, 3. Don’t drink alcohol, it adds petrol to the fire. I’d love to hear your thoughts below and let me know if this content is helpful for you / what you’d like to know more about. #adhd #mentalfitness #advice

Our bodies are nothing short of extraordinary. Every single moment, they’re working tirelessly to keep us alive, balanced, and thriving. From the steady rhythm of our heartbeat to the way our cells regenerate. But too often, we’re quick to criticise what we don’t like, to focus on perceived imperfections or flaws. When we do that, we overlook the powerful things our bodies do for us every day and the fact that we are one. It’s time we shift the narrative. Instead of focusing on what we can “fix,” let’s embrace what’s already working beautifully. Appreciate your body for its resilience, its adaptability, and its unwavering support. True self-love comes when we stop seeing our bodies as something to criticise, and instead start recognising them for the beautiful things they are. So, today, let’s practice a bit of gratitude. #selfcompassion #mentalfitness #bodyawareness

How are you? No really, how are you? It’s ok if the answer is not great at the moment and it’s important to view these times as patches, good patches are fab, but they don’t last and the bad patches you’ll get through too. See this video as sign to take a break, to reach out to a loved one and to give yourself the credit for how well you’re already doing. You’ve got this. Alex x #mentalfitness #MentalHealth #SelfCare