Therapy Works19 Juli 2023

David Harewood on facing the pain and poison of the past

David Harewood is a celebrated British actor, presenter and author.

I was very moved by this honest and courageous conversation. I both learnt and felt enriched by it – as you will. It is a must listen.

We discussed many important issues:

David recalls the years of racist abuse that pulled him apart.
How important it is to have an integrated sense of identity and the struggle he experienced being black on the outside but white on the inside.
The importance of holding clashing identities in the container of one’s being.
How having a psychotic episode can be traumatic to remember, or shameful, so we try to forget it but it haunts us. We also touch on the power of revisiting the experience, which can bring growth and a sense of agency.
How influential our social environment, trans-generational trauma and stress is on mental health.
How the history of racism in the UK and USA is different, and we don’t talk about our links to slavery in the UK.
How in daring to face the past, it is possible to reset one’s sense of identity and build a strong foundation from which to go forward.

Books mentioned in episode:

Maybe I Don't Belong Here by David Harewood

This Is Not America: Why Black Lives in Britain Matter by Tomiwa Owolade

Watching The English by Kate Fox

David's Documentary on Psychosis: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00052mn

Support links:

Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/psychosis/useful-contacts/

Rethink Mental Illness: https://www.rethink.org/help-in-your-area/support-groups

Turning Point: https://www.turning-point.co.uk/services/mental-health/friends-and-family-mental-health.html

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