CE: My definition is mental health is quite literal. Such as physical health. Is my mind fit and well? Is it well nourished and positively charged? If not, I tend to catch myself quite quickly and strive to make it so:
What areas of mental health are you looking at in the performance?
CE: In my show I look at aspects of mental health when it comes to love and loneliness. I suppose a lot of people frame mental health issues in terms of depression or happiness. Love and loneliness have big moments in our lives in terms of mental health. The delicate chemical balance of the brain can be sent completely off course when we’re in love - it’s absolutely fascinating and explains a lot why we behave so out of sorts. In my show I relay many personal stories of my past antics and behaviours which at the time you would have laughed it off as being ‘crazy in love’. The fact that your serotonin dips and your bonding hormones also can trigger obsessive compulsive behaviours to name but two major chemical influences during such an explosive time is absolutely fascinating and also so comforting. It makes us gloriously human and we should embrace it, laugh at it and learn from it. Take the shame off! Have a giggle at the human design - it’s beautifully bonkers.
In what ways do you hope that your play can help the audience to move forward in their understanding and actions towards a greater sense of mental good health?
CE: I’ve had men and women equally tell me how much they can to relate to the issues I speak of in the show. Love and loneliness are universal states of being, regardless of gender. My show aims to unite my audience, get them talking, laughing and engaging. Socialising is almost as important as breathing as loneliness is a health risk. It has it’s own page in the NHS website for crying out loud!! Love needn’t be a romantic thing, good social bonds and strong friendships are a precious type of love. In my show I explain how this is vital for our entire existence as humans. It excites me when I get messages after a show saying that people have really engaged with mates who they knew were struggling in their lives.
And given the high pressure nature of the Fringe, do you have any ideas about positive self-care during August in Edinburgh.
CE: Last time I came to Edinburgh, I signed up for a month’s membership at a hotel spa to exercise , swim and relax during the mayhem. I also took myself out of Edinburgh on my weekly day off to stay at at B&Bs in the countryside and gave some peace and quiet. Good diet helps too. This time, my show is quite vocally demanding, so I’ll have to lay off the sauce as much as I can!
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