Aidan- Embracing Me: Neurodiversity, Identity, and the Road to Acceptance
For the first time this season, Aidan is in the hotseat! Iris takes to the mic as host, and her guest?… Aidan!
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)
Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5WgJFl7kK9hCDS7euvSBqG?si=hrfK_pq9TUiwUzZUUJUbAQ
