Well, it’s November — and it’s Mental Health Awareness Month.
It’s good that we’re finally talking about it more openly.

Back in the day, mental health wasn’t really spoken about. I think lockdown helped it become recognised more.

For me, when I’m not busy, my mind gets violent — so I keep myself very busy.
But then that becomes a vicious circle: my mental health makes me want to stay busy, but when I’m too busy, my physical disability suffers. I end up in pain.

I still haven’t found the right balance yet, but if you like these posts, hopefully by the end of next year, I’ll have found a better system.

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Understanding Mental Health

One thing that really upsets me is when people say,

“Oh, I’ve got mental health — I know what you’re going through.”

And in a way, they do understand — but everyone’s mental health is different.
It’s like saying everyone with bipolar is the same — and it’s just not true.

All I really want from my friends is for them to listen, and not judge me for things I can’t control.

Having mental health struggles shows you who your real friends are — the ones who stick around even when you push them away, because they understand what it’s like.

So next time you talk to a friend or loved one who’s struggling, instead of saying “I know what you’re going through,” maybe say:

“Let’s talk about it.”

Because sometimes, that’s all people need — a conversation, not a conclusion.

And yes, some people can’t handle it, and I get that. I’ve pushed people away before, and I wish I hadn’t.
I’ve lived with mental health issues all my life.
Would I change that if I could? Honestly, no.

Because if I did — I wouldn’t be Benny.
And if people don’t like that, well… there’s the door.

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Finding the Silver Lining

On a brighter note, this weekend I had a fantastic time at Nottingham City Libraries performing Blue Badge Bunch.
It was a real joy — and I was even featured on BBC East Midlands Today! 🎉
That was a big achievement, and I’m proud of it.

Me and Susanna have created something special — not just a show, but a workshop and a talking point about disabilities. I can’t wait to see where we take it in the next 12 months.

Here are some photos from the day! 📸

I did two Blue Badge Bunch shows, then travelled up to York to perform at Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club.
It was brilliant — I loved it.

Even though I fell over on Friday and I’m in pain, I still keep going, because that’s who I am.
I’m not one to sit around watching telly all day — that was the old Benny.

The new Benny wants to make good memories, get out more, and meet new people.

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A Little Reflection

Even though I’ve been busy, I haven’t made many new friends lately — it’s hard when life’s full-on.
I was at the farm today, thinking how nice it would be to find someone to share my life with — my way.

Let’s face it, I’ve had good relationships before, but I’m not great at being around someone all the time.
My ideal relationship would be simple — someone who has their own home, we meet up now and then, twice a month maybe, share some memories, have a hug, have a kiss — and that’s enough.

That would be perfect for me.
But we don’t live in that kind of world, do we?
Still, who knows — maybe the next one will be the right one.

For now, I’m not chasing that.
I’m focusing on getting the business running, doing more comedy gigs, and making the Nottingham Comedy Festival a huge success.

So come down and have a laugh!
🎭 Kids’ Comedy Festival – 8th & 9th November (afternoon shows)
😂 Adult Comedy Nights – 7th to 9th November (from 6:30 PM)
All at The Vat & Fiddle, Nottingham.https://www.nottinghamcomedyfestival.co.uk/vat-and-fiddle

See you there — let’s keep laughing, talking, and lifting each other up. 💙