A moment that changed me: last night a Polish DJ saved my life | Rae Earl

The world is full of interesting phobias. Consecotaleophobia, for example, is the terror of chopsticks. Aulophobiacs are scared of flutes. But the irrational fear of my youth – “fear of dying in Peterborough” – has yet to be recognised.

As a teenager, Peterborough was the furthest I could usually make it in the world. It was 15 minutes from my home and I knew I would die there. Nuclear war. Heart attack. Burst appendix. The cause changed but the fear didn’t. I could list a million ways to kick the bucket. All intricately thought out and very, very real. Platform 5 of Peterborough station was the sum of all fears.

Chronic anxiety made me mainly housebound. I tried to move on. I lasted five days at Essex University. They had a special freshers’ week showing of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. That was a portent of doom. I couldn’t cope. I wore the same clothes for nearly a week and took the world’s most half-arsed overdose – four co-codamol. I didn’t want to live. I didn’t want to die either.

I returned home a failure. I did some work, but not much. While my mates were raving in Ko Samui my daily routine was based around watching This Morning.

Then my best friend Mort told me that Unesco wanted people to go and teach in summer schools in eastern Europe. Would I like to go with her? I said yes. I was terrified, but at least I’d be terrified with my best mate. I knew I had to do something with my unexpected “year off” so we went to Świdnica in south-west Poland.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: ‘I got out of bed and taught the Poles the Hokey Cokey and the Time Warp.’
Photograph: Allstar/20TH CENTURY FOX/Sportsphoto Ltd./Allstar

There are places in the world where we just fit and our skill set is appreciated. For me that was Poland in 1991. It had just emerged from behind the iron curtain. British pop was revered. I taught English by showing tapes of the BBC series The Rock ‘n’ Roll Years. MTV Europe was pumped in. One girl, transfixed by Paula Abdul’s hit Rush Rush, would dance vigorously, intensely, to it every night. This was a place I could understand. One student asked me to transcribe the song Why? by Bronski Beat. I did it word for word. I was useful. I was having a great time. We partied every night. We had Polish vodka with a buffalo label and a piece of long grass in it. I got drunk. I got very drunk.

I hit my head. I blacked out. I started to die. Yeah, the joke was on me. Finally I’d found a place I could vaguely cope with (there had been panic attacks that Mort had fended off) and now I was definitely dying.

An ambulance that resembled a converted Volvo estate came to pick me up. I made my verbal will, told Mort she could have my vinyl, and went to hospital.

There wasn’t much of a wait at Polish casualty. There were three other people and some bats fluttering merrily in the corner. I don’t think the bats were there for treatment. I remember thinking they probably had rabies though. If brain damage didn’t get me, incurable diseases would. A doctor who looked like a cross between Clark Gable and Gomez from The Addams Family appeared with perfect English. He was snarky yet sweet – an adorable combination. He examined me thoroughly, suggested possible mild concussion, told me to lay off the booze and prescribed bed rest for a few days. I went back to the school to die. I knew he was wrong.

As every minute passed and I remained conscious, a strange, new concept entered my mind. Perhaps I wasn’t going to die and my brain was wrong. Perhaps the next time my head did decide to go into red-alert mode I could remind it of this moment – of the moment I didn’t die in Poland.

‘Back home in Britain, Bryan Adams was still No1, but the world had changed entirely. I had not died.’ Photograph: Sinead Lynch/AFP

I got out of bed and taught the Poles the Hokey Cokey and the Time Warp. They taught me exquisite folk dances. Eventually it was time to leave. One of my students gave me a one zloty coin. At the time there were 18,600 zlotys to the pound. It literally had no economic worth but she told me it was lucky and she wouldn’t forget what I’d taught her (mainly song lyrics).

Back home in Britain, Bryan Adams was still No1, but the world had changed entirely. I had not died. I had managed to do something good. For the first time ever, anxiety had not won. I walked to Morrisons in bare feet. I hadn’t spoken to my mum in weeks. You had to book an international phone call in Poland in those days. My mum looked almost pleased to see me. Things would definitely never be the same again.

Nearly 26 years later there is a one Zloty 1990 coin on a bracelet that is permanently around my wrist. It reminds me of three things – of a best friend who has always understood, of the kindness of strangers who saw me at my worst and tried to help and of the first time I truly told my brain it was talking utter bollocks.

• Rae Earl’s latest book, #Help: My Cat’s a Vlogging Superstar, is published in March

A moment that changed me: last night a Polish DJ saved my life | Rae Earl

Earl Grey: tea that is a tonic for body and soul

“Tea. Earl Grey. Scorching.” Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the educated and sophisticated Starfleet Captain, is aware of a thing or two about excellent inter-galactic refreshment. Not only does the hero of Star Trek: The Next Generation prefer to drink this most delicately flavoured thirst-quencher in any galaxy. But now it emerges – with apologies to Picard’s outdated close friends the Vulcans – that this bergamot infusion enables one to ”live prolonged [and prosper]’’.

The tea, served in Buckingham Palace, Downton Abbey, and even Nigella Lawson’s house (exactly where it pops up in tea cakes), could also lower cholesterol amounts and the risk of heart illness, says new Italian investigation. Findings from the University of Calabria indicate that nutrients named HMGF (hydroxy methyl glutaryl flavonoids) present in bergamot worked as nicely on the proteins that lead to heart illness and ”bad’’ cholesterol as statins.

But there are particular tea-lovers who – excuse me, whilst I recover from a swift shudder with a restorative sip of the scented nectar – feel Earl Grey is ”Not All That’’. In fact, some individuals make disparaging remarks about this straightforward black tea, brewed from traditional Camellia sinensis leaves laced with oil of bergamot oranges. Criticisms assortment from, ‘That muck?’ to the view that Earl Grey is a type of gateway drug to dreams of a much more exciting life. The naysayers declare it is the compound de choix when you are 18 wanting to be 28 or Hyacinth Bouquet, but dream of getting the Dowager Countess of Grantham. Or they snigger it is some thing favoured by the most effete of metrosexual guys or, confusingly, lesbian plumbers.

Pish posh, I say. Put the kettle on, and we can all be sensible in excess of its heavenly aroma – and for me – a dash of skimmed milk (extra soon after pouring) to leaven the tannins. For Earl Grey fans are not pretentious. We are delicate souls with the tastebuds of poets.

Just don’t confuse us with the wilting violets who favour Lady Grey (invented for Norwegians whose delicate noses identified the Earl’s blend as well pungent), which is unforgiveably spliced with lemon and orange peel, and even dangerously subverted with – ye gods – lavender.

So, tamper with our brew at your peril – as Twining’s found out in 2012 when it determined to tweak the flavour. For my dear Earl Grey – not only are you tasty, you are also efficacious. And I do not require a spoonful of sugar to assist this medicine go down.

Earl Grey: tea that is a tonic for body and soul

In praise of Earl Grey, the tea that could tackle heart ailment

‘Tea. Earl Grey. Sizzling.’ Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the educated, sophisticated and diplomatic Starfleet Captain, is aware of a issue or two about perfect inter-galactic refreshment. Not only does the hero of Star Trek: The Subsequent Generation choose to drink this most delicately flavoured thirst-quencher in any galaxy. But now it emerges – with apologies to Picard’s old friends the Vulcans – that this bergamot infusion allows 1 to ‘live extended [and prosper]’.

For our current generation now learns that Earl Grey tea is a lot more than just a rather taste. The tea, served in sensible households all over the place from Buckingham Palace, Downton Abbey, and even Nigella Lawson’s house (where it pops up in Earl Grey tea cakes), could also reduce cholesterol amounts and decrease the possibility of heart illness, says new Italian research.

Findings from the University of Calabria indicate that nutrients referred to as HMGF (hydroxy methyl glutaryl flavonones), which are existing in bergamot, worked just as well on the proteins which result in heart condition and ‘bad’ cholesterol as statins.

However, even with so several smart endorsements, and now a verified wellness advantage, there are specific tea-lovers who – excuse me, whilst I recover from a swift shudder with a restorative sip of the scented nectar – think Earl Grey is ‘Not All That’.

In truth some folks have been heard to make disparaging remarks about this easy black tea, brewed from conventional Camellia sinensis leaves laced with oil of bergamot oranges. Criticisms variety from the basic, ‘That muck?’ to the more convoluted view that this tea is blatant aspiration that Earl Grey is a kind of gateway drug to dreams of a much more fascinating daily life. The naysayers claim it the compound de choix when you are 18 wanting to be 28 or Hyacinth Bouquet but dream of getting the Dowager Countess of Grantham. Both that, or they snigger that perfumed potpourri as anything favoured by the most effete of metrosexual men or, confusingly, lesbian plumbers.

Pish posh, I say. Place the kettle on, Polly, and we can all be realistic over a warmed pot, a heavenly aroma, and for me – though not for some – a dash of skimmed milk (added right after pouring) to leaven the tannins.

For Earl Grey followers – comme moi – are not pretentious. We are sensitive souls with the tastebuds of poets who like to seduce our senses into action of a morning or to simmer us down gently submit-heart assault-inducing Newsnight. But really do not confuse us with the wilting violets who favour Lady Grey tea (invented for Norwegians whose delicate noses discovered the Earl’s blend too pungent), which is unforgiveably spliced with lemon and orange peel, and even dangerously subverted with – ye gods – lavender.

No, tamper with our brew at your peril – as Twining’s discovered out in 2012 when they made the decision to tweak with the authentic flavour and had been hit with an on-line campaign culminating in an outraged Facebook web page that swiftly racked up 1300 Likes. All the much more cause to pour a cup and inhale the scent of bergamot – an oil which, in accordance to research in Taiwan, could decrease the blood pressure. Certainly Bergamot is a traditional treatment for tension in aromatherapy, and an antiseptic in Mediterranean folklore.

So my dear Earl Grey – not only are you delicious, you are also down-to-earth efficacious. And I really do not need to have a spoonful of sugar to assist this medication go down.

In praise of Earl Grey, the tea that could tackle heart ailment

A cup of Earl Grey "as good as statins" at fighting heart illness, review finds

They then in contrast the effects with that of statins utilized to treat the exact same proteins and identified the bergamot extract with HMGF worked just as properly.

Not only did it minimize levels of LDL – so-referred to as ‘bad cholesterol’ which leads to heart condition – but also enhanced HDL, which medical doctors phone ‘good cholesterol’.

Citrus food items have prolonged been element of the famed ‘Mediterranean diet’ which has been hailed as one of the greatest techniques to stay away from heart illness – the largest killer in the Western planet.

The journal’s report said: “Higher cholesterol is a widespread overall health concern for us all and frequently statins are given to assist treat the issue.

“Extract from bergamot – most commonly utilised in Earl Grey tea – diminished total cholesterol, and LDL ranges but there was an increase in HDL amounts (excellent cholesterol).

“Therefore a everyday supplement of bergamot fruit extract could be really powerful for the therapy of large cholesterol.”

Bergamot has extended been employed in classic ‘folk’ medicines in the Mediterranean not only as a safety for the heart but also to treat wounds, inflammation and as an antiseptic.

The extracts have even been used in jams, ice cream and perfumes in the area, said the researchers.

A 2012 review by the University of Cantanzaro in Italy, discovered Bergamot could support you lose bodyweight and shield against diabetes.

It also comes in tablet kind as a meals supplement and is known as BergaMet.

Given as a 1000mg tablet to be taken ahead of meals it also diminished blood sugars by 22 per cent and raised ‘good’ cholesterol by 41 per cent.

BergaMet blocks the same enzyme responsible for cholesterol manufacturing as statins, but works at a diverse spot on the enzyme, meaning it does not appear to have side results in the muscle tissue and the liver.

However, a new review has identified that statins could have ohter medical positive aspects.

Researchers at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Health care School in the US located the well-liked cholesterol-reducing drugs may provide added advantage for guys with erectile dysfunction.

It is believed the statins might function to enhance erectile function by assisting blood vessels dilate correctly and enhancing vascular blood flow to the penis, which is often restricted in males with erectile dysfunction.

A cup of Earl Grey "as good as statins" at fighting heart illness, review finds

An adult mental well being ward is no spot for a child | Rae Earl

‘Adult psychiatric wards are not the celebrity clinics you see on tv with a gymnasium and salsa lessons.’ Photograph: Felix Clay

I had it excellent when I had a nervous breakdown in my teens. I didn’t feel I did. I previously believed that placing me in an adult psychiatric ward when I was 16 was the act of an unenlightened, befuddled and frankly barking mad wellness program. I was wrong. Compared with today’s adolescents I had it great and this is each a nationwide tragedy and a disgrace.

Twenty-6 many years ago, my adult psychiatric ward was 15 minutes away from my residence. My loved ones could check out simply. A BBC report published this week containing statistics obtained under the Freedom of Details Act (let us even now sweep this topic underneath the rug if we can) tells an appalling tale. Kids and teens are not just becoming place in grownup amenities that are woefully unsuitable for them, these hospitals are also hundreds of miles from in which they reside and any person they enjoy.

Let us be clear what this circumstance is undertaking to these younger people. It is an act of utter neglect and cruelty. Adult psychiatric wards are not the celebrity clinics you see on tv with a gym and salsa lessons. Their services and staffing amounts are typically basic by fiscal necessity. They are populated by individuals with psychological health problems who could be verbally abusive, physically threatening or merely distressing to be with.

My short experience of such a ward is burnt on my brain: the characters, the size and strength of the guys, the frailty of the older females. In maturity it is frequently challenging to deal with mentally ill men and women, so why are we asking vulnerable younger people to cope with them? They can’t. Nor ought to they have to.

Neither ought to they be ripped away from what they are acquainted with and who they know. Obtaining mental wellness troubles is an excruciating kind of loneliness in itself and support from close friends and loved ones is typically fundamental to recovery. In what other portion of the NHS would this level of isolation be acceptable? If your 13-12 months-old with appendicitis was driven 200 miles to a hospital to have it removed and then put in a dementia ward to recover you would be furious. Dad and mom of youngsters with mental overall health issues have usually fought for many years to get remedy and they are as well often rewarded with care that is inappropriate and potentially harmful. It’s not the fault of the devoted pros inside of the technique – I know numerous of them despair about it as well – it’s the method itself that is wrong.

It is lazy to blame the coalition. It surely has withdrawn some important companies, but it is also just continuing the many years of underfunding that psychological overall health solutions have suffered. This is partly since so several childhood and adolescent difficulties are dismissed as a “rite of passage” or “one thing that absolutely everyone goes by way of”. But schizophrenia is not brought on by hormones. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is not set off by your favourite boy band splitting up. They are true illnesses and just as the young entire body wants professional treatment method, so does the young thoughts. Efficient treatment method can only be dispensed inside of the confines of a dedicated, secure and nearby setting.

Probably for factors to change I have to put it in economic terms. We know that many brilliant minds are besieged by demons. Some of our best entertainers and our most daring entrepreneurs have spoken out about their early and continuing battles with psychological health problems. If we catch the problems of the younger early adequate, we can support them attain wealthy, fulfilling lives. They will not be a burden to the state when they are older because they have been left to successfully rot. Quite the opposite – a whole lot of them could finish up in the larger tax bracket, or at the quite least not self-medicating with drink or medicines, or drawing advantages. I hate putting it that way, but possibly reducing youthful individuals to a economic spreadsheet may possibly make an individual see that it is widespread sense to appear right after their mental overall health appropriately and with compassion.

Practically every day a teenager contacts me and tells me that they are self- harming, suffering from depression or feeling suicidal. I am not a medical expert and I can’t genuinely make an individual really feel greater above Twitter, but my guidance is almost constantly the very same – speak to somebody. Speak to a medical professional. Speak to a youth worker. Talk to a teacher.

We all require to speak to the individuals who run the program and who are letting down unwell young people horribly. Otherwise we chance condemning a generation to torturous lifelong mental overall health troubles.

An adult mental well being ward is no spot for a child | Rae Earl