Dr Alex

Llŷr was due to graduate as a doctor this summer. He died a few weeks before starting his studies. Hold your loved ones close and cherish the time you have with them. I received an Honorary Fellowship from Cardiff University last week. Thank you so much for this award. I just wish I was attending a different graduation day too. We miss you 💙 #grief #graduation #mentalfitness #family

It took me 30 years to figure this out 👆 Life will always bring challenges, but learning to find joy in the in-between - the liminal space - might just be the real key to happiness. If this resonates with you, drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if someone comes to mind who might need this right now, feel free to share it with them 💙 #mentalfitness #MentalHealth #happiness

Adulting, Heartbreak and the Joy of the Inbetween There’s always been a lot of discourse about what it means to grow up, but what does being a ‘proper adult’ actually look like? This week on the Stompcast I’m joined by Ann Russell, a TikTok superstar who built a huge online following through sharing helpful advice on all things adulting: from hack to tackle your laundry to learning how to live with grief. Ann unpacks how she got started on social media, shares tips on how to deal with heartbreak and reveals why we need to focus on living a satisfying life, as opposed to a purely happy one… This is such a great episode and I’m sure you’re going to love it. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts #podcast #adulting #mentalfitness

He died a few weeks before starting his studies. There is no hiding away from the pain that brings. But avoiding pain isn’t what grief is about, instead we learn to live and grow with it. On Monday I received an Honorary Fellowship by @cardiffuni for my contribution to the field of mental health. It has of course meant the world and I am incredibly grateful, thank you. As I stood to give my acceptance speech, I could vividly remember my graduation day a decade ago. I walked out of the hall after the ceremony and I saw Llŷr bounding up the stairs to meet me, with the biggest smile on his face. He had a blue tie to match his beautiful bright blue eyes. “I am so proud of you Alex”. I will never forget those words. That moment is one of the most valuable and important memories of my life. As incredible as these awards and achievements are, what really matters is the memories you create with the people you love. Nothing will make it ok that we didn’t get to watch Llŷr graduate from Southampton University this summer. But knowing he would be proud of me on Monday means more than words can convey. Congratulations to everyone graduating this summer. I am so proud of you, as are your family and friends. Cherish these moments and be proud of yourself 💙 Thank you Cardiff you were amazing. Alex x #graduation #graduationday #grief

#ad Ad. I wish we’d been taught this at school. If you’ve ever opened a payslip and felt totally unprepared for what to do next, you’re not alone. From tax codes to national insurance, investing to saving, most of us were never taught how to manage our money. There’s a term for when you get to a point in your career, where you’re proud of the work you’ve achieved and have reached a certain level, that they call HENRY, High Earner, Not Rich Yet. It describes that in-between stage where you’re earning more, but still unsure how to make your money work harder for you. That’s where Lloyds Bank Premier comes in. You could get access to a financial coach and even a remote Bupa GP. Expert support for your money and your wellbeing, helping you feel more confident about the future. Take control. Build confidence and start now with Lloyds Premier. £15pm fee refunded when you meet the eligibility criteria. T&C’s apply. UK Residents. 18+ #Ad #financialhealth #mentalfitness #lloydsbank @Lloyds

Four years ago I worked my last shift in A&E. I didn’t know it then, but this would probably be my last shift ever. So how do I feel about it? All those years training and I’m no longer putting those skills to use in the Emergency Department. Is there a part of me that misses it? Yes, absolutely. Do I regret leaving? Absolutely not. Here’s why 👇 I started practicing as a doctor in 2015 and although there were lots of things I hated about my job (see any summary from an nhs doctor on this), deep down I absolutely loved it. It was everything I dreamed it would be. Again, there was plenty to moan about (and I did moan) but ultimately I was changing, helping and saving lives, every day. Fast forward to the pandemic and I felt (and I hate to say it) a sense of duty. I worked in A&E but I also had the platform to share the reality from the frontline, both on the tv and social media. Just like thousands of healthcare professionals around the country I worked my butt off in quite scary and to be honest traumatising circumstances. What I didn’t know was that working in the hospital in London during the pandemic, would mean I never got to see my brother again. Just a week before lockdown lifted across the borders, he took his own life. As you can imagine, I have a complex relationship with this job, the hospital and everything since. Weeks after he died I went back to hospital, back to work and back to the lockdowns that followed. So the reason I left? I have a platform and an opportunity to help a lot of people and to follow my dreams and sense of purpose. I felt to do that I had to let go of my identity of being an emergency doctor. I also felt that I gave my blood during my time there and paid a pretty hefty price for doing so. Could things have been different if I was in Wales with my brother? If the pandemic never happened? Who knows. But I felt a deep sense of needing to close this chapter. Of course I miss it. When I sit with my doctor friends I feel jealous I can no longer get involved with that chat. But I have a new path now. I love what I do. And sometimes you have to let the scars heal. Will I ever go back? Who knows. Alex

This might sound brutal but ultimately it was absolutely true for me. No one is coming to save you. You have to save yourself. Once you make that first step, then all the help and support can flood in. Have a read of this quote, it really hit home for me. “Whatever you are not changing, you are choosing” - Laurie Buchanan. Have you had a similar moment like the one I experienced? Are you in that place right now? I hope this video helps, save and share as you see fit. And do follow my page if my advice is helpful. There is always hope for a better day 💙 #lifequotes #mentalfitness #growthmindset

Whatever you’re feeling right now won’t last forever. Breathe. Keep going. You’ve got this. What’s your favourite quote of all time? Let me know below 💙 #powerfulquotes #MentalHealth #motivational

Sorry I couldn’t help myself! Looking forward to a week of relaxing and unwinding 😊 #travel #holiday #LoveIsland

Are you training for a half marathon? If you are a beginner, I would love to help. I’m running the great north run in September and will be sharing tips and advice for getting ready for the race. Follow my page if this is of interest! Whos in? #halfmarathon #Running #runner

Have you heard of this liquid gold? Pho’s 12-hour, slow cooked bone broth is oh so delicious and incredibly nutritious. @Pho has been a go-to for me for years. It’s always fresh, packed with flavour, and there’s so much choice. Bone broth is rich in protein, supports gut health, and is a natural source of collagen, which is so great for your skin and joints. I highly recommend and would love to hear your thoughts. AD. #pho #health #nutrition

The things we resist the most often hold the most magic✨ One of my favourite tricks? Film yourself right after doing something you loved, so that next time resistance shows up, you’ve got proof of how good it feels on the other side. This moment also reminds me how powerful community can be. Inspiration is everywhere, and we all have something to teach each other. Let me know if you’re getting out on a run this weekend, hopefully i’ll see you out there 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Sometimes we need reminders like these to pull us back to what really matters. Let them sink in today. Which one do you need most right now? Let me know below 🩵 #dailyreminders #mindset #quotes

The reality of therapy is that things often get worse before they get better. Imagine your wardrobe all messy, you need to pull everything out before you can put the clothes back neat and tidy. What would you say to someone about to start therapy? Please share the highs and lows, it helps people feel less alone 👇 For more mental fitness advice follow my page @dralexgeorge 💙 #mentalfitness #therapy #mentalhealthmatters

Do antidepressants actually work? I’ve been seeing a 2022 Moncrieff study doing the rounds online again. The research challenges the idea that low serotonin causes depression, but it is being misunderstood to mean that antidepressants don’t work. This is problematic on many levels and unfortunately might mean people stop their medication on misrepresented information. Please do not stop taking your medication without the advice of your doctor, who can discuss the findings, including the efficacy of your treatment, with you. #PostYourPill is not pro-medication it’s anti-stigma. Taking medication for your mental health, if that’s what you need, is nothing to be ashamed of. If you feel comfortable, join me today by posting your pill. Let’s keep breaking down the stigma ❤️ #MentalHealth #EndTheStigma #research

Failure isn't the end, it's an essential part of the process. Your 20s are meant for falling, learning, getting back up, and figuring things out. You often have the freedom to take risks, mess up, and grow stronger because of it. But in a world that celebrates perfection and highlight reels, it’s easy to feel stuck or behind. We're so afraid of not having it all together that we forget: growth comes from the mess, not just the wins. Mistakes build resilience. Setbacks teach us how to adapt. And failure, as hard as it is, helps shape the mindset we need to succeed. It also makes the wins more meaningful and reminds us what it really takes to get there. So keep getting at it and we’re here as a community to help one another through. Alex x #advice #failure #success #mentalfitness

The runs where you want to quit. The days you show up tired. The quiet choices no one sees… That’s where strength is built 💪 💙 Not just physically, but mentally and for the moments life asks more of you. Keep showing up. You’re doing more than you know. #Running #mentalfitness #persistence

Sometimes it’s just one sentence that shifts your whole perspective. Save these for when you need a reminder to come back to yourself 💙 #perspective #powerfulquotes

Sometimes we think we need the perfect words to support someone who’s struggling. 
But science shows it’s not about saying the right thing. It’s just about showing up. Being listened to, really listened to, can calm the nervous system, lower stress hormones, and help people feel seen. Even short conversations (as little as 8 minutes) can have a real emotional impact 🫂 This post breaks down simple but powerful ways to support someone who’s going through a tough time. 
And remember: your message, your call, your care might mean more than you’ll ever know. Who’s one person you’ve been meaning to check in on? 💙 Two things you can do right now: 1. Hit save so you’ve got this to hand. 2. Send it to one friend or family member, so they can be a life-saver too. #mentalfitness #MentalHealth #friendship #connection

Trust the process my friend. I hope this video is shown to those who really need it. I wanted to capture the journey of grief, self acceptance, heartbreak and love, the power of nature and the unconditional friendship of a mans best friend. I shed many tears pulling these clips together. A truly cathartic experience. Life is hard. Life is also beautiful. Never give up. There is always hope for a better day 💙 #healing #grief #sobercurious