Dr Alex George: ‘My brother would be proud’
DR ALEX GEORGE reveals what life is like on the NHS frontline, his struggles after the tragic death of his brother and his new government position…
He’s the 30-yearold Love Island star who has been appointed Ambassador for Mental Health by Prime Minister Boris Johnson after he campaigned to change the way we teach mental health to children in schools. Here, Dr Alex George, who has been working at University Hospital Lewisham in South London since the start of the pandemic, shares his worry for the NHS coping with the new strain of the Covid-19 virus. On top of that, Alex had a tough 2020, losing his younger brother Llyr last July when he sadly took his own life at the age of 19. Despite learning how to grieve, 2021 looks brighter for Alex as he looks forward to the launch of his first book in May.
You are now the new Ambassador for Mental Health. What was it like meeting the Prime Minister for the first time?
It was very surreal, but I am truly honoured to have been appointed to this role. I hope that it will allow me to give young people the voice they deserve with regards to mental health. Ultimately, the emotional wellbeing of the current and future generations is absolutely fundamental. I am prepared to move mountains to help make this happen. I think my brother would be proud.
You began your campaign to change the way we teach mental health after you lost your 19-year-old brother, Llyr, to suicide last year. Were you aware of his mental health struggles?
No, I wasn’t. I think we underestimate the impact Covid has had on people’s mental health. Llyr had his A-level exams taken away from him – he wasn’t sure he had a place secured at medical school, everything he had worked towards had been taken away. In Wales, he had been locked down for so long because the rules were stricter there. The pandemic got to him and he felt unable to reach out for help. Which is why I began my campaign to get mental health taught at the
primary school level. We need to educate children, so they grow up knowing that it is OK to ask for help.
You have spoken about your grief on Lorraine – presumably in a bid to help others going through depression?
Yes, it’s important to share. When he passed away, we made the decision to make it public that Llyr died due to mental health issues, because there is no shame in that. I just hope that will help others going through this – and maybe save their lives. It’s been hard, sometimes I think I’m juggling more than I should, but I feel I have to do something.
Has learning to cope with grief got a little easier?
There is a natural order to life. I lost my grandmother a few years ago, but that was expected. To lose a younger brother is quite different. I’ve learnt to manage it better but there’ll always be days when it’s really hard. I’m quite resilient, but I’ve found out a lot about myself over the past year.
How different is life for you on the frontline in this new wave of the virus?
It’s a lot worse because all the doctors are exhausted and many of them are off sick – there is complete burn-out with many of the staff. The biggest worry is that some London hospitals are running at up to 400 per cent capacity. The big error was mixed messages in the run-up to Christmas. That upset people, so many went ahead with their normal Christmas plans, and we are seeing the fall-out from that now.
What about those who are anti-vaccine – what’s your message to them?
The vaccine is very safe. The scientific evidence is already there that you’ll be far better off having it, particularly the elderly. Anti-vaxxers are putting people’s lives at risk. That worries me.
On a lighter note, I thought your Blue Monday bath bomb was a brilliant idea.
Those bath bombs really helped me chill out! More importantly, they have helped raise over £10,000 for various mental health charities. I’ve just launched my own Blue Monday Bath Bomb company, with all profits going to Young Minds UK.
Have you had any time for romance in your life?
No! The past year has been a write-off. I’m hopeful that by mid- Spring we may all be back to some form of normality and back in the pub and restaurants with friends.
● Live Well Every Day by Dr Alex George is published on 13 May. Pre-order on Amazon.