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Headstraight

Headstraight

By: Mark Taylor
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About this listen

Welcome to Headstraight, the no-nonsense podcast hosted by Mark Taylor, a mental health nurse with over three decades of experience in the field. If you're an adolescent or young adult looking for real answers to your mental health questions, you're in the right place. In each episode, Mark tackles your real-life questions head-on, offering actionable advice that's easy to understand and implement. No fancy jargon—just straightforward, practical solutions to help you to see things more clearly. With Mark's knowledge and clear approach, Headstraight is your go-to resource for honest, compassionate, and effective guidance on mental health. It's time to get your head straight..! Got something to say? - send me a voice note - https://www.speakpipe.com/Headstraight©️ 2024 Mark Taylor Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • S1E6 - Seeking Attention Without Guilt: Why do I feel guity when when asking for attention?
    Jun 18 2025

    Let’s be real—asking for attention can feel awkward, even shameful. You worry you’re being “too much,” or maybe you’ve convinced yourself you shouldn’t need anything from anyone. But here’s the truth: wanting connection isn’t selfish—it’s human. In this episode, we’re unpacking why you feel guilty for asking for attention and how to start owning your needs without the shame spiral.

    We’ll explore where that guilt comes from (hint: it’s not all on you), how to spot when you’re downplaying your feelings, and why being vulnerable doesn’t make you weak. You’ll learn how to communicate what you need in a way that feels genuine and fair, so you can build deeper, healthier relationships.

    This episode is for you if you’ve ever:

    • Felt bad for wanting someone to notice you.
    • Struggled to ask for support or affection.
    • Worried that expressing your needs would push people away.

    You don’t have to apologise for being human. Come listen to learn how to ask for what you need—guilt-free.

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    11 mins
  • S1E5 - Making Informed Choices: How do I make better choices?
    Jan 19 2025

    We all make choices, but let’s be honest—some of them leave us wondering, “Why did I do that?” Whether it’s acting on impulse, going with the crowd, or just making decisions that don’t feel right, bad choices can stack up fast. In this episode, we’re digging into why we make the decisions we do and how to start making better ones—choices that actually work for you instead of against you.

    We’ll explore what drives your decisions (hint: it’s not always logic), why blaming yourself won’t help, and how to stop living on autopilot. From recognising your values to avoiding knee-jerk reactions, you’ll get practical tips for turning your decision-making process around. So, if you’ve been stuck in a cycle of regrets and second-guessing, this episode is your guide to owning your choices and moving forward with confidence.

    Listen now to:

    • Stop reacting and start responding.
    • Learn how to identify what really matters to you.
    • Make decisions you can feel good about—without overthinking everything.

    Your next better choice starts here.

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    16 mins
  • S1E4 - Creating a Safe Place: What should I do if I don't feel safe?
    Nov 30 2024

    Feeling unsafe—whether it’s at home, online, with friends, or around an adult crossing boundaries—can mess with every part of your life. But here’s the truth: you’re not powerless, and you don’t have to handle it alone. In this episode, we break down what to do when safety feels out of reach. From identifying what’s really going on to creating a plan and finding people who can help, we’ve got you covered. It’s all about taking small steps toward stability, because your safety isn’t negotiable—you deserve respect and support, no matter what.

    Contacts for Support – If You’re Feeling Unsafe

    UK Contacts

    • Childline: Call 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk for free, confidential support 24/7.
    • NSPCC Helpline: Call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk for advice and support on concerns about child safety.
    • The Mix: Call 0808 808 4994 or chat online at themix.org.uk for support tailored to under-25s.

    Other Countries

    • USA: Call or text the National Runaway Safeline at 1-800-786-2929 or visit 1800runaway.org.
    • Canada: Contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868; visit kidshelpphone.ca.
    • Australia: Call Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au.
    • Worldwide: Access Child Helpline International to find a helpline in your country at childhelplineinternational.org.

    Got something to say? - send me a voice note - https://www.speakpipe.com/Headstraight

    If you need more information about helplines, services or what do to if you're in a crisis, take a look at our resource page: https://www.headstraight.co.uk/resources

    Click here to view the episode transcript.

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    10 mins
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