Alycia discusses Love Island’s Dr Alex George and the incredible impact he has had on mental health initiatives and attitudes.
Dr Alex George featured on the 2018 series of Love Island and has been one of the most notable contestants following the show. Once back in the outside world, Dr Alex used his newfound following to campaign for mental health initiatives.
'In recent years, he has become a leading voice in the fight against mental health stigma and has been instrumental in raising awareness of the related issues across the UK.'
His journey towards becoming an advocate for mental health began when he tragically lost his younger brother Llŷr to suicide in 2020. Llŷr was just 19 years old at the time and had been struggling with his mental health. In the wake of this loss, Dr Alex became determined to use his platform to help others who may be going through similar struggles.
Dr Alex uses his Instagram following of nearly two million to raise awareness of mental health conditions and to put an end to associated stigma. He regularly posts the #postyourpill movement which aims to encourage people who take medication for their mental health to feel comfortable with their need for medication. On the first day of every month, people share images of their pills via social media to end the stigma.
'His impact on the mental narrative has been crucial to many people seeking the help they need.'
Dr Alex also raises awareness of the negative affects alcohol can have on mental health and uses his platforms to share his own personal journey to sobriety, encouraging others to do the same.
The Love Island Star has also been vocal about the need for better mental health support for NHS workers, who have faced enormous pressures and challenges in recent years following the pandemic. He has spoken openly about his own experiences of burnout and has called for more resources to be made available to support the mental health of frontline healthcare workers.
Dr Alex is also Government’s Ambassador for Mental Health meaning he has a key role in creating change, alongside access to the resources to do so.
Through utilising his platform and Love Island fame, he has become a powerful and influential voice in raising awareness and driving change in terms of attitudes to mental health. His work has inspired countless people to speak out about their own experiences and seek help along with encouraging people to share their journeys and to not feel ashamed.