Ellie Wildbore: Living with CPTSD, Visible Difference and Breaking Stigma | Life With a Difference Podcast

In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Ellie Wildbore shares her lived experience of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), visible difference from self-inflicted burns, and the journey from shame and stigma to self-acceptance and advocacy.

Ellie speaks openly about her struggles with mental health, the impact of internalised stigma, discrimination from healthcare professionals, and the long road to getting the support she needed. She also highlights the life-changing moment of being accepted by the burn survivor community and the vital role that peer support and charities like Dan’s Fund for Burns have played in her recovery.

We also explore the realities of psychiatric wards, the barriers to trauma-informed care, the misdiagnosis of BPD, and how diagnosis can shape someone’s life for better or worse. Ellie also discusses the therapeutic role of physical activity and how roller skating, hooping, and lived experience work have helped her reconnect with herself and others.

This is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, visible difference, trauma, and the power of peer-led advocacy.

🎧 Listen, learn, and share together we reduce stigma by amplifying stories like Ellie’s.

Episode links:
https://balancingontheborderline.home.blog/author/elliewildbore87/
https://dansfundforburns.org/
https://www.changingfaces.org.uk/
https://bigspd.org.uk/

Social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lifewithadifferencepodcast/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithadifference
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collinson/

Please get in touch if I can help in any way

Blog:
https://www.lifewithadifference.info/

buymeacoffee.com/lifewithadifference

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Personal Stories and Visible Differences
14:32 Exploring Mental Health and Self-Harm
18:40 Understanding the Cycle of Self-Harm and Relief
19:10 Experiencing Visible Differences
24:51 Social Media and Self-Representation
30:08 Life in Hospital and Mental Health Challenges
32:08 Reality of Psychiatric Wards
36:34 Understanding Compulsions vs. Impulsions
40:33 Navigating Mental Health Diagnoses and Stigma
52:05 Overcoming Stigma and Seeking Support
55:11 Finding Community and Acceptance
57:55 The Power of Sharing Stories
01:00:54 The Role of Exercise in Mental Health
01:03:51 Navigating Mental Health Services
01:06:53 The Importance of Lived Experience in Research
01:09:56 Practical Advice for Living with CPTSD
01:13:06 Hope for the Future

Dylan Lombard on Living with MDP Syndrome, Advocacy and Photography

In this episode of Life With a Difference, I speak with Dylan Lombard, one of only a handful of people in the world diagnosed with MDP syndrome. Dylan opens up about life with a rare condition, his journey to diagnosis, and how photography and social media helped him find purpose and community.

We talk about everything from representation, visibility and advocacy, to living with autism, navigating school, and becoming a powerful voice online. Dylan also shares how a viral Lady Gaga TikTok changed everything and how his passion for photography helps him process isolation and tell his story in a powerful way.

This is a heartfelt, eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss.

📸 Follow Dylan on social media: https://www.tiktok.com/@be_yourself_dylan
https://www.instagram.com/be_yourself_dylan

This was recorded before I was aware of Tom Staniford's incredible fund raising project, please see the details below:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/goodbye-legs

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with people living with a visible difference

#MDPSyndrome #RareDiseaseAwareness #VisibleDifference #LifeWithADifference #DisabilityAdvocate #DylanLombard #PhotographyAsTherapy #AutismAwareness #ChangingFaces #RepresentationMatters

Social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lifewithadifferencepodcast/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithadifference
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collinson/

buymeacoffee.com/lifewithadifference

Please get in touch if I can help in any way

Blog:
https://www.lifewithadifference.info/

Lexi Jenkinson: Living with Adult Acne, Going Viral, and the Power of Being Real

In this episode, I’m joined by someone who's been a huge inspiration to me in the advocate world, Lexi Jenkinson. An influencer, hairdresser and acne advocate whose viral videos have helped thousands feel seen and supported.

Lexi opens up about the mental toll of living with adult acne, how it impacted her self-worth, and why she almost stopped looking in the mirror. We talk about the power of visibility, navigating harsh comments from strangers (and clients), and how that one viral video changed everything.

💬 Topics we cover:
• The mental impact of adult acne
• How Lexi’s video hit 19 million views
• Harsh comments, trolls, and building resilience
• NHS delays, Aerolase laser, and alternative treatments
• What it’s really like working in beauty with a visible difference
• Creating safe spaces for people with skin conditions
• The myth of the “easy” influencer life

If you’ve ever felt dismissed because of your skin or struggled with confidence, this one is for you.

🧡 Follow Lexi on Instagram/TikTok: @lexiijenkinson

#VisibleDifference #AcneAdvocate #LexiJenkinson #LifeWithADifference

Social media:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lifewithadifferencepodcast/
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewithadifference
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collinson/

buymeacoffee.com/lifewithadifference

Please get in touch if I can help in any way

Blog:
https://www.lifewithadifference.info/