Mike Douglas
@mike-douglas.bsky.social
Host of Open Journal
Founder of #MHBlogAwards
Fan of #running, #boardgames & #wellbeing
Founder of #MHBlogAwards
Fan of #running, #boardgames & #wellbeing
🏃🏼♂️I did it! I crossed the 750 mile finishing line on my final run of 2025. Concluding an awesome year of running.
Blog post: www.openjournalbc.com/post/761-miles
Blog post: www.openjournalbc.com/post/761-miles
761 miles
I did it! I crossed the 750 mile finishing line on my final run of 2025. Concluding an awesome year of running. Running has long been part of my wellbeing (more so than leisure) routine. It helps to b...
www.openjournalbc.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:48 PM
🏃🏼♂️I did it! I crossed the 750 mile finishing line on my final run of 2025. Concluding an awesome year of running.
Blog post: www.openjournalbc.com/post/761-miles
Blog post: www.openjournalbc.com/post/761-miles
❄️You’re not alone this Winter❄️
For many people, including myself, Christmas and the winter months can be a difficult time.
Hopefully this post will highlight some of the different support available to you/ someone you know.
Read the blog: www.openjournalbc.com/post/you-re-...
For many people, including myself, Christmas and the winter months can be a difficult time.
Hopefully this post will highlight some of the different support available to you/ someone you know.
Read the blog: www.openjournalbc.com/post/you-re-...
www.openjournalbc.com
December 22, 2025 at 12:06 PM
❄️You’re not alone this Winter❄️
For many people, including myself, Christmas and the winter months can be a difficult time.
Hopefully this post will highlight some of the different support available to you/ someone you know.
Read the blog: www.openjournalbc.com/post/you-re-...
For many people, including myself, Christmas and the winter months can be a difficult time.
Hopefully this post will highlight some of the different support available to you/ someone you know.
Read the blog: www.openjournalbc.com/post/you-re-...
This week I realised, there’s more going on. My lived experience, like all of us, impacts what I do/ think, how I do/ think and why. This week we've had time and headspace to talk about some of that, and I noticed something I wanted to reflect on.
www.openjournalbc.com/post/maybe-m...
www.openjournalbc.com/post/maybe-m...
Maybe more...
This week I realised, there’s more going on. There's trauma still at work.My lived experience, like all of us, impacts what I do/ think, how I do/ think and why. This week we've had time and headspace...
www.openjournalbc.com
August 10, 2025 at 1:05 PM
This week I realised, there’s more going on. My lived experience, like all of us, impacts what I do/ think, how I do/ think and why. This week we've had time and headspace to talk about some of that, and I noticed something I wanted to reflect on.
www.openjournalbc.com/post/maybe-m...
www.openjournalbc.com/post/maybe-m...
I’ve counted and my 2025 Runs so far are:
10 miles+: 1
1/2 Marathon+: 9
15 miles+: 17
20 miles+: 2
Marathon+: 1
With a run total of 472 miles (so far)
I’m looking good for my first two run goals of 500 and 623 miles. Getting to 750 will require a lot more work
#NikeRunClub #RunForFun #SelfCare
10 miles+: 1
1/2 Marathon+: 9
15 miles+: 17
20 miles+: 2
Marathon+: 1
With a run total of 472 miles (so far)
I’m looking good for my first two run goals of 500 and 623 miles. Getting to 750 will require a lot more work
#NikeRunClub #RunForFun #SelfCare
August 10, 2025 at 10:12 AM
I’ve counted and my 2025 Runs so far are:
10 miles+: 1
1/2 Marathon+: 9
15 miles+: 17
20 miles+: 2
Marathon+: 1
With a run total of 472 miles (so far)
I’m looking good for my first two run goals of 500 and 623 miles. Getting to 750 will require a lot more work
#NikeRunClub #RunForFun #SelfCare
10 miles+: 1
1/2 Marathon+: 9
15 miles+: 17
20 miles+: 2
Marathon+: 1
With a run total of 472 miles (so far)
I’m looking good for my first two run goals of 500 and 623 miles. Getting to 750 will require a lot more work
#NikeRunClub #RunForFun #SelfCare
Due to personal commitments over the coming months, podcast recording been postponed. I’m hoping to be back in October with some amazing guests and conversations being shared later in the year.
Thank you for your continued support. 💜🖤
Thank you for your continued support. 💜🖤
July 11, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Due to personal commitments over the coming months, podcast recording been postponed. I’m hoping to be back in October with some amazing guests and conversations being shared later in the year.
Thank you for your continued support. 💜🖤
Thank you for your continued support. 💜🖤
It’s that time again… birthday reflections on over 10 years of chatting mental health 💭
www.openjournalbc.com/post/birthda...
www.openjournalbc.com/post/birthda...
Birthday Reflection
It’s over ten years now… over tens years more of life than I thought I would have. And not just any ten years, while there’s difficult days, struggles and danger, it’s also been ten years filled with ...
www.openjournalbc.com
July 9, 2025 at 8:17 PM
It’s that time again… birthday reflections on over 10 years of chatting mental health 💭
www.openjournalbc.com/post/birthda...
www.openjournalbc.com/post/birthda...
What a month May has been!
We’ve had Mental Health Awareness Week, Portsmouth Comic Con, I made the Vuelio Top10 UK Mental Health Blogs, and so much more.
www.openjournalbc.com/post/what-a-...
We’ve had Mental Health Awareness Week, Portsmouth Comic Con, I made the Vuelio Top10 UK Mental Health Blogs, and so much more.
www.openjournalbc.com/post/what-a-...
What a Month - May Recap
What a month it’s been! May has been packed with changes, challenges and successes.We finished April and rolled into May by agreeing our house sale and onward purchase, meaning May has involved lots o...
www.openjournalbc.com
May 30, 2025 at 9:06 AM
What a month May has been!
We’ve had Mental Health Awareness Week, Portsmouth Comic Con, I made the Vuelio Top10 UK Mental Health Blogs, and so much more.
www.openjournalbc.com/post/what-a-...
We’ve had Mental Health Awareness Week, Portsmouth Comic Con, I made the Vuelio Top10 UK Mental Health Blogs, and so much more.
www.openjournalbc.com/post/what-a-...
Just caught up on Eurovision, my favourite was Germany, and I liked: Spain, Netherlands and France.
Dumbfounded by some of the voting.
Dumbfounded by some of the voting.
May 18, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Just caught up on Eurovision, my favourite was Germany, and I liked: Spain, Netherlands and France.
Dumbfounded by some of the voting.
Dumbfounded by some of the voting.
🥹I am absolutely delighted and privileged to again be part of this wonderful list of Mental Health Bloggers and Creators.
May 14, 2025 at 7:31 PM
🥹I am absolutely delighted and privileged to again be part of this wonderful list of Mental Health Bloggers and Creators.
🧜🏼♀️🧙🏼♂️🦹🏾♀️ Each Spring I look forward to attending Portsmouth Comic Con at the Portsmouth Guildhall, and discovering the exciting additions and developments the organising team have made to the event. This year was no different!
www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...
www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...
Portsmouth Comic Con'25
Each Spring I look forward to attending Portsmouth Comic Con at the Guildhall, and discovering the exciting additions and developments the organising team have made to the event. This year was no diff...
www.openjournalbc.com
May 9, 2025 at 4:21 PM
🧜🏼♀️🧙🏼♂️🦹🏾♀️ Each Spring I look forward to attending Portsmouth Comic Con at the Portsmouth Guildhall, and discovering the exciting additions and developments the organising team have made to the event. This year was no different!
www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...
www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...
🪐 What a weekend of wonder ✨
Work and emails seem pretty boring this week after Portsmouth ComicCon, #StarWarsDay and all the amazing experience spaces and exhibitions on the weekend.
Only 12 months till the next one… 🦹🏾♀️🧙🏼♂️
Work and emails seem pretty boring this week after Portsmouth ComicCon, #StarWarsDay and all the amazing experience spaces and exhibitions on the weekend.
Only 12 months till the next one… 🦹🏾♀️🧙🏼♂️
May 7, 2025 at 7:59 PM
🪐 What a weekend of wonder ✨
Work and emails seem pretty boring this week after Portsmouth ComicCon, #StarWarsDay and all the amazing experience spaces and exhibitions on the weekend.
Only 12 months till the next one… 🦹🏾♀️🧙🏼♂️
Work and emails seem pretty boring this week after Portsmouth ComicCon, #StarWarsDay and all the amazing experience spaces and exhibitions on the weekend.
Only 12 months till the next one… 🦹🏾♀️🧙🏼♂️
👩🏼🎤👨🏽🎤Looking forward to Portsmouth Comic Con this weekend!
🦹🏾♀️🧙🏼♂️If you’re not sure what to expect, or would just like to know more, here’s my thoughts and experience of last years event.
www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...
🦹🏾♀️🧙🏼♂️If you’re not sure what to expect, or would just like to know more, here’s my thoughts and experience of last years event.
www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...
Portsmouth Comic Con'24
What a weekend this was; from the amazing atmpsopare and experinces to the cosplay and panels. Each year this event becomes... more; and there's so many things to mention.Initial arrivalThis year my e...
www.openjournalbc.com
May 2, 2025 at 6:06 PM
👩🏼🎤👨🏽🎤Looking forward to Portsmouth Comic Con this weekend!
🦹🏾♀️🧙🏼♂️If you’re not sure what to expect, or would just like to know more, here’s my thoughts and experience of last years event.
www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...
🦹🏾♀️🧙🏼♂️If you’re not sure what to expect, or would just like to know more, here’s my thoughts and experience of last years event.
www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...
Ep312, and part two too Ep311 with Dan
In this episode Dan joins us to talk about grief, bereavement, support networks, intellectualisation of therapy, the importance of conversation and listening (go on...).
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
In this episode Dan joins us to talk about grief, bereavement, support networks, intellectualisation of therapy, the importance of conversation and listening (go on...).
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
Ep311 Grief, Support Network and go on... with Dan (Part 2)
Podcast Episode · Open Journal · 15/04/2025 · 38m
podcasts.apple.com
April 15, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Ep312, and part two too Ep311 with Dan
In this episode Dan joins us to talk about grief, bereavement, support networks, intellectualisation of therapy, the importance of conversation and listening (go on...).
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
In this episode Dan joins us to talk about grief, bereavement, support networks, intellectualisation of therapy, the importance of conversation and listening (go on...).
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
✍🏼 April is #StressAwarenessMonth and has come at a time when I am continuing to make changes to better manage my own, and our household’s, stress and mental wellbeing.
Read more: www.openjournalbc.com/post/stress-...
Read more: www.openjournalbc.com/post/stress-...
Stress Awareness & Changes
April is Stress Awareness Month and has come at a time when I am continuing to make changes to better manage my own stress and mental wellbeing. Having written a few times over the last year about the...
www.openjournalbc.com
April 4, 2025 at 2:16 PM
✍🏼 April is #StressAwarenessMonth and has come at a time when I am continuing to make changes to better manage my own, and our household’s, stress and mental wellbeing.
Read more: www.openjournalbc.com/post/stress-...
Read more: www.openjournalbc.com/post/stress-...
Who’s looking forward to Portsmouth Comic Con at Portsmouth Guildhall?
🦹🏾♀️🧙🏼♀️🧞♂️🧜🏼♂️🧚🏽
I am!
www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...
🦹🏾♀️🧙🏼♀️🧞♂️🧜🏼♂️🧚🏽
I am!
www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...
Portsmouth Comic Con’25: What’s Coming
The first Portsmouth Comic Con was held in May 2018, and wow, has this event grown and evolved since it's impressive begining. I'm really looking forward to attending Portsmouth Comic Con again this y...
www.openjournalbc.com
April 3, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Who’s looking forward to Portsmouth Comic Con at Portsmouth Guildhall?
🦹🏾♀️🧙🏼♀️🧞♂️🧜🏼♂️🧚🏽
I am!
www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...
🦹🏾♀️🧙🏼♀️🧞♂️🧜🏼♂️🧚🏽
I am!
www.openjournalbc.com/post/portsmo...
🎧Podcast episode 311 with Dan, available now.
In this episode Dan joins us to talk about grief, bereavement, support networks, intellectualisation of therapy, the importance of conversation and listening.
🎙️This is episode 1 of a 2 part conversation.
Listen now: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
In this episode Dan joins us to talk about grief, bereavement, support networks, intellectualisation of therapy, the importance of conversation and listening.
🎙️This is episode 1 of a 2 part conversation.
Listen now: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
April 1, 2025 at 5:12 PM
🎧Podcast episode 311 with Dan, available now.
In this episode Dan joins us to talk about grief, bereavement, support networks, intellectualisation of therapy, the importance of conversation and listening.
🎙️This is episode 1 of a 2 part conversation.
Listen now: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
In this episode Dan joins us to talk about grief, bereavement, support networks, intellectualisation of therapy, the importance of conversation and listening.
🎙️This is episode 1 of a 2 part conversation.
Listen now: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
Reflecting on #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek (17th to 23rd March 2025) and keeping the conversation going.
www.openjournalbc.com/post/neurodi...
www.openjournalbc.com/post/neurodi...
Neurodiversity Celebration Week’25
Following on the routine of posting after awareness and celebration days/ weeks, I wanted to reflect on Neurodiversity Celebration Week (17th to 23rd March 2025). I'm quite liking utilising the dates ...
www.openjournalbc.com
March 29, 2025 at 8:37 PM
Reflecting on #NeurodiversityCelebrationWeek (17th to 23rd March 2025) and keeping the conversation going.
www.openjournalbc.com/post/neurodi...
www.openjournalbc.com/post/neurodi...
openjournalbc.com hosts a range of mental health and wellbeing content; including Mike's (blog) insights and experiences, with reflections on wellbeing. And, podcast conversations with guests sharing personal experiences, knowledge and signposting to campaigns, services and support.
Open Journal BlogCast | Mental Health & Lifestyle | Hampshire
Discussing mental health, illness, wellness, stigma and support. Featuring events, activities and a range of awesome advocates.
openjournalbc.com
March 25, 2025 at 9:13 PM
openjournalbc.com hosts a range of mental health and wellbeing content; including Mike's (blog) insights and experiences, with reflections on wellbeing. And, podcast conversations with guests sharing personal experiences, knowledge and signposting to campaigns, services and support.
🏅First medal of the year!
Very pleased with my first challenge completion. I actually managed 13 + 20 miles over my two runs.
My year total so far is 164 miles. Fingers crossed for continued progress towards the stretch goals of:
🏃🏼♂️ 500 miles
🏃🏼♂️ 623 miles (1,000 km)
🏃🏼♂️ 750 miles 😅
Very pleased with my first challenge completion. I actually managed 13 + 20 miles over my two runs.
My year total so far is 164 miles. Fingers crossed for continued progress towards the stretch goals of:
🏃🏼♂️ 500 miles
🏃🏼♂️ 623 miles (1,000 km)
🏃🏼♂️ 750 miles 😅
March 17, 2025 at 7:53 PM
🏅First medal of the year!
Very pleased with my first challenge completion. I actually managed 13 + 20 miles over my two runs.
My year total so far is 164 miles. Fingers crossed for continued progress towards the stretch goals of:
🏃🏼♂️ 500 miles
🏃🏼♂️ 623 miles (1,000 km)
🏃🏼♂️ 750 miles 😅
Very pleased with my first challenge completion. I actually managed 13 + 20 miles over my two runs.
My year total so far is 164 miles. Fingers crossed for continued progress towards the stretch goals of:
🏃🏼♂️ 500 miles
🏃🏼♂️ 623 miles (1,000 km)
🏃🏼♂️ 750 miles 😅
Following on from and reflecting on #WorldBookDay; A day often focused on the imaginative characters that fill our pages; can sometimes underplay how important those characters and stories are for our wellbeing.
Read more: openjournalbc.com/post/following-world-book-day
Read more: openjournalbc.com/post/following-world-book-day
Following World Book Day
Last week it was World Book Day. A day that often focuses on the wonderful colourful and imaginative characters that fill our pages; and that can sometimes underplay how important those characters and...
openjournalbc.com
March 13, 2025 at 8:55 AM
Following on from and reflecting on #WorldBookDay; A day often focused on the imaginative characters that fill our pages; can sometimes underplay how important those characters and stories are for our wellbeing.
Read more: openjournalbc.com/post/following-world-book-day
Read more: openjournalbc.com/post/following-world-book-day
It’s #WorldBookDay 📚
Books are so important for our social, emotional and mental wellbeing; for our awareness, education and compassion for ourselves and others.
They can be where we discover challenges, successes and journeys. And where we start to build our knowledge & confidence to share ours.
Books are so important for our social, emotional and mental wellbeing; for our awareness, education and compassion for ourselves and others.
They can be where we discover challenges, successes and journeys. And where we start to build our knowledge & confidence to share ours.
March 6, 2025 at 12:32 PM
It’s #WorldBookDay 📚
Books are so important for our social, emotional and mental wellbeing; for our awareness, education and compassion for ourselves and others.
They can be where we discover challenges, successes and journeys. And where we start to build our knowledge & confidence to share ours.
Books are so important for our social, emotional and mental wellbeing; for our awareness, education and compassion for ourselves and others.
They can be where we discover challenges, successes and journeys. And where we start to build our knowledge & confidence to share ours.
Ep309 with Bruce available now.
In this episode Bruce joins us to talk about prioritising self care, being proactive with our wellbeing, reflecting on our purpose, saying no to more things and the happiness hypothesis.
🎧 Listen now
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
In this episode Bruce joins us to talk about prioritising self care, being proactive with our wellbeing, reflecting on our purpose, saying no to more things and the happiness hypothesis.
🎧 Listen now
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
March 4, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Ep309 with Bruce available now.
In this episode Bruce joins us to talk about prioritising self care, being proactive with our wellbeing, reflecting on our purpose, saying no to more things and the happiness hypothesis.
🎧 Listen now
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
In this episode Bruce joins us to talk about prioritising self care, being proactive with our wellbeing, reflecting on our purpose, saying no to more things and the happiness hypothesis.
🎧 Listen now
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/o...
Upcoming @openjournalbc Podcast Episodes & Guests
🎧 Ep308 with Alex (@seizingthedaycompany) - Available now
🎧 Ep309 with Bruce (@day_crafting_) - 4th March
🎧 Ep310 with Adam (@adam_the_anxiety_blogger) - 18th March
🎧 Ep311 & 312 with Dan (@dudale92) - 1st & 15th April
🎧 Ep308 with Alex (@seizingthedaycompany) - Available now
🎧 Ep309 with Bruce (@day_crafting_) - 4th March
🎧 Ep310 with Adam (@adam_the_anxiety_blogger) - 18th March
🎧 Ep311 & 312 with Dan (@dudale92) - 1st & 15th April
February 24, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Upcoming @openjournalbc Podcast Episodes & Guests
🎧 Ep308 with Alex (@seizingthedaycompany) - Available now
🎧 Ep309 with Bruce (@day_crafting_) - 4th March
🎧 Ep310 with Adam (@adam_the_anxiety_blogger) - 18th March
🎧 Ep311 & 312 with Dan (@dudale92) - 1st & 15th April
🎧 Ep308 with Alex (@seizingthedaycompany) - Available now
🎧 Ep309 with Bruce (@day_crafting_) - 4th March
🎧 Ep310 with Adam (@adam_the_anxiety_blogger) - 18th March
🎧 Ep311 & 312 with Dan (@dudale92) - 1st & 15th April
♟️What a lovely afternoon of #BoardGames
🎲 We opened up the Santorini #Kickstarter and discovered some exciting new characters, play styles and win conditions.
♟️ Looking forward to getting a look at the solo play options next time.
🎲 We opened up the Santorini #Kickstarter and discovered some exciting new characters, play styles and win conditions.
♟️ Looking forward to getting a look at the solo play options next time.
February 18, 2025 at 6:35 PM
♟️What a lovely afternoon of #BoardGames
🎲 We opened up the Santorini #Kickstarter and discovered some exciting new characters, play styles and win conditions.
♟️ Looking forward to getting a look at the solo play options next time.
🎲 We opened up the Santorini #Kickstarter and discovered some exciting new characters, play styles and win conditions.
♟️ Looking forward to getting a look at the solo play options next time.