MEET: Molly
The Health Diary
Founder and Director
An absolutely amazing creation from Molly Gorman, The Health Diary is a platform that aims to redefine society’s problematic definition of health. From chats with her dad to very honest conversations about her own experiences with health, the collaborative blog is a prime example of social media being used to widen the conversation on mental health.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi, my name is Molly and I’m 21 years old. I’m from a small little town in Derbyshire and I graduated this year from studying History at the University of Bristol. I sing, I play guitar and piano and I write songs. I also write a lot of articles about women’s health on different platforms aiming to de-stigmatize anything associated with mental health. I also love going travelling. It's rare that you’ll find me sat inside unless I have to work.
What interests you right now?
I really enjoy watching funny shows, so right now The Office US is absolutely great. Listening-wise I’m into new music, I love Janelle Monae at the minute, anything soul and funk.
Can you tell us about The Health Diary?
It’s a collaborative platform. I didn’t wanna be someone that's just writing a blog constantly about myself, I wanted to learn from others and be inspired by others. It just started off by asking my friend Tegan to tell me how she perceived health. She talked a bit about body image which really struck a chord as I had my own issues with food when I was about 15-16 years old. From then I just started asking more and more people. Everyone went down different avenues. Someone told me about OCD, someone was talking about sleep, all just completely different things.
Does your work convey a specific emotion or message?
It conveys something positive. I think although it might be hard to read, by the end you feel really uplifted and you feel really positive because all the stories have an optimistic turn to them in the end. Even if people feel like they haven’t overcome certain issues they recognise that and I think that's a really important thing that makes you feel less alone, less isolated.
What's the happiest moment of your career?
My happiest moment was probably when I posted my story on The Health Diary which was very tough but I had the most overwhelming amount of positive messages sent to me from people from school who were almost apologising because they said they didn’t know what I was going through. They were also just thanking me for making them think about health in a different way. It made me realise that what I do does have an impact.
What does it mean to be creative?
For me, to be creative is thinking about innovative ways to express yourself. So, for me personally that involves writing, working with other people, bouncing off their ideas, being outside and being inspired by what’s around me.
What is something you know you do differently to most people?
I start work really early. Like really early. I feel stressed when I don’t feel like I’m on top of things.
Who is the most influential person in your life?
Oh, good question. I know it's the most cliche answer but my parents. My Dad has got the most incredible work ethic and he’s got so much experience. And my Mum as well. She’s an amazing woman who puts everyone in front of her and really appreciates people. She taught me to learn to love people in the way they want to be loved. I would also say my boyfriend because he’s really taught me how to take a step back and how to take every moment at a time. Everyone close to me is very influential in my life.
Where is your happy place?
Next to my house, there's this lane that leads to an amazing view of the Derbyshire Dales. That's where I go. That's my happy place.
When you’re feeling down what's your best way up?
Music. Listening to any happy music. There's a song by Satchmode called Happiness which is especially great. Also listening to any of my favourite singers, like Imogen Heap and Emily King.
What would you do if you knew you would not fail?
I’d probably give music a shot again because I gave that up too young. I still like listen to music like I’m performing in an arena and I can’t get out of that. I’ll never stop doing that.
How big do you want The Health Diary to get?
I’d love The Health Diary to become something massive and for it to be my career. My dream for it is that it can become something like Humans of New York. People are so honest...it's shocking and heartbreaking to read but it also gives you a bit of a reality check and I really like that. I love hearing from normal people.
Molly’s also one of the lovely lady behind the body positive tote bags. You may have seen a few about the place. They’re £12 and all profit goes to Off The Record, a charity that helps young people with mental health issues. One tote buys a 1-1 session with a counsellor. Message us for more details.
Go to The Health Diary website HERE.
If you want to collaborate with Molly just click on the button below, fill out your details and we’ll get in touch to see what we can work out.