lifting the lid festival 2021

In November 2021, I took part in the brilliant 'Lifting the Lid: An International Festival on Death & Dying'.

The session was focused on my experiences of dealing with the terminal illness and proceeding death of my beautiful husband, compounded by the death of my father and cat just a few months later, through the lens of existing mental health conditions.

With a history of Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety, mental illness added further complicating layers to my grief and my ability to cope with both my bereavements and daily life.

I hope that sharing some of my story may broaden the conversation around mental illness, death, loss and grief, and contribute to someone else not feeling so alone in their own journey.

The format of this session was an informal Q&A with one of the fantastic festival Founders, Jo Dagless. 

I cannot thank Jo and Victoria, Founders of Lifting the Lid, enough for their understanding, kindness, encouragement and belief in me - I could not have gone through with this event without their support.

Hollie (Pete's Wife)