Missy Lectric explains the very personal journey that lead to her producing her upcoming show.
On Friday 13 September, I have arranged a burlesque night. I have arranged many previous to this, working with Bella Rouge on the Swindon Bands & Burlesque nights, but this one is a little more personal.
This night is all about Post Natal Depression. Probably something that many of you are not familiar with or understand. It certainly does not grab the headlines as much as other illnesses might. But it can ruin lives and relationships. At its worst it can be a killer.
An Evening of Burlesque – Swindon
I want to give a little background about why this night has come about.
I had my son in February 2010. To this day I still struggle with the varying emotion, thoughts and feelings widely associated with PND, counselling sessions, medication, support from family and friends, and most of all time, is helping me see the light at the end of this tunnel. I believe I am getting better and am in a more positive place.
Lesley Hughes aka Missy Lectric (c) Missy Lectric
At its worst, this illness has had me scream blue in the face at my son calling him the most disgusting names you can think of, punching myself in the thigh to try to avoid punching him, packing my bags to run away from my son and husband, wondering how many paracetamol it would take to actually end my life, and letting go of the steering wheel in the car whilst putting my foot down, closing my eyes and hoping that whatever happened next would finally stop my son from having a tantrum.
Shocking? Yes. Real life. Yes. More common that you think. YES.
PND takes over your whole existence, you cannot snap out of it (as I have been told by someone who believed that when feeling upset you just need to get a grip…)
Having burlesque in my life was a big help to me. I had a hobby, an interest, a new circle of friends, something to occupy my mind and focus my attention on. I could take on another character, not be me for a few minutes during a performance.
Missy Lectric aka Leslie Hughes (c) Cribbs Photography
Locally, the support from professionals is poor. I have been on a couple of 6 week courses, but when they end, that’s it. There is not a consistent, forever group in Swindon; I know funding is a big issue, as it is everywhere. This is where I feel I can really make a difference, however small. Having worked in events for a long time, and burlesque events for 2 years, I thought why not combine the 2 things I know and fundraise for counselling sessions.
I was nervous putting the call out for performers, was this a cause that performers would support? I was overwhelmed by the offers of help, and the line up is an amazing mix of performers and a wonderful singer. All are donating their time and I am forever grateful to them all for their support. Tickets are £4 on the door and this will go towards funding counsellor led group sessions in Swindon.
Since starting my campaign to raise awareness of PND locally and fundraise, I have been in the local paper, have met with the Council, Mental Health organisations and Children’s Centres and am in the process of setting up 2 regular “coffee” mornings at Children’s Centres.
This is just the start of what I hope will be successful journey of burlesque helping with my cause, as if the first night is successful I would love to arrange an even larger event next year.
You can find details of An Evening of Burlesque – Swindon at Revolution Bar here.
