Black History Month -Poem
Samantha Crilly
Having suffered with mental illness, including anorexia and obsessive-compulsive disorder during her
teens and early twenties, drama graduate Samantha now works to promote good mental health as a
personal trainer, working alongside her Mum in her counselling practice, which allows her the time to do
her script writing and poetry as well.
It was embarking on a performing arts degree that finally put Samantha on course to a happier and
healthier life, and she is passionate about using the power of the arts to help others struggling through
mental illness. Her short films A Day with OCD, and A Day with Anxiety use emotion and humour to
show the reality of living with obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety which was written and
performed by Samantha, both have been well received.
Along with performing, Samantha’s book Hope through Poetry was published through Hammersmith
Health Books at the height of the pandemic in 2020. The collection of 50 poems shines a light on what it
is like to live with mental illness, and most importantly gives people hope that recovery is possible.
In her spare time, Samantha relaxes enjoying spending time with her family and friends especially her
twin sister Charlotte, and her twin niece and nephew now nearly two.
Overflowing with positivity about the future, Samantha’s resilience and empathy is an inspiration to
anyone that has suffered with mental illness.
