Bryony Gordon is a bestselling author, with three successful books under her belt, but she struggled with alcoholism and depression for years. Rather than hide this from the world, Gordon chose to speak up and speak out about her mental health struggles, in a bid to help smash taboos and harmful myths.

Considering that it is estimated some one in four people in the UK alone will experience a mental health problem each year, and that more than 450 million people suffer around the world, this is no small thing. Indeed, it is vital that we continue to keep the conversation as open, and as honest, as possible.

Is it any wonder, then, that Stylist has decided to name Gordon our Inspiration of the Year?

Presenting the award to Gordon at Stylist’s Remarkable Women of the Year Awards, Maya Jama described the author as “one of the UK’s best loved writers” and praised her for “launching the ‘mental health mates’ community across social media”.

“This remarkable woman continues to deliver unwavering honesty and vulnerability on her own personal challenges on social media, and has encouraged thousands of women and men to learn to love themselves and talk about their mental health on a daily basis,” continued Jama.

“Without doubt, her work has saved lives.”

Stepping up to collect her award, Gordon said: “When I was growing up, magazines gave out awards to women who had nice hair and were sexy and wore amazing dresses - although I think my dress is pretty amazing tonight.

“I just assumed I would never win an award that a magazine would give out to women, because I felt like such a freak growing up. Now, I’ve won an award for all the things that make me freakish, and I couldn’t be happier.”

“I’d like to thank Lisa Smosarski for allowing me to write about my mental health all those years ago… thank you so much.”

Congratulations once again to Bryony Gordon, our Inspiration of the Year!

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Image: Rex Features