Philippa Perry: ‘You have to keep failing in order to succeed’

World Mental Health Day 2025: MDX alumna, psychologist Philippa Perry meets MDX students

Psychologist Philippa Perry, an MDX alumna and honorary graduate, visited the London campus this week to meet and talk to psychology students. 

Her visit coincided with World Mental Health Day 2025 (10/10), and she used the opportunity to talk to students about artificial intelligence (AI), the impact of smartphones, self-esteem, and building the resilience to keep going when things don’t work out. She told students: 

“I failed many, many times before I had a book published. Publishers weren’t keen on taking a chance on a debut writer. But my advice is ‘don’t be afraid of failing.’ Keep trying. You have to keep failing in order to succeed.”       

Philippa Perry

A substantial number of questions from students were on emerging technologies and the affect on future psychotherapy provision, demonstrating their interest in the growing impact of the AI revolution. 

Philippa’s journey into the world of psychology began in 1985 when she trained and volunteered for The Samaritans. She heard first-hand about the trials and tribulations of the human condition, inspiring her to work in the mental health field for over 20 years as an integrative psychotherapist. 

She made it her mission to share the wisdom of psychological theories and research to a wider audience. As well as broadcasting, Philippa has written books including Couch Fiction and How To Stay Sane. Her international bestseller The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did has sold over two million copies. She also has a weekly advice column in the Observer Magazine. 

The University prioritises support for students’ well-being throughout their journey. As the new year academic year gets going and to mark World Mental Health Day, MDX is highlighting the importance of community, connection, and support.  

This year’s Kickstart Your Journey 2025 initiative helps new students make the change to university life. Student ambassadors share their experiences with new students and are on hand to listen, talk and offer support. 

The peer-to-peer model of Kickstart Your Journey creates a space where new entrants can connect with continuing students through openly listening to their lived experiences. By being honest about their own experiences, ambassadors help normalise challenges, reduce stigma, and encourage students to seek help when they need it.  

This approach reflects the University’s wider commitment to embedding wellbeing into every aspect of the student experience, ensuring that mental health support starts not after arrival, but from the very first week at MDX. 

Find out more about Psychology at Middlesex University.