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Think with your feet – Keith’s story

Even though he has been in and out of hospital for 33 years, Keith has accomplished a number of incredible things: setting up mental health sports groups, working with students and carrying out mental health research.

Over the years, I’ve also co-written a book, called “The Routledge Handbook of Social Work Practice Research”, and set up a mental health football group in Harrogate for people aged between 18-25. I found this really rewarding and it ran for five years, raising £5000 from Sport England to run the sessions. Middlesbrough FC Foundation approached me to set up a similar activity for people suffering from mental health in that area. They called it “Think with your feet” and it still helps people in that area today.

How I befriended my schizoaffective disorder through writing – James’ story

In this blog, James shares two coping mechanisms that have been important for his recovery: befriending his mental illness and writing for joy and relaxation. James reflects on his long journey, from being sectioned to becoming an author.

Working for a mental health charity does wonders for my wellbeing and has given me an enormous sense of fulfilment.

My book comes out in March 2023 and we decided to call it ‘Befriending My Brain’ because that title perfectly sums up my journey.

“The best decision I’ve ever made” – Ben’s story

After experiencing a breakdown, Ben was put in contact with our Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Service and hasn’t looked back since. After setting up his own support group and helping others through their struggles, Ben now works for Rethink Mental Illness and says that he has finally found purpose. Here’s his story.

As my confidence grew, I took a bank staff role with Rethink Mental Illness on the emotional support helpline as part of my recovery. Whilst working on the helpline, I was answering calls from people who were struggling with their mental health or feeling lonely and didn’t have anyone to talk to. I’d talk them through distraction techniques, signpost them to other places or just generally have a chat with them about how they were feeling. It was hard work but very rewarding.

In a Life of Darkness, I Found Light

My experience with clinical depression began at an early age. I believe many of my mental health challenges stemmed from underlying problems — including epilepsy and ADHD, as well as mental, emotional and physical abuse.

I have worked in the mental health field, in addiction recovery and corrections populations as psychotherapist, social worker and counselor. I also deliver motivational speeches, teach college classes and, in 2019, I self-published my book, “Take the High Road; A Must Read for Those with Disabilities and Addictions.”

I’ve always been prone to anxiety for as long as I can remember

At the end of high school, the overriding sense of helplessness that comes with depression became very real for me.

I found myself in a cycle of anxiety and depression because the familiarity of high school was gone, and a lot of my friends had moved away for study or work.

Through volunteering with the Black Dog Institute as a presenter, I’ve been able to share my story with many people.

Being a volunteer has given me a sense of purpose and community. I find the experience empowering and I feel like I’m making a difference. In my presentations, I am always conscious to emphasise two things: there is help available if you seek it, and no one is alone.

How I’ve lived with schizophrenia

I have had schizophrenia for just over 20 years now, and it’s been both a blessing and a curse.

All the pain, paranoia, voices and horrid thoughts that have come into my head have made me who I am today and without them I know I wouldn’t be here.

I was lucky enough to be able to return to university where I have spent the past seven years training in Psychology to become a counsellor.

I’ve learnt about acceptance, understanding and compassion, not only of others but of myself.I know what it’s like to struggle. I know what it’s like to be in desperate need of that one person to hold your hand and let you know it’s going to be OK. And now I’m able to be that person and be part of someone else’s recovery, which gives me more joy than I can describe.

I have managed to find meaning to my life and discovered my purpose – to help others.

Taking Back My Adolescence

Growing up, I never would have guessed that three years of my adolescence would be stripped away due to a mental illness that I couldn’t even identify at the time.

I am currently pursuing a career in the medical field, where I hope to help people for the rest of my life. I serve on four youth advisory boards, three within the Center for Addiction and Mental Health, and one within a mental health organization called Foundry.

Weight loss transformation for army veteran with PTSD

An ex-soldier who suffers from PTSD achieved a dramatic weight loss transformation after experiencing a mental health crisis during lockdown.

In a happier and healthier place, Richard wants to inspire others and is now taking on a 30 marathons in 30 days challenge to raise money for the mental health charity Combat Stress.

Humber Bridge: Veterans complete PTSD crawl challenge

Two Army veterans who have suffered with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have crawled over the Humber Bridge to raise money for others with the condition.

David Neaves and Joe Hall, both from Yorkshire, completed the 4,659ft (1,420m) challenge in three hours and have raised more than £2,700.

“It’s quite emotional, I’m thinking of all the people who are no longer with us, I was thinking about them while I was crawling across,” he said.

“Hopefully we’ll have raised enough money to save two or three lives so it’s all worth it.”

Building a Supportive Community on Social Media Helps Me Heal

My name is Jazmin Alba, although you might know me as the woman behind the @advocating.mentalhealth account on Instagram. Every day, I help over 261,000 followers navigate their struggles with mental illness. I share self-care tips, inspirational quotes and reminders that everyone’s experience is unique and valid…

People often ask me how they can follow in my footsteps and become a mental health advocate. My answer to that question is to focus on changing the conversation, one day at a time, or even one post at a time. Never underestimate the power of being vulnerable and honest — whether that is on social media, with friends, with family, with colleagues or even with strangers.