News and views

Fit note: Amy’s story

18/08/2025

Amy shares her thoughts on what it’s like to be out of work whilst living with a mental illness.

“Trauma can come in all shapes and sizes” - Julian’s story

11/08/2025

After losing his father, Julian’s relationship with football took a dark turn and developed into grief-related trauma. He explores how the seemingly mundane activity of watching football became incredibly anxiety-provoking in his adult life.

“You don’t have to be guided by the voices you hear” – Robert’s story

25/07/2025

For National Schizophrenia Awareness Day, Robert shares his journey with schizophrenia. He reflects on his symptoms and offers hope to people living with psychosis.

“I have the right to feel” – Iona’s story

14/07/2025

Iona sheds light on living with a form of borderline personality disorder (BPD) where emotional distress or intensity is directed inwards. By practicing self-compassion and acceptance, Iona is able to have more peaceful days.

“I felt like such a failure” – Emma’s story

08/07/2025

Although Emma was excited about her newborn, she developed postnatal depression after a traumatic birth and found her eating disorder symptoms creep back up. With support from a postnatal charity, she is now in a safer place.

“The siblings carry a huge weight” – Eleanor’s story

06/06/2025

Eleanor has been supporting her sister, who is living with schizophrenia, since 1968. With Rethink Mental Illness, she works as a Siblings Support Group Coordinator, holding a very unique space for other sisters and brothers in similar situations.

“I didn’t realise for a very long time that I’d been a carer” – Jonathan’s story

06/06/2025

Jonathan supported his mother with various mental health conditions since childhood, but only recently realised he was her carer. He now works with our Rethink Companions service, supporting carers to lead fulfilling lives.