Blogs
03 2023
-
“It was the small milestones that kept me going” - David's story
In this blog, David reflects on the presence of mental illness in his life; how it has not only affected him, but his friends and family. After experiencing depression and anxiety, losing his friends to suicide and caring for his mother, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia, David is passionate about raising awareness and creating positive change. He recently went on a 14-day trek in Nepal to raise money for Rethink Mental Illness. Read more about his journey here.
Read more -
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. Though the past few years have been full of ups and downs, it has encouraged him to learn more about his condition and to support others in similar situations.
Read more -
International Women's Day - "We can dream bigger"
In this blog for International Women's Day, our Director of Finances and Estates, Tracey Simkins, talks about the progress made by women across the world, but also looks at the significant journey still to go in the pursuit of gender equity.
Read more -
Five recommendations to improve safety on inpatient wards
People who find themselves in a mental health hospital should expect to be kept safe, cared for with respect and dignity, and given appropriate treatment that helps them to recover. But sadly, this is too often not the case. In this blog, we will outline the work we've done in this area and provide recommendations for change.
Read more -
The power of memoir-writing in the wake of suicide bereavement - Hollie's story
After losing her father to suicide, Hollie used storytelling to make sense of her grief and to manage her own anxiety disorder. Though writing and publishing her memoir was far from cathartic, it was a way of reconstructing her trauma; to keep her father alive.
Read more -
"I've found meaning amidst the desperation" - Aglaia's story
In this blog, Aglaia, a mental health activist and research student, explores her journey with bipolar disorder. Despite her severe mood swings, Aglaia graduated with a degree and is studying further to influence the scientific research of psychiatric disorders. Her story for World Bipolar Day is inspiring, a great reminder to hold onto your dreams.
Read more -
Think with your feet - Keith's story
For World Bipolar Day, Keith shares his long history with bipolar disorder, from his first episode to his most recent. He sheds light on the experience of hypermania and stigma from past relationships. 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.
Read more -
Ramadan and my eating disorder - Ayisha's story
In this blog, Ayisha, who experiences an eating disorder, shares her struggle navigating Ramadan, a holy month for people in the Islamic faith. She sheds light on the conflict between wanting to fast for spiritual reasons but knowing that this can have negative consequences for her anorexia.
Read more