Blogs
09 2024
-
“Being open is sometimes all it takes” – Florrie’s story
Florrie has been supporting her son through treatment resistant schizophrenia for 20 years. With the help of family, friends and peers from a Rethink Mental Illness support group, Florrie is able to cherish the positive moments.
Read more -
“I have so much to live for” – Ziggy’s story
After a difficult adolescence, Ziggy found himself in a constant roulette of manic episodes. With support from family, friends and professionals, like our Rethink Mental Illness Advice and Information Service, Ziggy is now able to enjoy life.
Read more -
“I’ve learnt and am still learning to embrace my grief” – Karen’s story
For World Suicide Prevention Day, Karen shares her experience of losing her husband to suicide. With the patience and understanding of her support worker from our Swindon & Wiltshire Support After Suicide Service, Karen has been able to better process her grief.
Read more -
“She cancelled the job offer” - Desislava’s story
After moving to England from Bulgaria, Desislava experienced her first episode of schizophrenia. She shares the stigma and discrimination she faced when seeking employment, but has built a meaningful life since.
Read more -
“My managers at work treat me differently” - Christopher’s story
Christopher shares his journey with schizophrenia and severe depression, from crisis point to a fulfilling, peaceful life. Though Christopher is a successful Peer Support Coordinator, he sheds light on his experience of stigma at work.
Read more -
“I felt so belittled” - Els’ story
Els was recently misdiagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). She sheds light on the ongoing stigma, misunderstanding and stereotyping she has faced from healthcare professionals because of this label.
Read more -
“Everyone has disappeared since I became unwell” - Jade’s story
Two years ago, Jade developed psychosis for the first time. She shares her experiences of stigma and discrimination whilst working in healthcare and at university.
Read more -
“I’ve lost many friends” – Karen’s story
Karen shares the stigma she faced from her family and friends after developing postnatal depression with her third child. She speaks out on the complexities of the illness and now uses her experience to support others.
Read more -
“He thought his daughter was in danger with me” – Kaz’s story
After experiencing mental illness for most of her life, Kaz was brought to crisis point. She shares how stigma and negative stereotyping disrupted her relationship with her brother and housemate.
Read more -
“It is often discouraged for men to share their emotions” - Lol’s story
Lol shares the stigma he's faced due to his father's psychosis
Read more -
“BPD was like a swear word in my appointments” – Mariss’ story
Mariss explores her journey with BPD (borderline personality disorder), touching on symptoms like impulsivity and mood swings. She shares her experience of ongoing stigma from mental health professionals.
Read more -
“I have been tutted at, stared at, followed around” - Nikki’s story
Nikki reflects on her obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), from intrusive thoughts to structured rituals. She shares the damaging stigma she has faced in her day-to-day life from strangers and passers-by.
Read more -
“I hid myself away” – Simon’s story
Simon reflects on his past experience of indirect stigma and discrimination, when he was bullied at school because of his father’s bipolar disorder. He explores the impact this has had on his own mental health 30 years later.
Read more