Your experiences

Here you will find real life stories from those who have experienced mental illness, whether first hand or as a family member and/or carer. Would you like to share your story? If so please contact us.

  • Paul's Story explains the link between his mental health problems and his cannabis use.
  • Marion's story
    The story of a woman's experience of depression and self harm.
  • James' story
    The story of man who has experienced schizophrenia, how he survived, led a successful career as a fireman and put his experience to good use as a mental health trainer.
  • Alison's story
    The story of the stigma both Alison and her father have experienced as a result of their mental illness.
  • Denise's story
    The story of a carer who has had to fight to get the right treatment for her son.
  • Helen's story
    The story of a mother whose son tragically committed suicide whilst under the care of a hospital. 
  • Lynn's story
    Married to Dave who has schizophrenia, Lynn describes her experiences.
  • Mary's story
    The story of a mother who's son has schizophrenia.
  • Tom's story
    The story of Tom's son and how long it took to get him the help he needed and the ensuing frustrations and anguish this caused the whole family.
  • Mark's story
    The story of Mark's mother, who has overcome many challenges to live life to the full.
  • Maggie's story
    In her 50's now Maggie was diagnosed with manic depression after a difficult childhood.
  • Elizabeth’s Story
    The story of a woman who experienced schizophrenia and how stigma and public perception affected her.
  • Eva’s Story
    The story of Eva who has experienced depression in different periods in her life. 
  • Maria's story
    Now a volunteer for Rethink, Maria talks about her experience of schizophrenia.
  • John's story
    After being diagnosed with schizophrenia John explains how his diagnosis was difficult to accept.  Now training to be a mental health counsellor John likens his recovery to climbing a flight of stairs, one step at a time.
  • Rachel's story
    Rachel's mental health problems started when she was 12 years old.  Later in life she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. This is her story and how she has arrived at a stage where she is now looking forward to the future.