We are Rethink Mental Illness

We improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through our network of local groups and services, expert information and successful campaigning. Our goal is to make sure everyone severely affected by mental illness has a good quality of life.

Find advice and information

About mental illness

Here you can find information on different mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, depression and eating disorders. This section also includes symptoms of mental illness and how to cope with suicidal thoughts and self-harm.

Learn more about mental illness About mental illness

Living with mental illness

With the right support and treatment, mental illness doesn't have to be a barrier to a fulfilling life. In this section find out more about medication, treatment options and how to look after your physical health and wellbeing.

Learn more about living with mental illness Living with mental illness

Rights & benefits

It’s important to know your rights when living with a mental illness or caring for someone who does. This section has information on mental health laws, rights and restrictions, social care, welfare benefits, employment and health care. It also includes resources on the police, courts & prison service.

Learn more about rights and benefits Rights & benefits

Information for carers

Our Carers Hub has lots of resources to help carers of people living with a mental illness. This section includes information on social services support for carers, mental illness running in families, confidentiality, supporting someone and what to do in a crisis.

Learn more about being a carer Information for carers

Our latest blogs

“Out of nowhere, I crashed. Hard.” – Zoe’s story

05/07/2022

On average in the UK it takes around 9.5 years for someone to get an accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder. For Zoe, it was a 14 year journey with a big step forward that happened in August 2020.

05/07/2022

"This work has given me new skills and a better understanding of how services work within the mental health sector. I was worried that I would struggle to see change happening, but I can honestly say that co-producing is bringing positive change not just in Norfolk and Waveney but all over England."

05/07/2022

Bo was just 19 when she saw the transformative power of co-production as part of her love of performing. It wasn't until 2020 that she realised that this knowledge could help design mental health services that put lived experience at their heart.

27/06/2022

When Natasha woke up and didn’t recognise herself, her detachment to everything around her was terrifying. As she learnt she was experiencing depersonalisation/derealisation disorder (DPDR), things began to get a little easier until the symptoms finally disappeared.

22/06/2022

Chloe took on the challenge of walking 50 miles in just five days – and she raised crucial funds for us whilst she did it! Here’s her story of living with mental illness and why she chose to raise money to help us in our mission of providing the best possible life for people experiencing mental illness.

14/06/2022

Head of Policy and Influencing, Jeremy Bernhaut, outlines what the government is calling for as it develops a new 10 year plan in a bid to improve the nation’s mental health.

13/06/2022

Shannon explains how relationship obsessive compulsive disorder (ROCD) can vary from day to day and person to person, but it doesn’t have to rule your life.

Find your nearest service or group

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How we are making a difference

We care and support

For nearly 50 years, we have supported thousands of people every year to get through crises, live independently and ensure they don't face mental illness alone. Our network of 140 peer support groups offer a listening ear, practical help and social support. Our 200 plus services include everything from supported housing, one-to-one help for carers, to group activities for people leaving hospital.

We listen and advise

Our website provides advice to millions of people through over 200 award-winning factsheets. Our trusted advisors are also on hand to provide advice on the phone on living with mental illness, medication, care and treatment. They can be called as often as needed and will take time to explain and set out options about what to do next. If you are looking for support, you can trust us to get it right.

We campaign and influence

Driven by people with personal experience of mental illness, we campaign nationally and locally to push mental health up the public agenda and change government policy for the better. Join our movement of passionate campaigners and help us make sure that everyone has access to high quality health care, no matter where they live or what their personal circumstances are.

Read about our campaigns