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 affected by severe mental illness has a good quality of life.

Stop benefit deaths

Read our new report about deaths and serious harm in the benefit system

Read our report

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

Update on the new NHS digital scheme for collecting data from GPs

27/07/2021

Earlier this year, the NHS announced it was changing how they collect patient information from GP surgeries in order to support health and care planning and research. This week, the government announced it was postponing the scheme.

25/07/2021

My name is Ashley, I am 24 years old and it has been three years since I experienced my first psychotic episode. At the time of my first episode, my diagnosis was psychosis with symptoms of schizophrenia. Then about two years after my first episode, I was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

21/07/2021

After being diagnosed with schizophrenia, Jamie tried to break out of a hospital by kicking down the doors. Since then, he has come a long way. Here's his story.

16/07/2021

Restrictions, lockdowns and the fear of contracting Covid-19 have come together to create the perfect storm for a lot of us living with a mental illness. And just as we seemed to be settling into a new way of living, we’re now being asked to change back to the way everything once was. July 19 is being lauded as ‘Freedom Day’, but how liberating will it be for those of us that like routine, and struggle with change? 52-year-old Julian experiences depression, OCD and anxiety. Here’s his thoughts.

14/07/2021

Today, MPs debate the principles of the Health and Care Bill in parliament. Our Policy Manager Lindsey Crawford sets out the main changes that this Bill will make, what this means for the support you receive, and what Rethink Mental Illness are doing to ensure that the Bill delivers the best possible outcomes for people severely affected by mental illness.

30/06/2021

Peter has been living with chronic depression and anxiety for almost 10 years. In this blog, he talks about his experiences as a member of the LGBT+ community and what impact those had on his mental health.

23/06/2021

Mental health social care in England is facing a huge challenge which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. In this blog, Alex from our campaigns team delves deeper into why mental health social care is so essential, and what we want the government to do to better support people severely affected by mental illness.

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How we are making a difference

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.

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 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.