News and views

“I have the right to feel” – Iona’s story

14/07/2025

Iona sheds light on living with a form of borderline personality disorder (BPD) where emotional distress or intensity is directed inwards. By practicing self-compassion and acceptance, Iona is able to have more peaceful days.

“I felt like such a failure” – Emma’s story

08/07/2025

Although Emma was excited about her newborn, she developed postnatal depression after a traumatic birth and found her eating disorder symptoms creep back up. With support from a postnatal charity, she is now in a safer place.

“The siblings carry a huge weight” – Eleanor’s story

06/06/2025

Eleanor has been supporting her sister, who is living with schizophrenia, since 1968. With Rethink Mental Illness, she works as a Siblings Support Group Coordinator, holding a very unique space for other sisters and brothers in similar situations.

“I didn’t realise for a very long time that I’d been a carer” – Jonathan’s story

06/06/2025

Jonathan supported his mother with various mental health conditions since childhood, but only recently realised he was her carer. He now works with our Rethink Companions service, supporting carers to lead fulfilling lives.

“It’s only me that knows the history of his illness” – Stella’s story

06/06/2025

Stella first heard of Rethink Mental Illness five years ago, when her husband was hospitalised. Accessing our Bristol Carers Service has given her opportunities for respite and peer support.

“I have learnt to give myself some grace” – Millie’s story

04/06/2025

Millie experienced depression, self-harm and undiagnosed ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder) during her adolescence. After five years, she has finally got her ADHD diagnosis and practices self-acceptance.

Rachel Kelly - Connect more worry less

29/05/2025

Rachel Kelly is a best-selling writer, speaker and campaigner who has shared her own lived experience in her work. She has been a valued ambassador for Rethink Mental Illness over many years. We interviewed Rachel following the publication of her recent book, The Gift of Teenagers: Connect More, Worry Less. Together, we explored misconceptions, generational differences and how to have supportive conversations with children and young people about their mental health.