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Survey puts spotlight on “inordinate” strain NHS is under, as people severely affected by mental illness struggle to access essential support

1 min read |Last updated: 27/02/2023

Rethink Mental Illness call on government to keep its promise to publish a 10-year Plan for Mental Health and Wellbeing, that would challenge causes of mental illness and reduce demand on NHS. A new survey of over 200 people who experience severe mental illness, including diagnoses such as schizophrenia, bipolar and personality disorders, has shed more...

The Hewitt Review: What does it mean for people severely affected by mental illness and what’s next?

Last updated: 09/10/2023

Suicide - Coping with loss

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 23/03/2026

This section looks at what support is available when a loved one has died by suicide. It also provides information about investigations that may happen and how to support someone bereaved by suicide. This information is for anyone affected by suicide.

Antipsychotics and physical activity

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 19/03/2026

This page gives information on antipsychotics and physical activity. This information is for people affected by mental illness in England who are 18 or over. It is also for their carers, friends, and relatives.

Clinical negligence

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 19/03/2026

This section tells you what clinical negligence is. It explains the difference between a clinical negligence claim and making a complaint. There is also information about how you can get legal funding for claims. This section is for adults affected by mental illness in England and their loved ones and carers. It’s also for anyone else interested in the subject.

How can I manage my mental health over Christmas? Practical tips

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 19/03/2026

This information is about managing your mental health over the Christmas period. It is for people who are 18 or over and affected by mental illness in England.

Drugs, alcohol, and mental health

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 17/03/2026

This information looks at the links between alcohol and drugs use and your mental health. It also explains how you can get help for drug and alcohol use.

Unpaid carer's leave - Your rights

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 23/03/2026

This page gives information on unpaid carer’s leave, including what your rights are. Unpaid carer’s leave is a right that came into force on 6 April 2024.

Our statement on the growing mortality gap faced by people severely affected by mental illness

1 min read |Last updated: 17/05/2023

We respond to new analysis from the Royal College of Psychiatrists that suggests more than 26,000 adults with severe mental illness die prematurely each year from preventable physical illnesses. Jeremy Bernhaut, Head of Policy and Influencing at Rethink Mental Illness, said:“It’s simply unacceptable that the mortality gap faced by people living with...

Rethink Mental Illness marks the 75th anniversary of the NHS

1 min read |Last updated: 05/07/2023

Today marks 75 years since the NHS was founded, the first universal health service to be free to all at the point of need. Since then it has supported millions of people, including those living with mental illness. Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said: “The NHS is now engrained in our national DNA, founded under the nearly...

Social inclusion and mental illness - How can I become more connected?

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 19/03/2026

Social inclusion is important for good mental health. This section explains what you can do to be more socially included and who can help you.

New poll shows nearly a third of all UK adults would not be comfortable sharing a diagnosis with a friend

1 min read |Last updated: 25/09/2024

New campaign urges people to rethink mental illness stigma A new initiative is encouraging more people to rethink their preconceptions and stigma towards people severely affected by mental illness*, as a new poll reveals nearly a third of all UK adults (30%) would not be comfortable sharing a diagnosis of severe mental illness with a friend. Click here...

How you can help guide

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 23/03/2026

Mental health issues are more common than you might think. Every year, one in four of us in the UK is affected by a mental health problem. This guide is designed to help you understand the different conditions and what you can do to help.

Going into hospital for mental health treatment

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 19/03/2026

You may need to go into hospital if you’re very unwell with a mental health problem. This section has practical information about going into hospital. Every hospital is different, so we can only give an overview of what you can expect. This information is for people affected by mental health problems in England who are 18 or over. It’s also for their carers, friends and relatives and anyone interested in this subject.

What is an appropriate adult in England?

1 min read |Last updated: 02/04/2026

What is an appropriate adult in England? An appropriate adult in England is a person who supports someone who is vulnerable, such as someone experiencing mental illness, when they are arrested or questioned by the police. Understanding the role of an appropriate adult? If you or someone you care about is living with a mental health condition, the...

Talking therapies

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 19/03/2026

This section gives information about talking therapies. It explains the different kinds of therapies available and how to get them. It also explains how you can get treatment on the NHS and privately. This information is for people who are 18 or over and affected by mental illness in England. It is also for their loved ones and carers and anyone interested in this subject.

Complaints about the police

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 23/03/2026

This section looks at how you can complain about the police and when you can complain. It also looks at what you can do if you’re not happy with the outcome of your complaint. This information is for adults affected by mental illness in England. It’s also for their loved ones and carers and anyone interested in this subject.

Complementary and alternative treatments for mental health

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 19/03/2026

Some people with mental health problems find it helps to use complementary and alternative therapies. This section explains what they are, and how you can access them. This information is for people affected by mental illness in England who are 18 or over. And their carers, relatives and friends.

Complaints about prison

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 23/03/2026

This section explains how you can complain about prison. It explains any time limits you have when making a complaint, and what you can do if you are still not happy. This information is for people affected by mental illness over 18 in England. And their carers, relatives and friends.

NHS treatment - Your rights

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 19/03/2026

This section is about your rights when you use NHS services. It explains how NHS staff should act towards you. And what treatment you may get. This information is for people over 18 who are affected by mental illness in England. It is also for their loved ones and carers and anyone interested in this subject.

Recovery and mental illness

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 19/03/2026

Recovery and mental illness means different things to different people. On this page, we focus on personal recovery. We suggest different support and ways that you can help your own recovery. We hope that this information will help you to work out what recovery means to you, and help you find ways in which you can focus on your recovery. This information is for adults affected by mental illness in England and their loved ones and carers. It’s also for anyone with an interest in this subject.

Mental health care in prison

Advice and information |1 min read |Last updated: 23/03/2026

This section looks at what healthcare you should get if you’re in prison. And at what to do if you aren’t getting the help you need. Prisoners should have the same access to healthcare as everyone else. This information is for people affected by mental illness in prison in England who are 18 or over. It’s also for their carers, friends and relatives and anyone interested in this subject.