Rethink Mental Illness Press Releases

"I spend my time in computer game competitions, gardening and playing football in a group"

In my case, for nine years I have been repeating to myself about ten times every day, that I must hold my breath for 15 - 20 seconds when I start to feel bad, powerless or have an urge to self-harm. It helps me to relieve pressure and feel calmer. The …

“You don’t have to be guided by the voices you hear” – Robert’s story

In my case, for nine years I have been repeating to myself about ten times every day, that I must hold my breath for 15 - 20 seconds when I start to feel bad, powerless or have an urge to self-harm. It helps me to relieve pressure and feel calmer. The …

Rethink shop goes live

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

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. Thinking becoming a mum would …

What’s going on with the Welfare Bill?

If you’re feeling confused and frustrated by the handling of the government’s Welfare Bill, that’s understandable - because so are we. What with rebel MPs, last minute changes, and postponed cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), it’s hard to keep …

What’s going on with the Welfare Bill and how does it affect people living with mental illness?

If you’re feeling confused and frustrated by the handling of the government’s Welfare Bill, that’s understandable - because so are we. What with rebel MPs, last minute changes, and postponed cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), it’s hard to keep …

“Life has a way of guiding you”

Alexander reflects on his long journey with mental illness and the hope he found along the way. Dedicated to breaking the unhealthy cycles he experienced as a child, Alexander looks forward to the future with his own family. I’ve lived with long-term …

“No wrong door”: How a train station wellbeing hub is saving lives

“My wish is to help one person who feels that they are struggling,” says Kirsten Rose, service manager for The Hub at Wolverhampton train station. “I want that one person to know that there is light, hope and people who can help.” Since launching the …

Rates of people living with a common mental health condition on the rise in England - something needs to change

More people in England are experiencing a common mental health condition, according to NHS data released today. The Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, that looks at the prevalence of both treated and untreated psychiatric disorders in adults (aged over 16 …

We need change and compassion for people living with mental illness - not more division

As the discussion about the government's proposed cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) ramps up, Davinder Kaur, Head of Campaigns at Rethink Mental Illness, writes about the damage that misinformation is having. Last week, an article in the …

BREAKING NEWS: 300,000+ people living with mental illness could lose vital support through PIP cuts

MPs will soon vote on harmful cuts to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) -  a vital disability benefit that helps people severely affected by mental illness cover the extra costs of living with a long-term condition. The government's proposed changes …

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

Looking back, I can see that mental health services struggled to really help my mum as they only had a partial picture. This is so often the case with mental health where you only see the tip of an iceberg. When someone is overwhelmed by their experience, …

Carers Week 2025: Carers putting health and jobs in second place

Today marks the beginning of Carers' Week, an annual campaign led by Carers UK to raise awareness of the challenges faced by carers and to recognise the contribution they make. This year, new research by Carers UK has revealed that many carers are …

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

A stock photo has been used on this blog at the request of the author.  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 …

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

Looking back, I can see that mental health services struggled to really help my mum as they only had a partial picture. This is so often the case with mental health where you only see the tip of an iceberg. When someone is overwhelmed by their experience, …

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

Eleanor has been supporting her sister with long-term schizophrenia from 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.  How I became …

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

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.  What I’ve learnt from being a carer is to never, ever make …

Rachel Kelly - Connect more worry less

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 …

Rethink Mental Illness launches new self-help guides

If you are worried you might hurt yourself, attempt suicide, or feel like others are at risk, please find urgent support for your mental health. Find urgent help I want urgent help

“Meeting up with likeminded people” – Pete’s story

I’ve lost interest in things. Because I can’t drive anymore, I’ve started collecting vintage model cars to try and keep myself interested. It got to the point where people were saying to me that I needed a hobby. I used to collect cars eight years ago, so …