Mental health problems affect 1 in 4 people every year and no one should feel ashamed. By sharing our experiences, together we can end the stigma.

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You don't have to understand my OCD — just be there to offer support

Jenny, February 18, 2020

I’ve suffered with anxiety and OCD for well over ten years. I didn’t know for a long time what was “wrong” with me – it gradually got worse and consumed more and more of my life. For most my teenage years leading into early twenties I thought I was just a bit “weird” and it was just who I was as a person – awkward, unlikeable and a clean freak terrified of germs.

See me as a whole person, not just my eating disorder

Kat, February 17, 2020

A few weeks ago my best friend came to visit me and although she knows about my eating disorder, I was still worried about seeing her. We have a long-distance friendship and I hadn’t seen her for over a year - so naturally my anxiety started to kick in as I just wanted the day to go perfectly. 

I was worrying about everything, from what we were going to do, talk about, how long she would stay, what time she would arrive, would I get too tired, what if I can’t handle it…and most importantly I didn’t want things to dwell on my relapse. 

I was apprehensive, but my Time to Talk Day was a success

Rachel, February 14, 2020

I've been a Time to Change Champion for a number of years now but it's only very recently I have joined with the movement. I would be lying if I told you this involvement has been easy. But I hope, my struggles make things better for others like me who are living with a mental illness.

Let me make decisions on how to handle my anxiety

Nicky, February 10, 2020

I'd like to talk about my experiences with work, good and bad. The reaction of a manager to your disclosure of mental health difficulties can really make a difference to the way you feel and how open you’ll be with future employers.

I have had anxiety for as long as I can remember. I’ve been diagnosed with panic disorder. Over the years my anxiety has had peaks and troughs and I’ve needed to tell my managers about it.

It’s not just time to talk about mental health - it’s time to ask, listen and care

James, February 6, 2020

When it comes to the need to talk about our mental health, we seem to put all of the responsibility in the court of the person who is already struggling. Sure, nobody can read minds, and people can’t expect specific help without asking for it. But mental health problems can make it harder to talk and ask for help in the first place. The responsibility of reaching out for help has to be matched with our shared responsibility to look out for each other - to provide safe spaces to talk, to listen, and to offer caring responses.

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