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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When I keep quiet, stigma wins – and I can’t let that happen

Edwin, September 3, 2020

Before I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and severe ADHD, I was quite oblivious to mental health issues. Since then, I have gained a much deeper insight on how society views and deals with these issues. I have also come to realise how my words effect the way people interact with me, and how they view me as a person. Words are powerful. Which is why I have said publicly, “when I keep quiet, stigma wins – and I can’t let that happen”.

BPD can be very misunderstood

Natasha, August 19, 2020

I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) a few weeks before our country went into lockdown, due to the coronavirus pandemic. To describe that time as surreal is an understatement.

Sometimes just one conversation can really help

Adam, August 19, 2020

It wasn’t until I was in sixth form that I opened up to my mum about my mental health. She noticed my behaviour was affecting my everyday life, including college, and we had a conversation about the appropriate steps we could take going forward to find a solution. She booked a doctor’s appointment for me and that’s when I was diagnosed with social anxiety and depression.

Knowing I can talk to my mum about mental health really helps me

Emma, August 18, 2020

I was in secondary school when I developed mental health problems and started to self harm. I had experienced a lot of bullying from my peers and I felt very isolated and low, often spending lunchtimes sitting in a toilet cubicle or in the library studying alone.

It's so important to talk to our children about mental health

Paula, August 18, 2020

It all started when I noticed Adam’s behaviour had changed. He became quiet and started to isolate himself, staying in his room more than usual. He was irritable too, getting upset about things which wouldn’t normally bother him so much. Looking back on it now, he was just feeling frustrated – he didn’t understand why he was feeling the way he was.

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