Anxiety and work
When worry starts following you to work
An illustrative story about recognising persistent worry, asking for help and exploring manageable next steps.
Read the anxiety and work storyStories of care and understanding
Patient Stories: Mental Health Journeys
Every person’s experience is different. These easy-to-read stories explore common reasons people seek support and what a first step toward care may involve.
Low mood and support
Taking a first step through a difficult stretch
A gentle look at how someone might describe low mood and begin a conversation about support.
Read the low mood storySleep and wellbeing
Finding a steadier routine after restless nights
An illustrative account of discussing sleep difficulties and considering practical, individualised care.
Read the sleep storyFamily mental health
Supporting someone you love without losing yourself
A family-focused story about listening, boundaries and seeking guidance when a loved one is struggling.
Read the family support storyStudent stress
Making room to ask for help during student life
A relatable scenario about pressure, changing routines and making space for a supportive conversation.
Read the student stress storyPanic symptoms
Making sense of sudden waves of fear
An illustrative story about unexpected physical feelings, uncertainty and seeking a careful assessment.
Read the panic support storyPerinatal wellbeing
Finding support during the transition to parenthood
A sensitive scenario about emotional changes around pregnancy and early parenthood, and asking for help.
Read the perinatal wellbeing storyGrief and mental health
Making space for support while living with loss
An illustrative account of grief, changing routines and finding someone safe to talk with.
Read the grief and support storyChronic illness and wellbeing
Caring for emotional wellbeing alongside physical health
A story about navigating the emotional demands of a long-term health condition and seeking joined-up care.
Read the chronic illness storyCaregiver wellbeing
Remembering your own needs while caring for family
An illustrative scenario about caregiver stress, asking for practical help and setting caring boundaries.
Read the caregiver wellbeing storySocial anxiety
Finding confidence in everyday conversations
An illustrative story about fear of judgement, its effect on daily life and exploring support at a comfortable pace.
Read the social anxiety storyAdult ADHD assessment
Making sense of lifelong attention challenges
A scenario about reflecting on attention and organisation concerns and seeking a thoughtful professional assessment.
Read the adult ADHD storyAlcohol and mental health
Starting an honest conversation about drinking
An illustrative story about noticing alcohol’s place in daily life and discussing non-judgmental support.
Read the alcohol and wellbeing storyEmotional regulation
Understanding strong emotions before reacting
A story about recognising emotional patterns, repairing conversations and learning what support may help.
Read the emotional wellbeing storyTeen mental health
Helping a teenager feel heard and supported
An illustrative family scenario about opening a conversation and involving appropriate professional support.
Read the teen mental health storyDepression and work
When depression makes the workday feel heavier
An illustrative first-person story about low mood at work, asking for support and considering manageable changes.
Read the depression and work storyDepression and parenting
Talking about depression while caring for a young child
A sensitive scenario about parenting responsibilities, low mood and seeking compassionate professional care.
Read the parenting and depression storyDepression and chronic pain
When pain and low mood begin to affect each other
An illustrative account of discussing emotional wellbeing alongside ongoing pain with a care team.
Read the chronic pain storyDepression in older adults
Finding words for low mood later in life
A story about an older adult describing changes in mood and routine rather than dismissing them as “just ageing.”
Read the older adult depression storyDepression and loneliness
Taking a small step out of isolation
An illustrative story about loneliness, persistent low mood and finding connection without pressure.
Read the loneliness and depression storyDepression and life changes
Adjusting to a major change while feeling low
A scenario about a difficult life transition, shifting routines and getting help when low mood persists.
Read the life-change storyDepression and men’s mental health
Looking beyond “I’m fine”
An illustrative story about recognising depression symptoms, social expectations and starting an honest conversation.
Read the men’s mental health storyDepression and study
When low mood makes studying harder
A student’s illustrative account of concentration changes, self-criticism and reaching out for help.
Read the depression and study storyRecurring depression symptoms
Asking for help when familiar symptoms return
A story about noticing changes in mood again and reconnecting with a qualified care professional.
Read the returning symptoms storyDepression and family support
Letting family support be part of recovery
An illustrative first-person story about sharing what depression feels like and accepting practical support.
Read the family support story