Category: Mental Health Research

Black History Month offers an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of many individuals, especially at a time when systemic disparities disproportionately affect Black communities.

This year Trowbridge Service Users Group is fundraising to raise £250 to help keep our service open. Trowbridge Service Users Group (TSUG) provides a free self-referral service for those living with mental health issues in and around Trowbridge.

“I’ve been dealing with mental health challenges since childhood. Now at 52, living with Borderline Personality Disorder has its daily struggles. I’ve managed to find a way to get through each day, even when it feels like just existing, not truly living. On my toughest days, what keeps me going is knowing the pain it would cause for those who care about me if I were to give up.

Starting this support group was a response to feeling abandoned by the NHS. I understand that I may not fit into society’s mold, and my connections with family are minimal. My days are a rollercoaster of emotions, from dark thoughts to moments of mania. I wear masks to navigate social situations, often feeling like a different person entirely.

Accessing NHS support has been a challenge. There’s a disconnect between my call for help and any meaningful response. Many in our group face the same struggle. Now, with proposed changes in disability benefits, the future looks uncertain.

For those with mental health conditions, working from home can feel isolating. Encouraging socialization and building confidence is crucial. As for the potential reduction in benefits for those with a history of self-harm, it feels like another blow. It’s clear the government’s focus is on cutting people from the system, not genuinely helping.

The UN and equality watchdog reports highlight the systematic discrimination against disabled individuals, but the government remains unresponsive. Personally, I can’t thrive in a traditional work environment, nor can I withstand a benefit cut. Stability is my lifeline; it allows me to contribute and be a part of something bigger.

Reducing benefits or forcing me to stay at home only hinders my ability to maintain stability and engage in self-care. It feels like we’re in limbo, waiting for decisions that could drastically impact our lives.”

Lived experience plays a pivotal role in the realm of mental health, offering a unique and indispensable perspective that enhances understanding, empathy, and the effectiveness…

As someone with a prescription for cannabis for my BPD, which I have to pay for because the NHS won’t, here are some facts from…

As of my last update in September 2021, cannabis has been a subject of ongoing research and debate in relation to mental health. It’s essential…

As of my last update in September 2021, the legal status of cannabis for medical use in the United Kingdom is as follows: Legal Status:…

Infomation available from September 2021, Therefore, I cannot provide the current state of mental health services in Wiltshire, specifically Trowbridge. It’s best to consult local…

The state of mental health services in the UK has been a subject of concern and discussion in recent years. While there have been efforts…

Service user groups in mental health provide numerous benefits. They offer a platform for individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges to come together,…