Your Stories

Green background with black writing that reads: "I forgot that you were there, waiting for me to make the first move. Waiting for me to reach out. And then I did. Claudia."

Hello, Hope

For as long as I can remember, Hope, you have been there in the far corners.

Purple background with black writing that reads: "I know that although I still battle hard times, my story isn't over and neither is yours! Zara."

My Story isn't Over - Zara's Story

What I'd tell my younger self is that I battle mental illness all throughout my teenage years but it does get easier.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "you're here now and that's something to be proud of. Claudia."

The New Year Doesn't Need a New You

Let this be your reminder: YOU are enough. YOU are doing great.

Green background with black writing that reads: "you no longer look back and feel the pain you once did. Instead you wish to hug that girl. Amy."

Small Acts of Kindness

This year has been an almighty challenge, a challenge only years ago you dreamt of being able to experience.

Purple background with black writing that reads: "maybe this year you could try something new together to create happier memories. Claudia."

Supporting Loved Ones - Holiday Edition

It doesn’t have to be a big gesture, just something that lets them know you’re there for them.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "for some, it's full of wonder and joy, but for others, it's a time of chaos and stress - both of which are totally valid. Claudia."

Holiday Boundaries

It might be hard at first to set these boundaries and stick to your rules, but believe me when I say that it can make such a big difference.

Green background with black writing that reads: "whatever comes up for you, know that it's valid and there isn't one way you should or shouldn't feel."

Getting Through the Holiday Season - Tips Shared by YOU!

Voices of Hope reached out to our lovely community for some tips on getting through the holiday season - so, here they are!

Purple background with black writing that reads: "we keep hearing about the bad and, while yes it's happening, if you look a bit closer, there's also a lot of good. Claudia."

Be Kind

You never know how much this will impact someone and could turn their whole day around.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "it really is the best love that you can be part of, love needs no words. Kelly."

You're Not Alone - Kelly's Story

I hope my story helps someone else in this position as one in five kids in New Zealand have a learning disability.

Green background with black writing that reads: "next time anxiety so ruely enters your mind without an invitation, consider leaning in. Clare."

LA Traffic

Like any sneaky party-goer, my anxiety looks for an opportunity.

Purple background with black writing that reads: "doubt can be hard, but doubt cannot crush hope. Jess M."

The Golden Good

Within time you will be filled with a sense of peace and joy, the greatest you’ve ever felt.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "you deserve the time it takes to heal. My friend, you deserve the world and don't you forget it. Aimee."

The Glass Child

I had to learn that I am not a problem for having problems. That I am not weak for needing help.

Green background with black writing that reads: "if you struggle to factor in self-care, make sure to add it to your to-do list the same way you would a household chore. Lauren."

Balancing Stress

Sometimes having something good at the end of your day (or at the start!) can get us through the tough, stressful moments.

Purple background with black writing that reads: "it allows me to see the world in a completely different way than the majority of people. And that's pretty special. Madeline."

Learning to Live Peacefully with Hallucinations

If you live with hallucinations it can be challenging, but you can find peace with it.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "realising that each day can be different from the next is so important. Claudia."

Body Image for All

Your body allows you to fight. It's fighting to keep you alive.

Green background with black writing that reads: "do your day at your own pace, set expectations for yourself that are realistic and listen to what your body needs. Lauren."

The Importance of Routines

A structure or routine can really help to set you up for your day.

Purple background with black writing that reads: "many with OCD are unable to work. I'm super fortunate mine is well-managed. Yvonne."

OCD: It's Not What You Think

But for me, this thought pops into my head and my brain goes into full panic.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "I was proud of myself for standing up for my needs. If I didn't, who knows what the future would have held? Lauren."

The Importance of Self-Advocacy

You have to be open, flexible and truthful and, in turn, they should be as well in order to find the best solution.

Green background with black writing that reads: "recovery is the best choice I have ever made. Olivia."

The Reality of Recovery

Knowing how far you have come is a great achievement and you should feel proud that you have come so far.

Purple background with black writing that reads: "you are not your mental health; you deserve to heal. Kendra."

Getting Help is Not a Weakness

In all honesty, treatment and healing sucks. It's painful but the end result is so worth it.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "when you bring the pain and the darkness you feel to the light, it can't work in the dark anymore. Tori."

Life is a Gift - Tori's Story

Be honest about how you're really feeling and ask for help.

Green background with black writing that reads: "life may be really hard right now and I know everyone says this but things will get better. Claudia C."

Finally Free - Claudia C's Story

Now, I'm finally on the other side of my degree and absolutely loving my job.

Purple background with black writing that reads: "what if everything you wish to be, you already were? Rosie."

Better Days are Always Coming

Today, I wish I was there, to tell that girl that felt like something controlled her, that she has all the power.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "it proved to me that no matter what anyone else thinks, I could achieve great things if I had the right support network and believed in myself. Niall."

Education Shaped My Past, I Shaped My Future

We absolutely need to ensure that students are not let down during this developmental stage

Green background with black writing that reads: "to anyone ever concerned that, 'it's too late for me to try something new,' I promise that this isn't true. Niall."

Exam Results and Beyond

After both GCSEs and A-Levels alike, the summer holidays were when I felt both terrified and carefree.

Purple background with black writing that reads: "just showing up is enough. It's more than enough. Claudia."

Supporting Loved Ones

The best thing you can do is simply let your loved one know you’re there.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "I know the person I am becoming and I can't wait to see what else I can figure out. Arleyah."

Girl in the Mirror

I have something that I didn't have all those other times; I have a glimmer of hope.

Green background with black writing that reads: "remind yourself of how far you've come! Jess B."

Take a Moment to Be Proud of Yourself

Once this becomes routine and easier to do, you might start to notice the little things in your daily life.

Purple background with black writing that reads: "doing something because YOU enjoy it is so important. You don't have to be good at it. Claudia."

Do What Makes YOU Happy

Sometimes just doing something that just brings you joy can help your mental health.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "having the bravery to hope can so often be the first step to helping yourself get to a different place. Robert."

Dare to Hope

To hope is to put your foot down and realise you are willing to try for that better outcome.

Green background with black writing that reads: "don't confuse doing your best with being the best. They are two different concepts. Lauren."

My Best Versus The Best

It isn’t shameful that what it means to ‘do our best’ each day, fluctuates.

Purple background with black writing that reads: "fear shouldn't stop us from getting what we want or need. Lauren."

Reaching Out Was the Best Thing I Ever Did

I am so happy I made the decision to say, ‘no I’m not okay,’ and open up.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "instead of seeing this trigger as a stimulus to ruin my day, I see it as a flag. Clare."

Triggers Tell Truth

Take care of yourself before using a trigger as a way to understand yourself; safety always takes priority over introspection.

Green background with black writing that reads: "next time you hit a milestone or feel proud of an achievement, celebrate it! Lauren."

Celebrating Success

If you’re combating any negative thoughts around celebrating your successes, ask yourself, ‘why aren’t I celebrating myself the same way I celebrate everyone else?’

Purple background with black writing that reads: "if advice doesn't work, it doesn't work, and that's okay. Clare."

Advice on Advice

So, my advice on advice: explore, listen, and research, but not all advice is good advice.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "take a deep breath in through your nose and then let it all out through your mouth and repeat. Claudia."

Calming Your Mind

I wanted to share some of the things that have been useful for me in the hopes that it might be helpful for you, lovely reader.

Green background with black writing that reads: "it isn't impossible to break free of the control that fear has over you. Claudia."

Facing Your Fears

I had made it through something that has, for as long as I can remember, given me incredibly high anxiety levels. I did it.

It's Never Too Late

It's painful but, at other times, it's enlightening and joyful as I realise that what happened to me all those years ago was not my fault.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "I am truly in a better place now as a result of that passion. Niall."

Living One Frame at a Time

I used this platform as a journal that I could scroll through whenever I was down to remind myself of better days and to relive happy moments.

Green background with black writing that reads: "I have observed a striking and uplifting amount of positive changes in the way we collectively interact with these topics. Niall."

Men, it's Time to Talk

I was so grateful for their support and the insightful advice that they offered me, including lessons learned from their own past.

Purple background with black writing that reads: "trauma is such a difficult thing to go through, and if you're reading his as a survivor, know that you're not alone. Claudia."

Your Trauma Was NOT Your Fault

It was something I unfortunately experienced, but it doesn’t define me nor was any of it my fault.

Yellow background with black writing that reads: "the first thing I had to do was accept and acknowledge that I had fought an eating disorder. Gen."

Grieving for the Years I Lost to My Eating Disorder

My Eating Disorder took up so much of my life and I was NOT going to let it take up any more and neither should you!

Lived Experience Stories