Rachel’s story

Rachel is a 47-year-old music lover from Wales. This is her story:

My first experience of mental ill-health was when I was around ten years old and I have unfortunately been in hospital a few times because of this, though I am now supported by my local mental health crisis team.

Over the years I have been given various mental health diagnoses, including depression, borderline personality disorder, and most recently clinical depression. I have also tried different medications to treat these diagnoses, though not all have been effective.

I discovered the NCMH through Public Health Wales and wanted to get involved with research as I think it’s so important to help others by sharing our experiences of mental ill-health.

I also think that participating in research offers the chance to be truly honest about how you are feeling.

I hope that my story encourages others to reach out if they need help, as I believe that we should never be afraid to speak to someone about how we are feeling.

It’s ok to ask for help and it’s important that we share our experiences of mental ill-health.

In my spare-time I enjoy all things technology and am an avid Apple product fan! I also love music, travelling, and spending quality with my family.

Tell us something about you that not many people know

I really enjoy participating in research or volunteering to help others