Lydia’s Story

Lydia lives in Cardiff and runs her own jewellery making business. She’s also an NCMH Research Champion, helping to spread the word about our research. This is her story:

I’m Lydia and I run my own business designing and creating jewellery from my studio in Cardiff. I live with my husband and children and we’re a family of animal lovers; you can always get a cuddle in our house from Sparky, our dog, or one of our cats or lizards.

I love a good horror or sci-fi film, am a voracious reader & x-box addict. I also enjoy walking around the Glamorganshire canal and Forest Farm nature reserve – I love how it changes through the seasons.

My husband, Lann, has bipolar disorder and for the last five years the process of seeking help, being diagnosed and finding help and treatment has been a tremendous battle for him, and for our whole family.

I got involved with NCMH after Lann had taken part in their research. I wanted to do something practical to help and it was such a simple process! I was interviewed by one of the researchers that took literally minutes and then gave a small blood sample.

We all know someone who has suffered, or is suffering from mental health problems. As with any illness, the more we know about it, the better equipped we will be to treat it. It’s absolutely vital that research is supported to give us more of an understanding.

Since taking part in the research I’ve been diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder, which was a massive relief. It explained a lifetime of feeling at right angles to the rest of the world!

Mental health problems can cause devastating changes to people’s lives, and it still isn’t discussed enough. The research at NCMH will lead to a greater knowledge, leading to more successful diagnosis, treatments and understanding. Mental illness, like any other, can affect anyone at any time.

It is so easy to help, and could make a vital difference to someone you love in the future.