Rethink Mental Illness

Supporting someone living with an eating disorder can make a real difference. Recovery can take time and everyone's experience is unique. But listening, showing understanding, and offering practical support can help a person feel less alone. These tips may help. Learn more about eating disorders on our website 👉 https://bit.ly/4xHgoJr [Image description: Slide 1: Image on supporting someone with an eating disorder. Features four icons with tips: an ear with "Listen to their experiences," a question mark with "Ask how you can help," a mirror with "Avoid focusing on weight or appearance," and an hourglass with "Be patient." Slide 2: Text on a cream background "Listen to their experiences. There are many types of eating disorders, and they can affect everyone differently. Ask them about their symptoms and how their eating disorder affects their day-to-day life. Try to listen without judgement and avoid making assumptions about their experiences." Slide 3: "Ask how you can help. Ask if there are any strategies that help them and whether there is anything practical you can do to support them. For example, they may want support managing stressful situations or help sticking to routines or boundaries around eating." Slide 4: Text on a cream background. "Avoid focusing on weight or appearance. Comments about someone's weight, body shape or eating habits can be unhelpful. Avoid discussing weight, shape, food or diets, unless the person wants to. Instead, focus on how the person is feeling and what support they might need." Slide 5: "Be patient. Recovery from an eating disorder can take time. There may be good days and difficult days. Try not to become frustrated if progress feels slow. Showing consistent support, understanding and patience can help the person feel less alone." Slide 6: "Encourage professional support. If you are concerned about someone's mental health, encourage them to speak to their GP or another healthcare professional. Try to approach the conversation calmly and compassionately and explain why you are concerned about them."]

Shaun was referred to Durham's IPS Employment Service in February. After working with our employment specialists and The Angel Trust, he accessed practical housing and employment support. He's now got a full-time job, a house and is feeling much more confident. Find out more about our employment services 👉 rethink.org/employment

💜 Carly spoke to us about her brother's experience of living with schizophrenia, and why she chose to run the London Marathon to support the work of Rethink Mental Illness. Read her full blog 👉 https://bit.ly/4yylHuN

Your mental health shouldn’t determine your physical health. But people living with mental illness face unacceptable health inequalities. Read our latest report to find out what needs to change 👉 https://bit.ly/4rlNlsq [Image description: Slide 1: Living with a mental illness shouldn't mean facing poorer physical health too. Slide 2: Yet too many people in England face an unacceptable inequality in their physical health and the support they receive. Slide 3: It doesn’t have to be this way. Our latest report looks at what needs to change. Slide 4: We’re calling for more integrated mental and physical healthcare, early support to identify and treat physical health issues, and support shaped by the people who need it. Slide 5: With targeted investment and joined-up action, we can tackle these inequalities and support people with mental illness to live longer, healthier lives. Slide 6: We’ll continue to fight for a system that gives everyone the support they deserve.]

Mike lives with bipolar disorder and volunteers for our Brent Mental Health Service as a Befriender. He spoke to us about how he supports people and the positive impact that has on his mental health. Feeling inspired? Take a look at our volunteering opportunities 👉 https://bit.ly/4cGCEuC

Being detained under the Mental Health Act can be a confusing and overwhelming experience, and you may have a lot of questions. In this post, we're answering four common questions to help explain what it means and what you can expect. Head to our website for more detailed advice 👉 https://bit.ly/4A6Xqxt [Image description: Slide 1: Infographic titled "Four things you need to know about being detained under the Mental Health Act." Includes four question bubbles: "Can the hospital force you to stay?" "Can I choose who to make decisions for me?" "What happens when you're detained?" and "Can you have your mobile phone?" Slide 2: An image with text below a pink question mark bubble. "What happens when you get detained? You will be taken to hospital so that mental health professionals can assess your needs. Depending on your situation, NHS staff may provide treatment even if you do not agree to it at the time. After your assessment, your care team will work with you to plan your treatment and support. The goal is to support your recovery and help you return home safely." Slide 3: "Can a mental health hospital force you to stay? A mental health hospital can only require you to stay if you are detained under the Mental Health Act. If you are in hospital voluntarily, you have the right to leave at any time. This only happens when professionals believe that you need treatment and support that cannot be provided safely outside of hospital, or when there are concerns about your safety or the safety of others." Slide 4: "Can you have your phone in a mental health hospital? Yes, you can usually have your mobile phone in a mental health hospital, but each hospital has its own rules about when and where it can be used. Always check with your specific hospital for their guidelines. Any restrictions are there to protect privacy, safety and recovery, while still helping you stay in touch with family, friends and other important contacts." Slide 5: "Who can I choose to make decisions for me when I'm in hospital? If you are detained under the Mental Health Act, the law currently identifies a "nearest relative", which is not someone you can choose. Future changes will introduce a "nominated person", giving you the right to choose someone you trust to support you. Your nearest relative can request an assessment or discharge, while decisions about your treatment are made by your care team."]

A huge thank you to our incredible Great North Run fundraisers this weekend. Together, you've raised more than £30,000 to help us support people affected by mental illness. Join us in celebrating our runners by dropping a 💜 in the comments.

Our Surrey Support After Suicide and the Brighton Bereaved by Suicide services were named Specialist Grief Service of the Year at the London & Southeast Prestige Awards 2026/27. Gemma Bessant, Surrey Support After Suicide Manager, said: “To have this work recognised feels really special, not just for us as professionals, but for every person who has trusted us at the worst point in their lives. Knowing that our service has helped people feel safer, heard and less alone is something we are hugely proud of.” You can find out more about the award win, and our suicide bereavement services, on our website 👉 https://bit.ly/46WjwVT

⚠️ Trigger warning - suicide. For #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, Daniel spoke to us about his experience of suicidal thoughts. He said that his road to recovery wouldn't have been so delayed if he had effective and timely support from the mental health system. Read the full blog - with the support of a screen reader - on our website 👉 https://bit.ly/4ywmgVX

Those of us living with mental illness are more likely to feel suicidal than the general population. On #WorldSuicidePrevention Day, we're raising awareness of what needs to change to better support us. There’s a long way to go. But we won't stop fighting for a society that truly cares for people living with mental illness 👉 https://bit.ly/46M4Mcb [Alt text: A selection of cards which outline that suicide prevention is... 1 - Access to timely mental health treatment and support. 2 - Ending the stigma and discrimination around mental illness. 3 - Access to fair and meaningful employment. 4 - A compassionate and understanding social security system. 5 - Access to safe and secure housing. 6 - Fighting against all forms of inequality.]