Blog -
We want to help people in danger of self-harm and suicide, making sure they get the support they need. Your story can help.Blog -
It’s vital that patients are treated with compassion, and that professionals are empowered to show it. We look at four ways services can be more empathetic to improve care.Blog -
Rachel experienced anxiety and depression throughout her pregnancy and after her baby was born. Read her story to understand just how important it is that mums and their partners receive the right support for their mental health.Blog -
As well as a difficult pregnancy, Kristy felt pressure both to breastfeed and to produce 'the perfect family'. Thanks to the support from her husband and home birth midwives, Kristy sought the help she needed for her mental health.Blog -
After months of caring for an unwell baby who was screaming 15 hours a day, Helen found herself resenting her daughter and wanting to leave her family. She explains how speaking to a counsellor has helped her to recognise and manage her depression.Blog -
Maria faced a number of challenges as a new mum both during and after her pregnancy. The focus from staff on her weight, a history of depression and anxiety, and the mental health challenges her partner, Simon*, faced all led to a feeling of failure.Blog -
Helen had postnatal depression (PND) following the birth of her son. She explains what she thinks could have made her first weeks as a new mum better, and the importance of making sure parents get the help they need, when they need it.Blog -
It took two and a half years for Jane’s* son to be diagnosed with gastritis. She explains how months and months of pushing for him to get the help he needed affected her mental health.Blog -
After a traumatic birth, Zoe struggled to get the support she needed to prepare for the arrival of her second baby. She shares her story about the impact this had on her mental health, and how she’d like things to be different for other mums.Blog -
Sharelle had a traumatic experience giving birth to her first son, which caused her to become anxious when she was pregnant with her second. This is her story.Blog -
Last year, thousands of women told us about their experiences of mental health problems during and after pregnancy – including those who lost their babies. As part of Baby Loss Awareness Week, we're sharing stories people have shared.Blog -
For Baby Loss Awareness Week, we're sharing stories people have shared about the impact that miscarriage and stillbirth had on their mental health, and how the support given to parents should improve.Blog -
In our blog for Baby Loss Awareness Week, people share their experience of baby loss, the impact it had on their mental health and the support they wish they’d received.Blog -
We all love the NHS, but it can’t improve without our help. That’s why we’re asking people to share their experience of services, so care can be made better for everyone.Blog -
Volunteering is a great way to make new friends, learn new skills and make a difference in your community. Find out why students Jo, Sophie, Poppy and Emma got involved with Healthwatch West Sussex.Blog -
From April, all new mothers will receive a six-week mental health check-up. Find out why this would not have happened if people had remained silent.Blog -
Read people's accounts of how COVID-19 has affected their lives, routine, and mental health. We've included links to where you can get advice and information too.Blog -
Healthwatch Leeds used people’s experiences of mental health crisis support to improve services for those who need them. The impact of this work has won them a 2020 Healthwatch Network Award.Blog -
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we asked people about their experiences of getting mental health support. Three years on, we look at what has changed and the questions the NHS needs to answer.Blog -
Jo lives with mental health challenges, including depression and borderline personality disorder. They share their story of waiting for the right support and explain how the NHS could improve their life.Blog -
Ian shares his story of trying to access mental health support and its impact on his wellbeing. Do you have an account that NHS services could learn from?Blog -
Research shows mental health issues are widespread and of significant concern for new parents. Yet, the new mothers we interviewed faced substantial challenges in accessing mental health services. Read their stories.Blog -
Good communication with patients goes a long way.Blog -
On this World Mental Health Day, we're looking at people's recent experiences of mental health services. With GPs often acting as the front door for mental health support, we've also analysed our evidence about getting a GP referral for mental health. Read about what people told us and what this means for healthcare leaders.Blog -
As part of our report The public’s perspective: The state of health and social care, we have set out recommendations for decision makers across ten key areas.
