Melanie’s story
After experiencing psychosis for many years, Melanie took her first step to seek help. This year, she fundraised for Mental Health UK, taking on the 31 Miles in May challenge.
"Looking back, I’m really proud of how I've taken action on my mental health."
I’ve been on anti-psychotics for 18 months and in therapy for just over a year. I’m now really committed to maintaining and improving my mental health, but that wasn’t always the case.
I’ve had problems with my mental health for years but had never been treated for hearing voices or having strange beliefs. Looking back, I’ve been hearing voices since I was 21 but just never told anyone.
Because I didn’t tell anyone and obviously wasn’t getting the right treatment, my mental health problems finally escalated in 2024, when I was almost arrested and nearly sectioned. At the time, I didn’t understand that I was ill and thought that everybody else just didn’t understand what was going on.
I ended up being put on emergency anti-psychotics and monitored by the Home Treatment team for a few weeks before I was handed over to the Early Intervention team. When they made me take medication for the first time, I was terrified and confused. Within a few days, I began to realise that I was ill.
From then on, I decided to focus on improving my mental health.
I became determined to manage my condition and tried to take every opportunity I could to get help.
This included things like taking my medication every day, attending my therapy sessions and psychiatric reviews. It also included attending social groups, because social interaction is really good for psychosis. Being hard-of-hearing as well, I often feel really isolated. This was partly how I got so ill.
Looking back, I’m really proud of how I’ve taken action on my mental health. I like being well and I’m definitely a lot happier than I was before.
I came across Mental Health UK’s 31 Miles in May Challenge on Facebook and really liked the idea, especially because my birthday falls on 31st May. Completing 31 Miles in 31 days felt extra special to me. I wanted to fundraise for Mental Health UK because it’s really important to have peer support groups and other support for people who similarly experience mental health issues. I gained an awful lot from a peer support group, and I wanted to help other people access this too.
My advice to anyone considering reaching out for help with a mental health condition is to definitely go for it.
You don't have to suffer alone and it can be comforting to know that there are other people who experience the same things you do.
There is so much help available; different options if one thing or another doesn't work for you. Keep trying, keep reaching out and remember that you aren't alone.
Today, I’m still taking my medication and attending therapy sessions. I still hear voices, but they’re mostly under control, and I know they’re not real now. I’ve since gone back to university to finish my degree and made a few friends. I’m still under Early Intervention, but I see this as a positive thing. I have lots of help from some really lovely people, and I know I’m making great progress.
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