Mental Health Awareness week: 12-18 May – Rhian Williams

Mental Health Awareness Week (12 – 18 May 2025)

Hi, I’m Rhian, one of the presenters on RadioHLR and this May, to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, I’m making a show about mental health. The show will focus on sharing personal stories and raising awareness about mental health in order to get people talking about it.

I’m inviting you to share your own experiences with mental health. Your story could offer valuable support and understanding to others. If you’re comfortable, I’d love to include your audio message in my show.

If you’d like to contribute, you can:

• Send me a direct message on Facebook.
• Message my Facebook page, @radiorhian.
• Message RadioHLR @radiohlr.
• Send me a WhatsApp audio file to 07928232469.

Thank you for considering sharing your story.

About me and my mental health

I’m 33 years old and have struggled with my mental health on and off for several years. The most significant episode occurred four years ago, just before my 30th birthday. Feeling lost and unsure of my direction in life, I reached a very low point. I felt like I didn’t want to be here anymore, but I knew I could never take my own life. I had lost a partner who didn’t choose to die, and I felt it would be wrong to make that choice when he never had the option. At that time, I would have gladly traded places with him. This thought became a driving force, pushing me to build a life he would have been grateful for.

Before this episode, I had experienced mental health challenges, including anxiety in social situations. I sought help, engaged in therapy, and took medication, which helped me recover. However, life has a way of presenting new challenges. As I approached 30, the uncertainty about my future and the pressures of new jobs began to overwhelm me. People around me noticed I wasn’t doing well, and I recognised it myself. So, I contacted my doctor and restarted therapy and medication. I made progress, but life threw another curveball, requiring me to increase my medication dosage to manage daily life. Work became a major source of stress, prompting me to seek new employment. I also applied for further therapy.

I tried to keep moving forward, but then I experienced another devastating blow: my father’s death. Coupled with a toxic work environment, life became incredibly difficult. During this period, my mental health took control, and I felt like I was on autopilot. Eventually, my father passed away, and I changed jobs.

When I started my new job, I decided to stop taking medication. After a year on the waiting list, I resumed therapy. This proved immensely helpful, providing a safe space to express my thoughts and emotions. Now, a year after stopping medication, I can’t say I’m completely fine. Without the medication, my emotions have returned in full force. However, I’ve learned to accept the necessary ‘cry days’ and recognise when I’m not doing well. I also appreciate the good days, enjoy my hobbies, and find projects like this helpful in sharing my message: It’s okay not to be okay. You may experience low days or weeks, but things will improve, and you will get through it. Remember, you’re not alone, and this difficult period won’t last forever.