Mind

We understand the news about welfare cuts might feel overwhelming and scary right now. Please know you’re not alone. We’re fighting hard behind the scenes to challenge the government’s decisions. If you’re struggling, need support, or just need someone to talk to, we’re right here with you ????

The welfare cuts announced today mean people don’t know how they’ll survive. Some fear they’ll have no choice but to take their own lives. This government must take responsibility for the impact of the Spring Budget on the mental health crisis.?? Last week, the UK government announced huge cuts to welfare benefits. Charities across the health sector pushed back - hard. We explained this would make people’s mental health worse and simply move costs elsewhere in the system. They didn’t listen, and today they’ve announced even more cuts. This is despicable. The government is choosing to take away the last line of support from some of the most vulnerable people in our society. People are telling us they don’t know how they’ll survive, and might have no option but to take their own lives. If ministers push ahead with these cuts despite clear warnings, they must take responsibility for the harm that will be caused. We’ll keep fighting these changes and speaking up for you against the cuts.

“Their voices unheard, this is never ok, Parliament please I beg you to show them the way.” At our exhibition in Parliament earlier this month, India reads her poem about being sectioned. ’The 54,000 people behind the Mental Health Act’ was an exhibition we put on to show MPs the experiences of real people who’ve been sectioned under the Mental Health Act. India’s poem highlights how important it is to address racism in the use of the Mental Health Act.

Last night, the whole episode of EastEnders took place in a mental health hospital. An entire episode dedicated to a story about a mental health inpatient unit could not be more relevant right now. Things are pretty bleak for the nation’s mental health. But good mental health support exists, and it has a huge impact to see it brought to life on screen. It helps us see what “better” looks like. Our media advisory service supported the EastEnders team, alongside Rethink Mental Illness, Samaritans and Calm, on this storyline. We wanted to make sure the story felt relatable for men experiencing suicidal feelings and symptoms of psychosis. These experiences are sadly increasingly common, so we need storylines like Phil’s now more than ever. BBC

It’s that time again! ?? Hello spring, you’ve been missed ?? P.S. not everyone is excited by spring, and that's ok ?? If you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder in the spring and summer months, there's info and support on our website.

Breaking news ?? Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has just confirmed plans to make cuts to disability benefits. This would affect some of the most vulnerable in our society and could push more people with mental health problems into poverty. We’re looking through the Green Paper that’s come out today and will update you on the details as soon as we can. In the meantime, please remember that these changes wouldn’t start affecting people for at least a year. And at that point, they would first focus on people newly applying for benefits. There will be a consultation on some of the changes. It’s open for submissions now and we’ll put the link in the comments below ? We know these potential changes can feel uncertain and worrying. We’re doing everything we can to speak up and fight for people with mental health problems. If you’re struggling and need to talk to someone, call our support line on 0300 102 1234 ??

Behind the headlines and the stigmatising language about disability benefits are real people - millions of them. People who are scared about what this news might mean for their day-to-day lives. If that’s you, know this: you are not alone. We see you. We hear you. These changes, if they do happen, won’t come in immediately. And we will not stop fighting until the benefits system is fair, compassionate, and works for those of us with mental health problems.

Cutting benefits is short sighted. The UK government needs to shift focus and tackle the real barriers to employment.

Where's the evidence that mental health is being "overdiagnosed"?

It’s ok to take a break from social media ??