Getting help for your mental health can be a challenge, but the reality is that a range of help is available. With the right help, and support from friends and family, people can and do recover from their mental health problems.

In these short films, Helen, Gemma and Stephen talk to us about how they got the help and support they needed when they were having problems with their mental health.

If you have your own experience of getting help for your mental health and would like others to benefit from that experience, you can create your own Know Where to Go film.

Below, you can find some of the first amazing films submitted to us and you can find out here how to make your own.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Gemma made a Know Where to Go film for us back in May. In this new video, we talk to Gemma, her mum and her friend, to find out how their support helped her recover from depression.	Stephen made a Know Where to Go film for us in May. He's made a follow up film talking about the importance of support from friends and family, and how his mum has helped him manage his mental health problems.

 

HELEN

 SEE HELEN'S STORY NOW

Helen, from Glasgow, is a mother of three and works full-time as Head of Business Development for a Branding Agency. She first developed problems with her mental health following the birth of her second child and has dealt with periods of depression ever since.

With the support of family, friends and health professionals, Helen successfully got help for her depression.

   

"I really feel I am 100 % back to normal - whatever that is! I received excellent care from my local GP and health visitor, but I also have a great family and group of friends."

 

GEMMA

SEE GEMMA'S STORY NOW

Gemma, 21, works for a rail company and volunteers as an advocate in her spare time. As a teenager, she began showing signs of depression and was encouraged by her mother to go to her GP for help.

With help from her family, friends and a variety of support and treatment, Gemma is now able to successfully manage her condition.

 

"I had no idea where to get help, or if I even could, when I first experienced depression. Now I know where to get help before it becomes a big problem."

 

STEPHEN

 SEE STEPHEN'S STORY NOW

Stephen, from Glasgow, runs his own business. He first developed problems with his mental health at university and avoided seeking help for a long time, something he now says was a mistake. After a breakdown, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Using a variety of support and treatments, he is now able to manage his condition.

"If I was to give one piece of advice to people who are beginning to experience mental health problems: seek help and talk to someone before it is too late."

 

YOUR FILMS: STEPHEN FRY

Stephen Fry is an actor, comedian, TV presenter, novelist and, as President of Mind, a prominent mental health spokesperson.

Here he tells us how important it is to know where to go to get help for your mental health.

YOUR FILMS: ASHLEY KENNEDY

Ashley talks to us in her film about how to get help for your mental health and shares her own experience of getting help. She emphasises the importance of talking and points out that asking for help is not a failure but a sign of bravery.