Two people who transformed their wellbeing with the help of NHS Wales’ online support are encouraging others to take that first step this Mental Health Awareness Week.
Kate*, 39, sought help after developing overwhelming anxiety linked to her young son’s health.
Meanwhile George Ryley reached out after work pressures and illness left him physically and mentally drained.
Both were signposted to SilverCloud® Wales, a suite of online self-help programmes available free on the NHS and managed by Powys Teaching Health Board.
Kate, from Cardiff, said: “It made a huge difference quite quickly. I haven’t had a single anxiety attack since I started it. I’ve not looked back.”
And George, 27, from Aberystwyth, said: “These are essential life lessons that I’d never been taught by anyone.
“I’ll carry them with me for the rest of my days. If you want to get well and stay well, caring for your mental health is a continuous process.”
Kate and George were speaking out as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year focuses on the theme ‘Action’.
Kate explained how her difficulties began when her son experienced febrile seizures.
Although he had been unwell as a toddler, their return last year triggered intense anxiety which quickly escalated.
“My chest would tighten and I’d get this feeling like a wave of nausea,” Kate said. “I couldn’t eat, couldn’t focus.”
The impact was felt at home and at work.
Kate found herself constantly checking on her son, worrying about possible triggers and struggling to switch off.
“I was so distracted at work that I had to stay behind after hours, and at home I didn’t feel I was always present with my son in the right way,” she said.
“I was desperately trying to identify triggers for his seizures, asking myself what I could do stop them.”
After speaking to her GP, she was diagnosed with parental anxiety and was signposted to SilverCloud’s Space from Anxiety programme.
The online course, based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can be accessed at any time via a phone, tablet or laptop, with users encouraged to complete short sessions three times a week.
“I could do it in the evening when my son had gone to sleep, or during breaks in the day. It worked around me,” Kate said, adding that she still uses mindfulness, breathing exercises and writing techniques she learned through the course.
Meanwhile, George Ryley found himself struggling after a demanding period in work coincided with a spell of poor physical health caused by mould toxicity.
“I was used to being busy and active,” he said. “Then suddenly, even having a shower would sap all my energy for the day.”
The experience left him bed bound for several weeks and took a toll on his mental wellbeing.
After contacting his GP, George was referred for counselling and was also encouraged to try SilverCloud’s Space from Stress programme.
“I didn’t have the most positive mindset at first,” he said. “But as I worked through it, I was amazed at how effective it was.”
Every SilverCloud user is assigned a dedicated supporter who provides fortnightly advice and encouragement - help which George says was key.
“Having such lovely feedback on my progress was really motivating.
“I’ve recommended SilverCloud to so many people who I know have been struggling with stress.”
Both Kate and George say the experience has changed how they approach their mental health, stressing that it requires ongoing attention rather than a one-off fix.
Fionnuala Clayton, project manager for NHS Wales’ Online CBT Service, said their experiences underline the importance of taking practical steps.
“This Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that action doesn’t have to be dramatic or overwhelming – sometimes it’s simply about taking that first step to seek support,” she said.
“SilverCloud Wales gives people the tools to understand their thoughts, manage anxiety and stress, and build resilience in a way that fits around busy working and family lives.
“Stories like these show how accessible, flexible support can empower people to take action for their mental health, in their own time and at their own pace.”
Sign up to SilverCloud at: https://nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/
*Kate’s name has been changed.
