About Real Stories
When you’re struggling with your feelings it can sometimes seem like you’re the only one who feels the way you do. But you’re not alone. Lots of other people deal with similar problems all the time – you just might not know it.
Real Stories are created by MindMate, to share stories from young people in Leeds who have had problems with their mental health. We’ll be adding more stories over the next few months so please check back again soon.
For more information about the issues raised, look out for the pop-ups throughout the films or see our ‘Common issues’ section on the MindMate website.
Send your story
Would you like to feature on MindMate’s ‘Real Stories’?
Have you experienced panic attacks in the past and would be comfortable talking about it on film?
If so, we’d love to hear from you!
Please contact us if you’re interested.*
Contact us*Unfortunately, we can't promise to include everyone who comes forward, but we will reply to every email we receive as soon as we can.
- High Quality
- Medium Quality
- Low Quality
Living independently
Looking for a job, wanting to move out or just seeking more independence? Life changes can really affect your mood and are sometimes quite overwhelming. There’s lots of information out there about the services that can help you to live independently, though:
Look after yourself
MindMate has lots of useful information on how to look after yourself when thinking about living independently.
Find out moreBenefits and tax credits
Citizens Advice has lots of information on benefits and tax credits if you’re working, unemployed, sick or disabled, or a parent or carer.
Find out moreYouth Information Hub
This Leeds-based website brings together info on everything from money advice, counselling and apprenticeships.
Find out moreLearning, training and employment
Looking for help in Leeds with learning training and getting a job? Leeds Pathways can help you to find the right option for you.
Find out more
Start talking
Talking about how you feel can be hard. It’s not always easy to know what to say first or how to describe how you feel, but it can be a big help to share your feelings with someone who cares.
Who to talk to?
Find someone to talk to
Use our ‘Find your MindMates’ game to see who might be able to help.
Find out moreTalk to someone in Leeds
There are lots of places to go for help in Leeds , find the right one.
Find out moreRecord yourself
You might not want to write things down, or feel ready to talk to someone else yet, and sometimes it’s helpful just to figure out what you want to say. Try recording it on your phone
Find out moreGet DocReady
This site can help you to work out what to say at your doctor’s appointment.
Find out moreHelp your friends to help you
This article has some tips to help people understand how to help you, when you need someone to be there for you.
Find out more
What is depression?
People sometimes say they’re ‘depressed’ when they’re having a bad day, but depression is more than that – it’s when those low feelings are there for a long time or are there all the time.
Young people can suffer from depression just like adults do, so if sad feelings and emotions are taking over your life then it’s a good idea to ask for help. You can read more about the symptoms of depression here.
Things you might find useful
Getting help in Leeds
If you’ve felt low for a while it could be time to talk to someone. There are lots of places in Leeds that can support you
Find out moreLooking after yourself
Why not try some of these simple things that might help you feel better?
Find out moreMoodzone
This site contains lots of different resources to help you cope with low mood, stress and anxiety
Find out moreI had a black dog.
A short film about living with depression.
Find out moreHelp on MindMate.
Find even more help on MindMate.
Find out more
Getting help from people around you
It might not always feel like it, but you’re not in alone in feeling the way you do. In fact, there are people who understand who are ready to talk and help provide support. It’s about finding a way to getting support that’s right for you.
Support online
You can safely share your thoughts, experiences and get support and advice from other young people in similar situations
Find out moreSupport groups in Leeds
There are various groups for young people in Leeds, including at The MarketPlace in Leeds city centre. You can get access to free support and practical advice.
Find out moreFind your MindMates
Use our ‘Find your MindMates’ game to see who might be able to help.
Find out moreOther people’s stories
Sometimes it helps to hear about other young people’s experiences about their mental health. See more Real stories here.
Find out moreOr read this useful blog.
Find out more
Finding the right service for you
No matter what’s going on in your life, there are services in Leeds that could help. It’s just about finding the right place for you. You can visit the ‘What’s in Leeds for me’ page on MindMate or check out the quick links below.
Things you might find useful
Support in Leeds, helplines and services
This useful page on MindMate could point you in the right direction. Or watch our useful videos.
Find out moreThe Market Place
The Market Place is a friendly drop-in and support centre for young people in the centre of Leeds, open Mon-Sat.
Find out moreChoosing a therapist
If your GP suggests talking to a counsellor they can help you to find one. Or you could choose to find a private therapist - but check out NHS Choices first.
Find out moreGetting help from your school
Your school can help in lots of ways, and there should always be someone to talk to there. Find out more.
Find out moreHelp with specific issues
For details of organisations dealing with specific mental and emotional health issues, visit our pages all about common issues.
Find out more
A final note from Robbie
Don’t be afraid to talk to someone, if it does get hard, get it off your chest, don’t be afraid.Play again
Did you find this helpful?
Did you enjoy the story or find it helpful? Let us know so we can do more of the good stuff.
Learn more about...
There are lots of places and people there to help you cope with your feelings. Whether it’s through school, a local service, or perhaps online, there will be something that’s right for you. Find out more here.
Find out moreIt isn’t always easy to talk about how you feel so MindMate has some tips to help you start that first conversation.
Find out moreSometimes feelings can make some people want to hurt themselves on purpose. People self-harm for many different reasons but whatever’s going on, there are people that can help.
Find out moreIf you have sad thoughts and worries that won’t go away, or if you feel like life isn’t worth living, it’s time to get help. Find out the best place to go for you.
Find out moreAlthough it is completely normal for moods and feelings to change, sometimes you might decide that you need some help managing what’s going on in your head. From feelings about food, to hurting yourself, there is help and advice available.
Find out more
Watch Olivia's Story