Marissa Pendlebury overcame years of self-hatred and anorexia to discover self-love, compassion and a nourishing sense of wellbeing I’m in my dad’s car, refusing to wear a seatbelt while he speeds down a busy starlit highway. I force my hand to grip the door handle while imagining what…
244 posts tagged
LIFE
Mental health is a part of every day life here in the UK, read our inspirational and uplifting true life stories
Embrace Your Inner Child This Summer
If you’re afraid to let your imagination run wild, remember that growing older doesn’t necessarily mean growing up Remember when you were a kid, and your biggest worry was whether the rocket you were building from cardboard boxes would be able to carry all your toys to the…
9 Scientifically Proven Ways to be a Happier Person
The internet is awash with self-help tips on how to lead a happier life. But online advice can often appear subjective and contradictory. To put the quest for happiness on a surer footing, here’s happiful’s guide to evidence-based positivity: nine everyday mood-lifters that are within everyone’s grasp…
I Had Accepted a Life without Children of My Own
Christian Russo thought he had missed the opportunity to start a family. Then one day, four wonderful kids appeared in his life A year ago, I was approaching my 40th birthday. After the demise of a five-year relationship that I was certain would lead to marriage and children, I found…
How to Burst the 'Beach Body' Bubble
Ignore the beauty magazines. Forget the advertisements. This summer belongs to you! Are you beach body ready? It’s a question that gets plastered all over the media during the lead-up to summer, and one that often leaves us feeling self-conscious and, well, shit. But, have you considered this: you…
Matt Johnson: The Long Road Home
TV presenter Matt Johnson made success seem effortless. So why did he almost take his own life? In this fiercely honest interview, he explains his mental health issues, his journey to recovery, and why sharing his story can benefit other young men happiful magazine / Joseph Sinclair Photography Somewhere right now…
Therapy Dogs Can Reduce Your 'Ruff' Days
TheraPaws dogs and volunteers take centre stage at the National Theatre to spread awareness and promote positive mental health For Mental Health Awareness Week (8–14 May 2017), the Mayhew Animal Home’s TheraPaws programme teamed up with the National Theatre in London to help raise awareness of the importance…
I’ll Always Regret Missing the Signs that Someone I Love Needed Help
Film enthusiast Harry Newman’s focus on his nan’s deteriorating health and his mother’s ability to cope meant that he missed another crisis that was just out of shot In 2014, I had the worst year of my life. But first let’s rewind to June 2013. I’…
Losing My Daughter Changed My World Beyond Recognition
Debra Kilby had to make the most difficult decision imaginable, but the healing process led her on a voyage of self-discovery I am sitting here with a sense of disbelief and trepidation at what I am about to say, but I feel it’s the right thing to do. The…