Angela shares with CPSL Mind’s Communications and Engagement Manager, Olivia Hubbard, why she’s supporting CPSL Mind and reflects on how she has overcome her mental health challenges.
“I know too well that there is stigma attached to mental health problems. I struggle to talk about some of what I went through, and I admit that I have had about two or three episodes of depression in my lifetime. I was in a very dark place; I did have feelings of suicide, but I was scared to admit my real feelings to mental health support workers at the time. I think I was petrified that the staff would refer me to the hospital.
“Having just turned 40, I am managing my health well now, but I know the severity of suffering with depression. In the past, I was a big worrier, anxious.
“I have had to change my lifestyle and the way I think. I no longer have a stressful career; I do a basic skills job and am much happier. I had to eliminate stress and have learned to talk about my feelings. When I am excessively worried, I tend to overthink scenarios. My husband has encouraged me to talk a lot more, and it helps address any early warning signs of becoming unwell. This has enabled me to be in a better place to cope.
“When we feel vulnerable and frightened, we often feel safer in our own home – a place familiar to us. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that there are other options. Charities like CPSL Mind have a referral service called the Community Connector service team, and the staff treat you with dignity and respect.”
Moving forwards with hope
“Too many people are tragically losing their lives to suicide. With the right help, support and guidance, lives can be saved, and people can go on to recover and rebuild their lives even when it seems almost impossible when you are in such a dark place.
“It takes real courage and strength to open up and to say you are not in a good place emotionally. Just by talking to someone close to you, a friend, family member, or a counsellor/therapist, it’s a real starting point to recovery. It feels like a weight has been lifted just by not bottling up your feelings.
“I have been incredibly lucky to come out the other side and have been doing really well at the moment. Despite past struggles with mental health, I have gone on to have a little family of my own that I never thought would be possible due to the fear of becoming unwell again. I overcame barriers with the support of the perinatal mental health team when I had my baby boy two years ago. I have to say it really helped my confidence in becoming a new mum.”
Running 5K at The Great Eastern Run
“I wanted to do the charity run for CPSL Mind to raise funds to help people in the community struggling with mental health problems. Jane and I are both managing our health really well and want to raise funds to try and help support other people struggling locally to help cope with day-to-day life a little better.
“Jane and I have become great friends as well as colleagues. We have been doing some brisk walking to practice for the fun run. I admit our fitness is not at its best, hence we are not doing the longer run. Exercise and getting out in the open fresh air are also great ways to lift your mood. Being at peace with nature, we are really looking forward to the challenge.”
If you would like support with any of the topics discussed in the article, please visit our ‘Get Help Now’ Page on the CPSL Mind website at www.cpslmind.org.uk and for more information about depression or anxiety, please visit Mind’s conditions website page: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/
CPSL Mind is incredibly grateful to Angela for her courage in sharing her story, and we are really looking forward to cheering on Angela and Jane at The Anna Hope’s 5K run fun in Peterborough.
You can support Angela and Jane at The Great Eastern Run on Sunday, 12th October, and you can donate by visiting: CPSL Mind , Mental Health Charity , Every Little Helps
If you would like to take on a fundraising challenge of your own or take part in the Cambridge Half Marathon as part of Team CPSL Mind, get in touch with the team at: fundraising@cpslmind.org.uk
Thank you for your support. Fundraising helps CPSL Mind to develop, grow, and deliver our vital services across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire. Between 2023/2024, CPSL Mind supported more than 6,000 local people.
August 18, 2025
