Features

One in four people around the world will suffer from mental health issues at some stage during their lives. There's a common misconception that most mental health conditions involve depression.

South East Today in partnership with the  Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust, has given people from across the region who have different conditions the opportunity to tell their stories in their own words.   

BOB

It's one of the greatest healthcare challenges facing modern Britain. Within 20 years, more than a million people will suffer some form of dementia - yet only last month, an influential group of MPs condemned the poor quality of care available.   For Bob Chandler, from Strood in Kent, the onset of dementia began in his 40s, when he was diagnosed with Alzheimers Disease.

CATHERINE

Dealing with autism is a challenge for any parent as highlighted in a report out today which reveals the pressures facing carers. We've been contacted by Catherine Butters from Lower Halstow near Sittingbourne who wanted to show how difficult it is for her looking after TWO severely autistic sons.

ED

He's just turned 18 and he's preparing to study horticulture at Hadlow College in Kent. But for Ed Oliver, from Doddington near Faversham, going into higher education is an extraordinary achievement. Ed's suffered severe mental illness throughout his teens.

NIK

It was a suicide attempt which had unforeseen consequences. Nik Brooks from Rochester, who has Bipolar disorder, jumped in front of a speeding train and lost both his legs when he was just 21.  It turned out to be a life changing event and, today, Nik's looking to the future with hope.

DANIEL

Most people have preconceptions about the impact of Downs Syndrome. But  19 year old Daniel Storey from Gravesend can read and write, goes to college as does a weekly work experience. And he's a huge football fan and would love to play for Manchester United.