People from across the region living with mental ill health have shared their tips for coping on the road to recovery.

Eastern Daily Press: Lauren Ephithite. Photo: Lauren EphithiteLauren Ephithite. Photo: Lauren Ephithite (Image: Lauren Ephithite)

Mary Benefiel, who runs singing groups in Norfolk and Suffolk, said: 'Singing is good mental health in a bottle. I sing almost every day, and when I sing with others I feel completely different!

'My mood is lifted, I feel connected with other people, and the music changes everything inside me.

'It's both relaxing and energising, and being part of the group sound is inspiring (well, most of the time). But even if we are out of tune, it's all part of getting back in tune.

'As in singing, so in life. Singing is a great way to express yourself, without it I'd be completely lost.'

Eastern Daily Press: Sophie Southall. Photo: Sophie Southall.Sophie Southall. Photo: Sophie Southall. (Image: Sophie Southall.)

Sophie Southall, 26, from North Walsham has had anxiety since around the age of 13.

'My main struggle was socialising,' she said.

'My mental health became worse once I was placed on anti-depressants, I started suffering with panic attacks and depression on two occasions tried to take my own life.

'But CBT and counselling as well as a change in my medication has made me feel myself again the first time in nearly two years.

'The charity Mind was such a big help in my situation I can not fault them one bit, they made a plan of action and was at the end of the phone when needed.

'My message to others is speak out, be open about how you are feeling please don't keep it all bottled up that is the worst possible thing to do. Mental health issues are more common than people think, it's not a shameful thing to be going through.'

Lauren Ephithite has struggled with low self esteem, anxiety and depression, but last year she tackled the Thames Bridge Trek for Mind.

She said: 'Counselling for me has been a bit hit and miss, one counsellor I spoke to couldn't understand how I was depressed as I had a degree, a job and a boyfriend.

'The one I saw last year through the Wellbeing Service was great. She helped me to realise that by being ashamed and secretive about my mental health I was making it worse.

'So that's my top tip for anyone who's struggling - tell someone, be open and honest with yourself and others and remember you're not alone.'

• To see more from the EDP's mental health takeover special edition, click here.