What is SilverCloud

Donna, on using the Space for Early Parenting program

Eventually I was so exhausted from the lack of sleep and stressed from constant worrying that I went to visit my doctor about it. I had put off the visit for so long because I assumed that I’d have to go to therapy and I knew that there was no way that I could fit this into my busy life. I hadn’t realized that using an online program like SilverCloud would be an option. It was a relief to know that I could access it when and where I needed to and that it could fit into my life.

Personal Story 1

Nicola

Nicola, 20, on using the Space for Resilience Program

For a while after my mom died, I felt like I was aimlessly wandering through life with no direction. I knew I couldn’t continue on that way so I recently decided to go back to college. My main goal for the resilience program is to learn how to cope better with my problems, rather than telling myself everything is fine.

Dave, 24, on using the Space from Anxiety Program

Doing an online program gave me the support I needed. It was comforting to know that I could log on any time that I was struggling with my emotions. I found it a little difficult to keep up with the program at first because of my workload at college. When I realized I could access the program on my smartphone, it made a huge difference.

Julianna, 23, on using the Space from Depression Program

The first time I opened up SilverCloud, I felt like there was just too much to take in and I didn’t see how it would help me. I was already stressed by all the work I had to do, this felt like adding more to my to-do list. But when school ramped up and I started to feel worse, I decided to try again. This time, the tools kept me organized and focused on my mental health, which I’d been neglecting until now.

Personal Story 3

Ayaz

Ayaz 21, on using the Space for Sleep program

I would often cancel plans to see friends from college because I just couldn’t find the energy to get out the house. It wasn’t until I had been filling out the sleep diary for a few weeks that I realized how little I was actually sleeping. The program showed me how making small changes could have a big impact on the quality of my sleep.

Sarah, 20, on using the Space from Stress Program

I knew I needed help when I found it hard to concentrate on my college work. I have a full-time job as well, so I was really motivated to do something to improve my stress levels. At first I felt like it would be a struggle to fit in all the exercises. But with an online program I could log on briefly whenever I had the time.

Adam, 23, on using the Space From Depression and Anxiety program

Getting well is a huge achievement but staying well is equally as important. That’s why I keep at it, even when I don’t feel like it. I just remind myself that it’s worth the effort. It’s a bumpy road. I still get bad days sometimes, but I know this is part of life, and I don’t let these bad days put me into a downward spiral like I used to.

Corinne, on using the Supporting an Anxious Child program for her daughter Maya

When I first clicked on the My Child’s Anxiety tool, I decided to skip over it. The idea of describing Maya’s various anxieties and the circumstances around them felt overwhelming. I think I was worried that writing them out would make them more real. And then I would have to face up to how my difficult relationship with Maya’s dad might have affected her. I eventually decided to go back and give the tool a try. I’m glad I did. I think I surprised myself. Getting it all out of my head and onto the page was actually a relief. Having everything written out made me feel more in control of it.

Kate, on using the Supporting an Anxious Teen program for her daughter Evie

I don’t know if she is picked on or bullied but I know Evie hates going to school. She sometimes complains of a pain in her stomach or chest, which I thought was an excuse to get out of going to school. Reading about the physical sensations that anxiety can cause, and using the body map, I realized that she does genuinely seem to get a sore stomach when she is stressed or worried. I feel so bad that it took us so long to realize this. We have started to use the body map regularly, as a way of helping her (and us) to understand how her worries are affecting her.