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Sian Marsden, 25, has become a ‘lived experience’ representative for a mental health trust<\/p>\nSevere mental health problems toook their toll on Sian Marsden, but now she’s using her experiences to help shape care services in Greater ManchesterSian Marsden, 25, has become a ‘lived experience’ representative for a mental health trust<\/p>\n
She was a succesful teenager, running a hair salon by the time she was 18.<\/p>\n
But it all came crashing down for Sian Marsden when her mental health took a plunge.<\/p>\n
The overwhelming nature of her job, coupled with personal struggles, led to a severe mental health crisis.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt like a walking zombie and completely dissociated with reality to protect myself and cope\u201d, she said.<\/p>\n
The teen, from Tameside<\/a>, was facing numerous obstacles at the time, including a disruptive home and school life.<\/p>\n \u201cI became so paranoid that I found myself unable to open curtains or leave my home, through fear that someone was watching me,\u201d she told the Local Democracy Service.<\/p>\n \u201cI was on so much medication that my mind was all over the place\u201d, she explained.<\/p>\n She faced multiple issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, emotionally-unstable personality disorder, body dysmorphia and psychosis.<\/p>\n Sian, now 25, from Hadfield, decided she needed more support. Things couldn\u2019t continue the way they were going.<\/p>\n Sian was referred to the Tameside community mental health team.<\/p>\n And the help was transformational.<\/p>\n She praised the adjustments they made to support her through her darkest times.<\/p>\n \u201cThere were some days I couldn\u2019t even leave my bedroom, but they understood my feelings,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cThey came to my house and would sit at my bedroom door to talk to me.\u201cWe would have our sessions while on a walk or having a cup of coffee, and I really felt like they adapted to my needs. Nothing was too much trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n Help and support<\/p>\n Samaritans (116 123)<\/strong> samaritans.org<\/strong> operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you\u2019re feeling, or if you\u2019re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org<\/a>, write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS (no more information needed) and visit www.samaritans.org\/branches to find your nearest branch.<\/p>\n For support for people<\/strong> feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http:\/\/shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net<\/strong> has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They’re open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.<\/p>\n Greater Manchester Bereavement Service<\/strong> Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n Childline (0800 1111 )<\/strong> runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won\u2019t show up on your phone bill.<\/p>\n PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41)<\/strong> is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.<\/p>\n Beat Eating Disorders: <\/strong>Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n Anorexia & Bulimia Care: <\/strong>ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk\/<\/a><\/p>\n Students Against Depression<\/strong> is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org<\/a><\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/0_pennine20.jpg\")
Sian has co-interviewed potential new staff at the trust (Image: ASP)<\/p>\n