To mark World Mental Health Day later this week, we are speaking to staff about their experiences with mental health and how they manage their wellbeing.
Here, Dr Ben Paget-Woods speaks to us about how his mental health has impacted his life and what he wishes he knew when he was younger.
Tell us about yourself and a little about your mental health journey so far
Growing up, I didn’t recognise that I had mental health issues – it was just how life felt to me, and I assumed it was the same for everyone. Coming from a family that never discussed or even ‘believed in’ mental health, I lacked the language to identify my struggles. It wasn’t until I went to University and met others who had experienced similar challenges, and sought help for them, that I began to identify myself as someone with mental health issues.
Despite this, and encouragement from friends to try therapy, I resisted for years, fearing it might change who I was. Eventually, I reached a breaking point and self-referred to the NHS’s steps2wellbeing. I was diagnosed quickly with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Social Anxiety. Looking back, the signs were obvious. Since starting therapy, things have slowly been getting better. I’m now in the best shape, physically and mentally, I’ve ever been. Yet, I can’t help but feel regret— if I had only sought help sooner, I could have lived a much better life.
How do you now look after your mental health?
I use the tools from therapy daily, which can sometimes be exhausting because it means constantly challenging myself to change old habits. Mental health is an ongoing battle, but I remind myself that every step is an investment in a happier, better version of me. I’ve also learnt not to push too hard—to be kinder to myself and accept that setbacks are also part of the process.
How have you been supported at work with your mental health?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate with the support I’ve received from the University. When I started therapy, my sessions clashed with work hours, but the department accommodated it without hesitation, allowing me to prioritise my mental health. The hybrid work pattern has also been a blessing. Daily face-to-face contact would likely trigger too much anxiety for me to stay productive. I hope the University continues to recognise these benefits of future ways of working and we all learn to improve upon the past, not return to it.
What do you think is the biggest misconception surrounding mental health?
There are too many to choose from! One of the biggest is the idea that mental health is a binary, ‘all-or-nothing’ issue. On the one hand, some people mistake lifelong struggles for temporary emotional phases or quirks. Tell them you have OCD, and they’ll say they also like to alphabetise things. Social anxiety? They hate giving speeches too. Depression? They were really sad when their pet died. This trivialises the reality of serious mental health conditions.
At the same time, many people believe they don’t have mental health issues just because they aren’t dealing with something big or obvious. The truth is, everyone has mental health – just like we all have physical health – and no one’s is perfect. We could all benefit from learning more about it and how to manage it, even if we aren’t in crisis.
What is your advice to others struggling with their mental health?
I can’t encourage people enough to seek help. Opening up and talking about it is always the first step. There are experts who specialise in mental health, and they have lots of strategies, tips, and tools that can make a real difference. Some things won’t work for you, and that’s okay, but others might. I’d say be patient, keep trying different approaches and don’t give up.
If you need help or support, please speak to your line manager or read about support available to staff.