Discussing Mental Health

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Discussing Mental Health

Discussing Mental Health is a holistic mental health organisation that provides education, therapy, exercise classes & more in a fun and accessible way

05/03/2026

After four months away from the office, I recently returned part-time as CEO of and attended the London for the second year running as part of the team.

There was something from this year’s experience that I felt was important to reflect on.

The music industry is still largely male-dominated, although it’s encouraging to see more women stepping into management and leadership roles. That progress matters, and I fully support it. But experiences like the ones I had at this year’s event remind me that there is still work to be done.

Over the course of two separate days, I experienced two altercations with male delegates. In both situations, I simply asserted my boundaries and asked for respect of my personal space. What struck me was how quickly that was interpreted as being “rude”, “disruptive”, or an attempt to silence me by telling me to be quiet.

At one point, the situation became quite intimidating. Being isolated and challenged by a group of older, larger male delegates was genuinely frightening.

It reinforced something I believe strongly. Having boundaries and using your voice is not aggression. It’s self-respect.

Too often, when women speak firmly or assertively, it can be mischaracterised as being difficult or confrontational. But boundaries are a fundamental part of psychological safety and mental wellbeing. They protect our sense of self, our confidence, and our ability to feel safe in professional spaces.

Speaking up when someone crosses a line isn’t about creating conflict. It’s about protecting our dignity and ensuring respectful environments for everyone.

If we want industries like music to continue evolving, we must normalise women setting boundaries without being labelled negatively for it.

Personally, my interest in music production and the powerful connection between music and mental health is what first led me to get involved in live events and spaces like ILMC. Looking ahead, I’m also excited to begin introducing music therapy initiatives through our work, something I believe could have a meaningful impact on how we support mental well-being through creative expression 💚

05/03/2026

After four months away from the office, I recently returned part-time as CEO of and attended London for the second year running.

This year left me reflecting on something important.

The music industry is still largely male-dominated. It’s encouraging to see more women stepping into leadership roles, but experiences like the ones I had at this year’s event show there’s still work to do.

On two separate days, I had altercations with male delegates after simply asking for respect for my personal space. What stood out most was how quickly setting a boundary was labelled as being “rude”, “disruptive”, or met with attempts to silence me.

At one point, being isolated and challenged by a group of older, larger male delegates was genuinely intimidating.

But having boundaries and using your voice is not aggression. It’s self-respect.

Too often, when women speak firmly, it’s mischaracterised as confrontation. In reality, boundaries are essential for psychological safety, confidence, and mental well-being.

Speaking up isn’t about creating conflict. It’s about protecting dignity and ensuring respectful environments for everyone.

If industries like music are to keep evolving, we must normalise women setting boundaries without negative labels attached.

To anyone, especially women, early in their careers, who may feel intimidated in spaces where power dynamics exist: your voice matters. Standing firm in your boundaries not only protects your well-being, it helps create safer spaces for others too.

Let’s keep supporting each other, speaking up when something isn’t right, and making respect and safety non-negotiable in every room we walk into 💚

05/03/2026

After four months away from the office, I recently returned part-time as CEO of and attended the for the second year running as part of the team.

There was something from this year’s experience that I felt was important to reflect on.

The music industry is still largely male-dominated, although it’s encouraging to see more women stepping into management and leadership roles. That progress matters, and I fully support it. But experiences like the ones I had at this year’s event remind me that there is still work to be done.

Over the course of two separate days, I experienced two altercations with male delegates. In both situations, I simply asserted my boundaries and asked for respect of my personal space. What struck me was how quickly that was interpreted as being “rude”, “disruptive”, or an attempt to silence me by telling me to be quiet.

At one point, the situation became quite intimidating. Being isolated and challenged by a group of older, larger male delegates was genuinely frightening.

It reinforced something I believe strongly. Having boundaries and using your voice is not aggression, it’s self-respect.

Too often, when women speak firmly or assertively, it can be mischaracterised as being difficult or confrontational. But boundaries are a fundamental part of psychological safety and mental wellbeing. They protect our sense of self, our confidence, and our ability to feel safe in professional spaces.

Speaking up when someone crosses a line isn’t about creating conflict. It’s about protecting our dignity and ensuring respectful environments for everyone.

If we want industries like music to continue evolving, we must normalise women setting boundaries without being labelled negatively for it.

Personally, my interest in music production and the powerful connection between music and mental health is what first led me to get involved in live events and spaces like ILMC. Looking ahead, I’m also excited to begin introducing music therapy initiatives through our work, something I believe could have a meaningful impact on how we support mental well-being through creative expression

For a

06/11/2025

Discussing Mental Health Update. We’re currently taking a short pause while our founder focuses on their health and recovery. During this time, responses and projects will be delayed. We deeply appreciate your understanding, patience, and continued support. It means the world. We’ll share updates when we’re ready to resume normal activity. With gratitude, the DMH Team 💚

31/10/2025

This Halloween, we fear no ghosts, only the silence. Two million people are waiting for mental health care in the UK. The scariest thing of all is a system that vanishes when you need it most. 👻🖤

If you’re feeling unseen, unheard, or left waiting in the dark, you don’t have to face it alone.

Reach out to us at Discussing Mental Health and take the first step in your healing journey.

💚 Your voice matters
💚 Your pain matters
💚 And we are here to help

10/10/2025

A Message from Our CEO on World Mental Health Day 2025

On World Mental Health Day, we stand together to remind ourselves and each other that mental health is not a luxury, it’s a foundation for a meaningful life.

At Discussing Mental Health, our mission has always been to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported, not just treated. We believe that healing happens through connection, understanding, and community. That’s why our approach is holistic, we don’t just look at symptoms. We look at the whole person, their story, their environment, their purpose, and their potential.

Our services blend practical support with emotional and social care. From open discussions and peer-led groups to creative workshops and wellbeing initiatives, every part of what we do is designed to meet people where they are, and help them move toward where they want to be.

This year’s theme reminds us that mental health is a universal human right. Let’s honor that truth, by talking openly, supporting one another, and taking action. Whether you join one of our community sessions, volunteer your time, or simply start a conversation that matters, you’re part of this movement.

Together, we can break stigma, build understanding, and make mental well-being a shared priority for all.

26/09/2025

A new chapter for Discussing Mental Health!

Fourteen years ago, after the loss of her mother and a personal battle with panic disorder and agoraphobia, CEO’s Stephanie Bashford left Swansea with nothing but a bicycle, a backpack, and a vision, to make mental health support accessible for all. Her journey led to the creation of an innovative intervention, developed and trialed in Birmingham, which has already transformed lives by offering holistic, community-driven support outside of long waiting lists and costly private therapy.

Today, Discussing Mental Health is proud to announce the official launch of the second phase of this intervention in London. This expansion represents not only a milestone for the organisation but also a step forward in addressing the urgent need for accessible mental health solutions across the UK.

This launch also coincides with what would have been the 59th birthday of Stephanie’s mother, whose memory continues to inspire the vision and drive behind the organisation. Discussing Mental Health remains committed to the belief that this intervention has the potential to save millions of lives.

To learn more about the mission and programmes, visit www.discussingmentalhealth.com

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