What is SilverCloud

Donna, on using the Space for Perinatal Wellbeing programme

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 realised that using an online programme 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.

Conor, 21, on using the Space for Positive Body Image Program

Doing an online program gave me the support I needed. It might sound a bit odd, but 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.

Nicola, 20, on using the Space for Resilience Program

For a while after my mum died, I felt like I was aimlessly wandering through life with no direction. I knew I couldn’t continue on this way and so I recently decided to go back to college. My main goal for the resilience programme is to learn how to cope better with my problems, rather than simply turning a blind eye to them.

Nick, 67, on using the Space for Resilience Programme

While my wife was ill my relationship with my daughter wasn’t great, we often disagreed about how best to care for her. After she died, I didn’t want to keep coasting through life as I was. My main goal for the resilience program was to learn how to cope better with my problems, rather than simply turning a blind eye to them.

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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 realised 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.

Helen, 43, on using the Space from Alcohol program

I didn’t know what to think when I came across SilverCloud. I wasn’t sure how an online program could make any difference. It’s hard to keep track of how much you’re drinking when every bottle has a different number of units. The drink diary has been really useful to figure out exactly what’s going on. Now I know for sure I can’t keep going on this way.

Aleksandra, 16, on using the Space from Anxiety program

Doing an online program gave me the support I needed. It might sound weird, but it was comforting to know I could log on any time I was feeling really anxious. I found it a little hard to make time for the program at first, with all my homework. But when I realized I could do SilverCloud on my phone, it made a huge difference!

Dave, 24, on using the Space from Anxiety Program

When my counsellor suggested I sign up for SilverCloud, I was very skeptical – I just couldn’t see how it would work for me. I figured it was probably designed for teenagers, and none of it would apply to me. The messages from my supporter really helped to motivate me to keep going. It was nice to know that there was someone there who cared.

Julianna, 23, on using the Space from Depression Program

The first time I opened up SilverCloud, I did not like it at all! 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. To be honest, I didn’t look at the program for another few weeks but when I started to feel worse, I decided to try again.

Jonathan, 43, on using the Space from Depression Programme

I heard about SilverCloud and I decided to try it out. I could see straight away that it was interactive and had lots of exercises to help me to put the skills I had learned into practice. At first, it was a little scary writing about my problems – I guess it made them more real – but it helped me to step out of my mind and look at the whole situation. It gave me some perspective.

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.

Danny, 38, on using the Space from Drug Use programme

The My Strengths tool reminded me of what matters to me, and who I am. I want to reconnect with my wife and make changes in my life, but I don’t know if I can tell her how much I have been using. I also don’t know if I can quit completely. I think I am going to have to reduce my use slowly.

John, 17, on using the Space from Low Mood programme

I knew I was completely out of touch with my friends and I could see how this was really getting me down. I wasn’t sure where to start but the idea of setting small goals appealed to me. As the programme advised, I made sure that the goal I set was really tiny. I didn’t have the energy for anything else. The first goal I set was to text the friend I had been closest to. I felt that I didn’t have anything to lose, things couldn’t get any worse. I was surprised by how much better I felt after doing something so simple. It made the next step seem more possible.

Camila, 16, on using the Space from Low Mood & Anxiety programme

Trying to balance everything between school and home really started to get to me. I was exhausted all the time and I often found myself bursting into tears for no reason at all. Learning about CBT cycles and how my physical sensations and mood interact helped me notice how intense my feelings were. After working through the programme I’m feeling a lot better about myself. I think I'm starting to have a much more balanced view of myself and my life.

Maggie, 56, on using the Space From Money Worries program

Trying to get on top of bills and face my fears around finances was scary at first. I've started to pay the bills off slowly but surely, and I now realise that there’s actually lots I can do which is either free or really cheap. It's really helping to boost my mood as well, and when I’m feeling more confident it’s easier to manage my money. The vicious cycle is slowly turning into a more positive one.

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 was really motivated to do something to improve my stress levels, but I felt like it would be a struggle to fit in all the exercises. But with an online program I could log on whenever I had the time – day or night.

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Jo

Jo, 61, on using the Space from Stress Program

I went to see my physician for a check-up. He told me that my blood pressure was too high. I needed to find a better way to deal with the stress in my life. A therapist also worked in the clinic and spoke to me about SilverCloud. I really didn’t see how it could help me. I didn’t go back for a while but then my stress levels got worse and I decided to give it another shot.

Corinne, on using the Supporting an Anxious Child programme 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 programme 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 realised 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 realise 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.