A man receiving treatment for bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder and extreme paranoia in Essex has spoken out about the powerful role music has played in his recovery.
Mark, who has been a patient at St Andrew’s Healthcare in Benfleet since 2018, chose to share his story during Mental Health Awareness Week (11-17 May) to help reduce the stigma often associated with complex mental health conditions.
The 50‑year‑old from Nottingham said: “I’ve come a long way since I’ve been here. I’ve done a lot of work on myself. The main thing in my life is still music. I get through my days better with music. When I first arrived at St Andrew’s and found out there was a music room, I was over the moon.”
Music therapy is just one of many therapies that staff use at St Andrew’s to help patients recover.
When Mark was first admitted to hospital, he was extremely unwell and experiencing intense periods of paranoia.
He said: “I was talking to the TV and I thought it was talking back. I thought people were mocking me and laughing at me. I’ve been to hell and back with drugs too, but I reached a point where I realised enough was enough.”
Mark says it was the support of staff at St Andrew’s that helped him begin to believe in himself and see the possibility of a future.
He added: “Because of all the music sessions, the therapy, and the staff here saying they believe in me more than I believe in myself, I’m starting to acknowledge that I can do things if I put my mind to it. I’ve got so much hope now.”
Alongside music therapy, Mark has also started attending gym sessions with St Andrew’s Healthcare’s onsite sports therapist.
Mark said: “I’ve started weight‑lifting, which has really helped because exercise gets your endorphins working. When I look back at who I was before I came here, I don’t recognise myself.
“Before, all I had was darkness. Gradually, little by little, light started to appear. And now, I don’t just see a light – I see a floodlight. I have nothing but hope for my future.”
Dr Samantha Dove, Clinical Director for Essex, who has overseen Mark’s care, said: “Mark’s story highlights why it’s so important to offer a range of therapeutic approaches. Here at St Andrew’s we recognise that bespoke treatment is vital to ensure people receive care that reflects their individual needs, interests and strengths, alongside clinical support.
“People respond in different ways, and for Mark, music and physical activity became a vital part of his recovery alongside clinical care. Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder that when we listen to what matters to individuals and support them in different ways, recovery becomes possible.”
St Andrew’s Healthcare in Essex was recently rated as ‘Good’ following a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) report, which highlighted good practice and recognised the commitment of staff to delivering compassionate, person‑centred care.
The rating followed an inspection in October 2025, which emphasised a number of positive developments across the service.
Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual campaign created by the Mental Health Foundation.
This year’s theme is ‘action’ as the organisation says “real change comes when we take action”.
