Aberystwyth man praises mental health online support
11 May 2026
An Aberystwyth man is encouraging others to take action for their wellbeing this Mental Health Awareness Week after finding vital online support through NHS Wales.
George Ryley was left physically and mentally overwhelmed by work pressures and a spell of poor health.
After reaching out to his GP, he was referred for in-person therapy and signposted to SilverCloud® Wales’ Space from Stress programme.
He described the support as ‘amazing’ and said the lessons he learned had had a ‘life-changing’ impact.
“These are essential life lessons that I’d never been taught by anyone,” said George.
“I’ll carry them with me for the rest of my days. If you want to get well and stay well, caring for your mental health is a continuous process.”
George, who recently started his own company and works as an ecologist and environmental officer, was speaking out as part of Mental Health Awareness Week, which this year focuses on the theme ‘Action’.
He said his difficulties came to a head in April last year when work stresses in a previous role and a period of physical illness caused by mould toxicity left him bed‑bound for five weeks.
“I was used to being busy, exercising regularly and coping with whatever life threw at me,” he said.
“All of a sudden, I was thrust into this situation where even having a shower sapped all my energy for the day. It had a severe impact on my mental health.”
After being referred for counselling, George was encouraged to explore additional support and agreed to try SilverCloud® (opens in new tab).
The free programmes, based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), can be accessed round-the-clock on a smartphone, laptop or tablet.
Users are advised to spend 20 minutes a day, three times a week working through the exercises.
“I didn’t have the most positive mindset and - at first - I wasn’t convinced it was going to work,” George admitted.
“But as I worked through the content, I was just amazed.
“The way it helps you understand what’s causing your stress - and how to address it - is incredibly powerful.”
For George, one of the most important lessons was learning that mental health care is not a one‑off intervention.
“Stress is always going to be part of life,” he said. “It’s about understanding your warning signs and knowing how to stop yourself spiralling.”
Every SilverCloud user is assigned a dedicated supporter who provides fortnightly advice and encouragement – help which George says was also key.
He explained: “I’ve always struggled with acknowledging my successes and I’d got so used to talking myself down.
“Having such lovely feedback on my progress was really motivating.
“I’ve recommended SilverCloud to so many people who I know have been struggling with stress.
“Even if you’re in a good space now, it’s still worth doing so you’re prepared when stress inevitably comes along.
“When you’re in a dark place, it can be hard to believe anything will work. This makes you engage, reflect and take action.”
NHS Wales Online CBT Service project manager Fionnuala Clayton said George’s story highlighted the importance of taking practical steps to support wellbeing.
“Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder that taking action for wellbeing often starts with recognising when we need help.
“George’s experience shows how having the right tools at the right time can help people better understand stress, recognise their own warning signs and build habits to protect their mental health in the long term.
“SilverCloud® is designed to work alongside people’s everyday lives, giving them flexibility, support and skills they can return to whenever they need them - whether they’re struggling now or want to take action early to stay well.”
One in four of us will experience a mental health condition at some point in our lives. For more information about SilverCloud® and other local support and resources visit hduhb.nhs.wales/help-us-help-you (opens in new tab) and click on mental health wellbeing.