WRITER and mum of four, Vicky Herbert, from Penarth, has suffered with depression and anxiety for several years.

To help her deal with these issues Vicky started to write a blog and began reaching out to others in similar situations, as well as help raise awareness and understanding of the conditions.

Using this blog, she talks honestly and openly about her thoughts and feelings on the subject and has attracted readers from across the world.

As a result of her writing, Vicky has been approached by Sane, one of the largest UK charities in the Mental Health field, and their sister branch, The Black Dog Tribe, to be featured on their websites as part of a national campaign to help raise awareness of anxiety during Mental Health Awareness Week running from May 12.

Vicky said: "I am so happy to be taking part. Raising awareness of these issues is so important when one in four people will suffer at some point in their lives.

"I write to help others, and an opportunity such as this allows me to reach out to even more people.

"It is sad that there is still such a stigma attached to being able to openly admit having mental health problems and campaigns like this have such a positive affect."

Vicky’s blog can be found at www.vickyherbert.org.uk

To find out more on Mental Health Awareness Week and how you can be involved, please visit

www.sane.org.uk or www.blackdogtribe.com