Keep calm and carry on - honouring the women in our lives.

How often do we check in with the women in our lives beyond “Are you ok?” Probably not often enough!

Women are truly amazing, often juggling different daily challenges, proving their worth, and dealing with societal pressures to look good all whilst our bodies go through so many biological challenges, from our first period to menopause and everything in between. It’s no wonder it can take a toll on our mental health.

1 in 4 Women in England experience a common mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. Despite conversations around mental health becoming easier there is still a stigma. That really puts into perspective how many women you may know that might need your support. 

Many women I have spoken to often say the same thing: they are burnt out, trying to do too much and unable to listen to their bodies or say no. Leading to depression, anxiety and often time off work.

Despite mental ill health becoming more accepted and openly discussed, stigma still exists around motherhood, class, race and age. Typical British culture advises us to “keep calm and carry on” but times are changing.

Here we look at five amazing British women in the spotlight advocating to change the narrative around mental health.

🤩 Ruby Wax OBE

Actress, comedian, and author Ruby Wax was awarded an OBE for her services to mental health. She is an ambassador for the charity SANE and founded Frazzled Café, which offers a non-judgemental space for people to talk or simply listen.

As a mental health campaigner, Ruby raises awareness and reduces stigma for those experiencing mental health difficulties. She has spoken openly about her own struggles with depression and has written several books on mental health and mindfulness. 👏

🤩 Frankie Bridge

Former singer with the girl group The Saturdays and panellist on ITV’s Loose Women, Frankie Bridge documented her experience of depression and anxiety in her book OPEN: Why Asking for Help Can Save Your Life.

She is an ambassador for the mental health charity Mind. Frankie has discussed using therapy and medication to manage her depression and encourages people to talk openly about their emotions through her mental health–focused podcast, Open Mind, where she speaks with celebrities and psychologists. 👏

🤩 Dame Judi Dench

Actress Dame Judi Dench has spoken openly about her own mental health and the importance of finding positives.

She has spoken out about coping with grief, family addiction and the impact on her physical health having been diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which has led to vision loss.

She has helped to break the stigma of mental health in later life, emphasising that "mental well-being is key to physical well-being" and that feeling good mentally helps her manage the frustrations of aging. 👏

🤩 Fearne Cotton

Radio, television presenter and author Fearne Cotton spoken candidly about her own struggles with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and bulimia.

Fearne created ‘Happy Place’ which includes a podcast and books with the intention to promote mental wellbeing and reduce stigma. Promoting tools for coping and self-care.

Listen to honest, down to earth conversations about mental health with experts and celebrities on The Happy Place podcast. 👏

🤩 Adwoa Aboah

British fashion model and actress Adwoa Aboah was voted Model of the Year in 2017 and appeared on the cover of Vogue. She has spoken openly about her battles with depression, addiction, and bipolar disorder.

In 2015, Adwoa founded Gurls Talk, a non-profit organisation created to provide a safe, judgement-free space for young women to discuss mental health, body image, sexuality, self-care, and social media pressures.

Gurls Talk began as an Instagram platform and has since expanded, continuing to support and raise awareness for young women by running events, workshops, and a podcast featuring celebrity guests. 👏

These amazing women, despite their fame and success, show that mental health issues are not biased, they are not limited to age, class, or background.

It is a reminder that we are all human, vulnerability is not weakness, and that being open and honest makes conversation around mental health easier for everyone.

🌻Honour the Amazing Women in Your Life

International women’s day reminds us to reflect on women’s achievements, to progress towards gender equality, and to empower women everywhere.

Take a moment to think about the women in your life, the challenges they may have faced, their achievements and why they are special to you. Consider telling them why you are thinking of them and why they are amazing.

You could…

🌻Offer emotional support – listen without judgement, check in more regularly

🌻The power of tea – invite them round for a cuppa and a chat, or make a flask and take a walk

🌻Gift wellness books or journals

🌻Gift a wellness experience or create your own

🌻Encourage rest, offer help

🌻Acknowledge their needs and also your own

You don’t need a platform or a podcast to make a difference or to advocate for mental health. Honouring the women in your life by celebrating them but also by supporting them. Every conversation is important.

Sunday 8^th March 2026 is International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate women everywhere, move beyond ‘keep calm and carry on’ and choose ‘speak, rest, and be heard’ paving the way for our daughters and all that will follow later.