A former police officer who was sectioned and then wrote a memoir about her mental health journey launched a play at the New Adelphi Theatre, before hosting a post-show discussion with an ex-Premier League footballer who attempted suicide.
What does recovery from a mental health crisis look like? Former police officer Rebecca J. House tries to answer that question in her play Silent Approach which tells the story of her journey through mental health struggles and her path to recovery.
In 2007, House, then serving with the Lancashire Constabulary, faced a serious mental health crisis. After being sectioned under the Mental Health Act, she eventually found the support she needed through therapy and self-awareness, allowing her to regain control of her life.
House’s experiences have now been brought to life on stage in Salford and other UK theatres with Silent Approach, written by Caroline Lamb and directed by Helen Parry. The production offered audiences insight into psychiatric care while highlighting hope, recovery, and resilience.
Reflecting on the early stages of her mental health journey, House said: “People didn’t understand what I was going through. I didn’t have a diagnosis for a long time and that made it hard for anyone to support me properly. But over time, friends reached out after reading my book.”
Following the performance, House joined former Premier League footballer and mental health advocate Clarke Carlisle for a post-show discussion. The conversation gave audiences an insight into living with mental health struggles and strategies for managing well-being.
House said a documentary she is also now filming aims to educate people on how to care for themselves, even when crises can’t always be prevented. “I still experience anxiety and panic attacks, but they don’t scare me anymore,” House said.
“I’ve learned techniques to calm myself, and educating myself about my mental health has made a real difference. I know now that triggers don’t have to control me. They’re signals, my mind telling me something. Learning to listen instead of panic has been life-changing.”
Carlisle stressed the importance of listening to your emotions rather than suppressing them. “You shouldn’t avoid triggers,” he said. “They’re your emotion system guiding you. They push you to take action, reflect, and grow. That awareness is the real tool for recovery.”
House also discussed her experience with medication and her focus on alternative therapies through her organisation S.I.S. (Strength in Struggles).
“I personally hate medication because of what it did to me. Through S.I.S. we offer alternative therapies that aren’t always available on the NHS, but they work, sometimes even better. It’s about trying new things; you never know what might work,” she said.
Carlisle agreed, reflecting on his own experience of being over-medicated and not introduced to therapy. By reducing medication and increasing therapy, he found the tools to manage his mental health naturally, showing that recovery is possible with the right support and self-awareness.
The play was inspired by House’s memoir, Police to Paranoia, which has sold hundreds of copies and been praised for its honesty and impact. Readers describe it as “a powerful message” showing how her story continues to resonate beyond the stage.
House continues to raise awareness of mental health issues, and audiences can look forward to her upcoming documentary, which will expand on her story and provide guidance on managing mental well-being.
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