In June 2025, my son, who has been diagnosed with a treatable mental health illness, fell into a severe state of mental decline. Despite his condition being manageable with the right medication, our repeated cries for help went unanswered. My family and I watched helplessly as he attempted to take his life twice in the span of just two weeks. The system failed him; no one came to his aid when he needed it the most.

By the time mental health services finally intervened in October, the damage had been done. In his confused state, my son injured a police officer during their arrival. This incident led to his being kept under restriction in a psychiatric secure unit, branded a criminal. Although he is now slowly starting to improve and regain his insight, the question remains: Why did it have to come to this? Why was there no readily available support for him and our family during the most critical moments?

This issue is not unique to my son. Countless individuals with mental health conditions suffer because the system fails to provide timely and adequate care. If mental health professionals and psychiatrists were held accountable for patient outcomes, these tragedies could be prevented. Evidence suggests that consistent and proactive mental health care can significantly reduce the likelihood of patients harming themselves or others. In fact, a study by the National Alliance on Mental Illness indicates that early intervention in mental health cases can decrease emergency room visits and result in better overall treatment outcomes.

I am calling on health authorities and policymakers to implement measures ensuring that mental health professionals can be held accountable for their patients' care. These could include mandatory follow-up protocols, ensuring timely response to emergency calls, and regular assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of mental health treatments provided.

By implementing policies that enforce these measures, we can save lives, protect families from unnecessary heartbreak, and alleviate the burden on law enforcement and the justice system. Join me in advocating for accountability in mental health care. Sign this petition to demand change from our health services, so that no family has to endure what mine has gone through. Your signature can be a step towards a more just and compassionate mental health care system for all.