I've battled with mental health issues for 26+ years but over the past five years the struggle to obtain help has been beyond challenging. Despite numerous existing support systems on paper, accessing these resources proves to be daunting and, at times, impossible. From 2020 to 2022, I was unable to see my GP for nearly two years, despite dialing the phone 62 times in one day without any response. Over this period, I visited A&E more than 50 times in desperate pursuit of support with anxiety and assistance with vaccination. On one occasion when I requested a chaperone outside a vaccination hub i was subsequently taken and left unattended in a waiting room for 16 hours, forgotten and dismissed. I walked home in tears at almost 3am.

This is not a tale of isolated incidents, but a reflection of a systemic failure affecting countless individuals seeking mental health care. Mental health is an integral part of overall wellbeing, yet those suffering are often dismissed or overlooked in the healthcare system. According to the Mental Health Foundation, one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. The demand for effective support is not only urgent but necessary for the well-being of millions.

Action is needed to guarantee that individuals with mental health needs are heard and can access the help they desperately seek. This involves training more mental health professionals, improving response times, and ensuring that existing support systems are functioning effectively and empathetically. It is critical that emergency services, GPs, and mental health institutions collaborate to create an integrated network of support.

Sign this petition to demand that governmental bodies and health institutions prioritize mental health and make tangible changes to ensure that every person has the support they need, without delay or disregard. Together, we can create a system where mental health care is as readily accessible and respected as physical health care. Your signature can make the voice of those struggling be heard. Please sign and help pave the way for a more supportive and understanding future for mental health sufferers.