for the attention of 

Organisation
Email / Contact
Department of Health and Social Care
ministerial.correspondence@dhsc.gov.uk (general correspondence)
NHS England
england.contactus@nhs.net  
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
nice@nice.org.uk
General Medical Council
gmc@gmc-uk.org  
Royal College of General Practitioners
enquiries@rcgp.org.uk
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
info@mhra.gov.uk
Livi livi.complaints@kry.se
No general public email published; complaints are normally submitted through Livi’s feedback process.  
Vitality dr simpson
member@vitality.co.uk

Bolton Community Practice — gmicb-bol.bcp@nhs.net  

In January 2024, I made the difficult decision to come off my prescribed medication, Escitalopram, with the hope of regaining a sense of normalcy in my life. Unfortunately, this decision marked the beginning of a long and painful journey through the labyrinth of mental health services. By August 2024, my situation had deteriorated to the point where I was indefinitely sectioned. The cascading effects were devastating – I lost my job, healthy habits, friends, and partner. Even my family feels distant as I struggle to cope in my 20s.

The core of my struggle stems from a lack of adequate knowledge and guidance from healthcare professionals, particularly in the area of hyperbolic tapering, which is crucial for those attempting to discontinue mental health medications safely. My General Practitioner, unfortunately, was not well-versed in this area, leading to heightened depression, anxiety, and the onset of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), exacerbated further by insomnia.

This personal narrative is not isolated. Many individuals find themselves caught in a similar predicament due to the absence of standardized protocols and sufficient training for healthcare providers on safe medication withdrawal methods. This gap in care significantly impacts the quality of life for those already vulnerable due to mental health conditions.

There is an urgent need for comprehensive training for healthcare professionals on hyperbolic tapering and the development of robust guidelines to support patients transitioning off medications like Escitalopram. Implementing workshops, consistent monitoring, and tailored support programs can provide a lifeline to those endeavoring to safely navigate the turbulence of medication withdrawal.

Let us come together to advocate for change in our mental health care system. By signing this petition, you are supporting the call for better-trained healthcare professionals, appropriate guidelines, and the development of support systems tailored to assist individuals during their journey off medication. Your signature can make a difference and help prevent others from enduring the turmoil that I and many others like me have experienced. Please sign and share this petition today.