Mental health is something that will affect 1 in 4 of us in our lives, and still the awareness of it in education is worryingly lacking. The number of cases of mental health patients in the UK is rising because more people feel safe to ask for help. However, the stigma that surrounds mental illness and it's sufferers is agonising. As a person suffering with a mental illness, it's hard to explain what my illness means when people have learnt so little in school. It's like attempting to explain quadratic equations to someone who has only done basic arithmetic. It isn't the fault of individuals, but rather the fact the education service is failing both neurotypical and people suffering with psychiatric problems. In the syllabus, all that is said needs to be covered is "3. the characteristics of emotional and mental health and the causes, symptoms and treatments of some mental and emotional health disorders (including stress, anxiety and depression) 4. strategies for managing mental health including stress, anxiety, depression, self-harm and suicide, and sources of help and support" Whilst this is definitely a step in the right direction, it certainly doesn't cover the wider range of mental illnesses. The most stigmatised diagnosises (such as schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder) aren't even touched upon. And we wonder why they are misrepresented! I'm hoping to provide more in depth education on mental illnesses throughout the key stages in school. It's something some people suffer from their whole lives, and educating their peers can be nothing but positive.