New Title: “GPs Need Better Training in NEAD and Mental Health Crisis Response — Lives Depend on It.

I wanted to share an important update — my MSP has now passed my concerns to the Scottish Health Minister for review. It’s been a relief to finally reach someone who understands Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD) and to be met with genuine kindness and understanding after years of struggling to be heard.

But one kind conversation isn’t enough — this must become standard practice. No one in crisis should ever be turned away, dismissed, or left feeling like their life doesn’t matter.

This shows why better GP and receptionist training is so urgently needed — not just in recognising mental health crises, but also in understanding conditions like NEAD, which are often misunderstood or dismissed.

For me, a bad day can mean being unable to use my hands because of pain and stiffness in my arms, wrists, and fingers — or being unable to walk because of the pain in my shins and the constant trembling through my body. Some days, even simple tasks feel impossible, and it can be incredibly frightening and isolating.

No one in crisis should ever be treated without compassion or made to feel like a burden. Every life matters, and with the right awareness and training, many of these painful experiences could be prevented.

My goal remains the same: to raise awareness of NEAD and ensure that GPs and reception staff receive proper training in how to respond to patients experiencing mental health distress or functional neurological conditions.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported and shared this petition so far — your signatures mean the world and are helping to create real change.

Please share this petition to help ensure no one else has to face this alone.