Mental health matters‏

I've had mental health problems and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

These problems became worse when I went to university. I'd been struggling with my health and had been seeing health professionals for some time. When I went to university I moved away from those services and found that without the support I'd been receiving it was too much. Unfortunately, for me it meant dropping out.

Many universities and their student unions have put a lot of resources into their mental health and welfare services. When access is easy they can be used to their full potential, providing a lifeline for those who are finding it hard to cope. But many new students struggle to get access to this support at a challenging time in their lives. Some, like me, slip through the gaps.

What are your experiences of getting mental health care? Have they been good? Bad? Liberal Democrats are calling for an extra £500 million each year to improve access to care-please share your story with me today.

My story didn't have to end the way it did. Mental health is the elephant in the room at university, with 6 in 10 students saying they haven't believed a fellow student who said they had mental health problems. That has to change.

We need to end the stigma of mental health and talk about this invisible illness that affects so many of us. It is never acceptable that someone is denied their chance to fulfil their potential because they are ignored or shamed.

This is why I'm campaigning with Liberal Youth and the Liberal Democrats to end the stigma. Will you share yours with me today?

All stories are anonymous-and you don't have to be a young person to share.

Best,

Alex
Liberal Youth

P.S. Need to talk about to someone about your health? Mind can help.