It is time that mental illness is recognised and no longer brushed aside. Until my son was diagnosed with Paranoid Schitzophrenia in 2010 life had been good to us. He is 18 years old. We lived many months in sheer fear and horror of the illness. I researched for hours wanting to make him better. It took months for a diagnosis, and in that time he tried to end his life - twice. I'm a normal mum,who felt very alone, this whole thing was massive. Mental illness carries a huge stigma, and is a very underfunded part of the NHS as we discovered. The things I have seen and heard will haunt me forever, but for the record, my son is in recovery, he is healthy, he works, he has friends, he has his life back on track. If you passed him in the street you would never know the battles he has overcome. Many would think the name of his illness incinuates he is someone who should be locked away, it is easy to judge and categorise people, but not to easy to spend time reading the facts. One in every four people in the UK have a mental illness and many are too ashamed to seek help. Shocking statistics. This is a part of the NHS which is lacking in funds.

The points to be raised are for mental illness to be recognised so that people are proactive rather than reative - that the early signs are detected and acted upon by the medical profession, more funding for training is needed, especially for GP's. For mental health wards to be looked at and assist with the surroundings so the place to stay while in recovery is comfortable where friends and relatives can visit. The last taboo which when mentioned is often pushed into a dark corner, along with the thousands that suffer in silence. I'm determined for my voice to be heard, and if it saves one person, it will be worth it. Thank you.

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