I am hoping to start a petition on raising awareness and funding for child and adult mental health services. When I was in my last year of school, I suffered from severe anxiety and panic attacks, I missed my exams, lost my friends and couldn't even walk to the end of my street by myself. I went to the doctors many times, saw the school counsillor etc. as I was also only 15 I could not be put on any strong medication. Finally I was referred to CAMHS but there was a 6 month waiting list, long story short as my anxiety was so bad I was pushed to the front of the list but it took alot of persuading. I saw them for about 8 months (they had to come to my house as I was unable to get there) and started to recover. I started as a Teaching Assistant (apprentice) about a year and a half ago and thought everything was getting back on track. Last year I was diagnosed with depression, again I went to the doctors who tried their best to help and push things forward. I was put on anti-depressants, which did not help. I saw a First Step counsillor then a First Step therapist, which I had about 6 sessions with, this was also unsucessful. I have now been referred to the Community Mental Health Team, been taken to hospital many times, been taken off my medication and now see a psychiatrist weekly as well as the Crisis Team, I am signed off work and hopefully on the road to recovery. Many people I know suffer from mental health issues, my Dad was an Alcholic and died from this when I was young and his mum died when he was young as well. I think funding needs to be given to the Mental Health services to help people with these problems. Please help and sign the petition. Thank you.

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