More mental health services needed

I WOULD like to share my views on the article titled ‘Mental Health Service Praised’ about the charity Rethink Mental Health.

Although I think it’s a fantastic service, as I read the piece it immediately brought tears to my eyes and a sickening feeling in my stomach. Why couldn’t a service like this have been available earlier?

My brother suffered with mental health problems, he was never diagnosed properly, they only said he had a personality disorder. If he had been seen today he probably would have been diagnosed with bipolar or manic depression. He was passed from pillar to post but nobody ever actually helped him. I remember my mum on the phone begging and crying for someone to help us. All they seemed to be able to do was admit him to the psychiatric ward for a few days, give him some pills and send him home again.

My brother ended up taking his own life in February 2002. I remember the coroner at the inquest agreed with my mum saying that there was not enough help in Rotherham for people suffering with mental health problems.

It’s so upsetting to think how many people like my brother and their families must have suffered before the authorities decided to take notice and do something about it. I strongly believe that he might still be here today if he was receiving help and support from a scheme like this. I think it’s still an area that needs more attention and awareness and more places set up around the country to help those affected by mental illness and suicide.

I also would like to praise the staff at Rethink Mental Illness, it sounds like they do a great job.

But for me, it comes a few years too late.

Vicky Poole

 

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