TIME FOR CHANGE | Mental Health Discussion on ITV's This Morning I was sent the same video clip twice today. It was a discussion of mental health on ITV's 'This Morning'. I've attached it above. I can only imagine it's because people are aware of the strength and passion I feel towards the topic. Let me give you a little background. A little over a year ago, I admitted for the first time in my life that I couldn't cope, and I needed help fighting my demons. I'd done it on my own for so long, but I couldn't any more, I'd taken so many punches, I needed some help fighting back. I went to the doctors, got out on anti depressants, which I was against all my life until that point. I was put forward for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and a PSTD Compassionate Resilience course. It took just shy of 7 months for the call to come through telling me I had a place at CBT. 7 months. Let's put that in to perspective. Had I been in a different mental state, struggling to function and fearing I couldn't continue on any more, being told you have to wait up to 7 months or more could be the tipping point for some people. Did you know the biggest cause of death in people under 25 is suicide? I've been there, I e tried, and for whatever reason I'm still here. Unfortunately, others aren't quite so lucky. It takes so much bravery to admit you need help, but when the support isn't there to help you, where do you go? Some people have given up fighting, and that's when they seek help, and don't get it fast enough. It isn't the fault of our nurses, psychiatrists and doctors, but the fault of government, taking millions upon millions away from Mental Health services after promising it over and over. When will people realise mental illness is a real thing? 1 in 4 people suffer with a form of mental illness in their lifetime, but because we can't see it, it isn't taken as seriously. Mental illness is as real as anything. People, including myself have been told all the time to 'stop thinking about it', or to 'forget it'. Would you tell a diabetic they don't need their insulin? No, stop giving people such bullshit and do something to help. It really pisses me off that many people are still having to fight a stigma as well as deal with their mental illnesses. There is still such a primitive view of mental illnesses, and it has to stop. NOW. Let me tell you this, if you're somebody who still passes judgement on those with a mental illness, Fuck you. Open your eyes, expand your mind. Learn something, offer an ear or even smile and ask how somebody's day is, and you never know the impact you could have. The smallest thing can make the biggest difference. I get so passionate about this because I have experienced it first hand. A year on, and I'm still not even half way through the process of dealing with my traumas. This is why I will create my own charity. I want a sanctuary for those who are suffering in silence, for those who are too scared to talk to their friends or family, for those on the edge in need of a hand. We all have the potential to do something amazing, we just need the encouragement to show us we can do it. Somebody to say we can, somebody to believe in us, give us a little push and show us what we are truly capable of. I promise you that one day, I will be at the forefront of raising awareness of mental health. I'm not even just saying it for likes, or any of that shit. I will be stood, fighting shoulder to shoulder with those who suffer. Those in need. Nobody should have to go through this alone, nor should they be judged for their struggles or traumas. BORN will bring about change. Maybe not in 6 months, or even a year, or even 5 years, but one day. Know that I will give my all to helping people, because I know what it feels like. It's rough, it's a long, and hard road, even more so when facing it alone. I know what it feels like to be scared to go outside, to be scared to speak or so trapped you can't get out of bed. Feeling so numb that nothing provokes an emotion in you. It's difficult for people to understand what it feels like without going through it, but that doesn't mean we can't change the perception. Like I said, shoulder to shoulder. Nobody should have to go through these things alone. There is always somebody there to help, offer a hand or lend an ear. Now if you'll excuse me, it's back to work. Raising awareness and trying to help. Join the conversation, you could potentially save a life. Peace, and love <3 Pete