Thanks for visiting my Just Giving page.

In the winter of 2011 I was diagnosed, at the age of 15, with severe depression. I had been self harming and was deemed at a high risk to myself. I slept a lot, had severe anxiety and panic attacks and had no interest in leaving my bedroom, let alone the house. I barely went to school, and if I did I would panic and cry before leaving the house. I missed most of my mock exams and was struggling to catch up with all the school work I was missing.

I was put in counselling with a lovely woman, which did me wonders, and after a long struggle I managed to sit all of my GCSE exams and get good results. In September 2012 I had my last counselling session. 

I know that what I went through, thousands of other children are going through every single day. From experience, I can tell you that depression is a very serious illness and does not deserve the stigma attached to it. Mental illness in children needs to be dealt with quickly and effectively with the best treatment methods for that particular child as it can affect their school work, social lives and future. Charities like Young Minds can help these children get the treatment they need and allieviate the stigma attached to mental illnesses.

I also saw the impact that my illness had on my family and friends. My mum, and quite a few of my close friends, blamed themselves and struggled to deal with me when I was upset. I don't blame them for not knowing how to cope with my illness because depression is a very difficult thing to address. Charities like Young Minds can offer support & advice to not only those going through a mentall illness, but to their families as well. 

I urge you to please donate and help me raise £200 for Young Minds.

£10 can help pay for young local volunteers to reduce the stigma of mental health.

£25 can help a parent who rings the Young Minds helpline.

£50 can help support Young Minds mental health training for teachers and healthcare professionals.

£100 can help young people who have suffered with mental health problems support other young people suffering from ill mental health.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Please donate what you can and share this page with your friends.

For more information on what Young Minds do, visit www.youngminds.org.uk