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Hey guys, and thank you for visiting our page. I thought id give you a little background on why we are doing this, and also what has been involved.

Me and Nicola have both experienced some sort of mental health issues. Ranging from anxiety to suffering from a mental illness. To start with myself, Samantha Robbins,  I was referred to CAMHS at the age of 13. After 2 years of ongoing support, i was admitted to an adolescent open mental health unit. After two weeks of admission, i was returned home, to feel and worry the exact way i did before admission. After 4 more admissions in the space of 2months, things deteriorated. 

Symptoms became worse, and my behaviour escalated. It was like i was in a bubble, so very scared. I didn't believe any of my loved ones, and trusted no body but myself. Just after my 15th birthday, i was admitted to a medium secure unit an hour away from my family home. I was placed on a section 3 of the mental health act, which is a 6month section. Section means that a person is held in hospital against their will, and if they attempt to leave, the hospital have power to use force to get you back. It was the most secure that the country had, leaving me very frightened. There were strict rules and regulations. Visiting times monitored and time kept, strip searches, metal detectors, seclusion, safety clothing. It was all a very daunting experience. With visits once a week, i became very lonely. I don't even think that that bothered me at the time, i was wrapped up in my own little world. 

After 3 years at that unit, i finally progressed, and moved to a lower secure adult unit, as i was over 18. Things soon became rocky again, after symptoms returned. I refused all medication, which inevitably resulted in a relapse. After a year of stress and symptoms, i changed medication. Very quickly i felt better, less scared, even slightly happy. No longer was i screaming for everybody to hide, because people were coming to kill us. No longer did i search for something to 'bring me round', and most importantly, no longer did i want anything, but this life. I felt better, and this was the amazing start to my recovery.

I started doing things i used to enjoy, horse riding, music, art work. Things progressed, progressed and progressed. After gaining unescorted leave, family visits, and lots of freedom, i was discharged home to my family house. Freedom at last. After 5 years of hospitalisation, i was finally free and off section. I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. An illness that will most likely effect the rest of my life. But that doesn't scare me anymore, I am still Sam Robbins!

Nicola has suffered from anxiety and depression. From bullying, to struggling herself with everyday life. She was also known to CAMHS, but didn't receive any support. After struggling with herself, she was involved in a car accident, shaking herself up to the point she couldn't function. Luckily, nobody was seriously hurt, but she was then referred for CBT. She talked through her issues, and amazingly recovered fully, enough to live her life happily. 

I and Nicola both used music and song writing to get through our struggles. Nicola used her guitar and drums to settle herself. Nicola fully supported me, even though she was struggling herself, and made a huge effort. She visited me often when i was in hospital, and stayed in contact throughout. She is an amazing and talented young girl, and i know she is so very strong. 

A long story, but to cut the message short.. Life isn't always as easy as possible. You take things that you would never imagine for granted. Mental health in teens is becoming so common. There is so much stigma, and the charities do not receive any where near what they need. 

This song represents the struggle we, and many others have had. It was written by us both, and we produced in a lovely studio called Aspect Studios in Loughborough. All your donations will go to the charity, and it will be so well used. Thank you so much for reading. Please share and donate. It means so much to us, and we are giving it our all. 

All our love,

Sam and Nic. x