A DECADE of delay for children with mental health issues
I thought I was dying of AIDs. I was 12 years old.
Children with mental health problems are facing a decade of delay between displaying symptoms and getting help, according to a new report out today.
The shocking statistics from the Centre for Mental Health charity says opportunities to offer support to children and young people are often missed until they escalate and reach a "crisis". It goes on to warn that the longer a child is left without any help, the more likely it is to cast a shadow over their entire life.
We're joined by writer and mental health champion Bryony Gordon who has written a book about her personal battles with mental illness, called Mad Girl.
We also speak to 19-year-old Nikki Mattocks, who was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Recurring Depression Disorder and Social Anxiety after experiencing a traumatic event at the age of 14. It took eight suicide attempts for her to finally get the help she needed.