Breaking the taboo: One girl opens up on life with mental illness

At the age of 22, Grace Jeremy finally has control over most of the mental health issues which plagued her throughout her teens.

She struggled with anxiety disorder and depression, developing anorexia later on before being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.

She opened up to ITV News to reveal what life with a mental illness was like and how she finally got the help she needed - and she had a stark warning over today's revelation that £35 million has been slashed from young people's mental health services.

She said the cuts could spell a "death sentence" for many.

Living with mental illness

The effect that Grace's various diagnoses had on her was devastating, she said.

Despite her health suffering, and knowing she looked "skeletal", she said, she simply was not able to change her damaging behaviour patterns.

The stigma

Broaching the subject of mental health can be frightening in itself, she said, as there is still a "taboo" around the topic.

Even with family and friends, opening up was difficult - not least because she knew it would upset them as well.

Trying to get help

While she is now on the road to recovery, Grace told ITV News she had to overcome a number of obstacles before receiving help.

Even after being referred, she had to wait another eight weeks to see a psychiatrist, losing another stone from her already-fragile frame.

At her lowest point, she said, she weighed less than 5st 7lbs.

Budget cuts

Cutting funding to mental health services amounts to a "death sentence" for many people suffering with problems, she warned.

Upon hearing that tens of millions of pounds had been lost from mental health budgets across the UK, she said those in charge needed to realise the impact on people who desperately need help.

If you are in distress or need some support, the Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 08457 90 90 90 or visit their website.

For those in the Republic of Ireland, the number is 1850 60 90 90.