"Mental Health access and services "

(Refused Access to the Royal Ed when I wanted to section myself)

(Refused follow up treatments to CBT etc)

The strain on services and waiting lists is an initial barrier as I believe most people access mental health services far too late in the progression of their illness.

The medical approach is in my opinion poor. Prescribing anti-depressants is a GP's first response where the mental health problem is still undiagnosed. In my experience this can be more harmful and I don't think the having a pill and be on your way attitude is just an appropriate response.

Also my experience of psychologists is a degree does not give you the right to go poking around in people's heads. Perhaps talking to someone with similar problems could be more practical or a combination? (More sympathetic approach as well than just someone trying to classify you).

A major barrier to people with mental problems is the feeling you're the only one as unfortunately people can't always relate to something they haven't experienced.