My name is Niamh, I am a 22 year old living in Wales. I am also living with a number of mental health issues, and I am not the only one. 

The middle of the year 2017, after years of suffering with low mood, self harm and suicidal ideation I was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Depression and Anxiety. I attended therapy after therapy, tried numerous medications, had been in and out of hospital, and even had attempts at taking my own life. 

But why? I had a fantastic family, amazing friends, two jobs and I was at university in a gorgeous city. Despite all of this, my mental health took over and slowly destroyed my life. I was ashamed to show that I was struggling, I would shut myself away whenever I was feeling low, just so people wouldn't know and hid behind alcohol and cigarettes, trying to be normal. But unfortunately this became my normal, I had isolated myself which led to my issues becoming worse.

This happens a lot. 1 in 4 people will suffer with a mental health problem each year, and each and every one of them deserves the help and support they need. Mental health doesn't discriminate, anyone of any gender, age, ethnicity, status can be affected by a whole range of issues, and it is time for us all to be made aware of them, how we can spot them, and how we can help eachother, and ourselves.

There is no shame in asking for help, there is no shame in admitting you are struggling, there is no shame in taking medication or attending therapy, there is no shame in having a mental health problem - so let's fight it.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated, and thank you in advance to those who will follow me on my journey to raising awareness.

Love Niamh x

£1000 donation goal achieved 11/08/19

£1500 donation goal achieved 15/09/19

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.