Afeefa Ali advocates for UK children's mental health reform

Afeefa Ali, a 19-year-old from London, is calling for changes in the UK's mental health care system after her traumatic experiences in children's mental health units. Between the ages of 13 and 17, she spent several years in treatment for depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and PTSD. Unfortunately, she felt more traumatized upon discharge than when she entered the facilities. Afeefa describes mixed experiences in the mental health units. While one facility was somewhat positive, she faced a lack of compassion from many staff members in others. She felt treated like a dangerous animal rather than a young person in need of support. She shared a specific incident where a psychiatrist misdiagnosed her as manic, increasing her feelings of isolation and fear. One major concern for Afeefa is the practice of sending patients far from their homes for treatment. She recalled being abruptly told she could be sent to Manchester or Leeds, creating anxiety for herself and her family. Afeefa is now working with Mind, a mental health charity, to advocate for legislative changes, focusing on the Mental Health Act. Afeefa now feels recovered from her past illnesses and is actively involved in mental health advocacy, including preparing for the London Marathon. Mind's Associate Director, Minesh Patel, emphasized the need for a new Mental Health Act to ensure patients receive safe and compassionate care. He highlighted the importance of addressing the traumatic experiences that young people like Afeefa have faced in mental health facilities.