Mental health campaigner calls for law reform after trauma

A young mental health campaigner, Abbey, is speaking out about her experience after a suicide attempt. Three years ago, she was taken to a police van and left there for hours. She feels the police treated her poorly, making jokes about her while she was in distress. Abbey describes how she felt more like a criminal than someone needing help. She recalls being moved to a hospital emergency room, where she was alone with an officer watching videos on his phone. Several male medical staff members then approached her at once, adding to her trauma. Abbey emphasizes that people in crisis should not be treated as nuisances. Rather, they need compassion and understanding. Abbey is now working with the mental health charity Mind to raise awareness about the shortcomings of mental health services. She believes that emergency staff should listen to people before making decisions about their care. She wants those who are sectioned to feel safe and to have a say in their treatment. Her experiences highlight the need for urgent changes in mental health legislation. Advocates like Minesh Patel from Mind stress the importance of reforming the Mental Health Act. He notes that many people desiring help are let down by the current system, which can lead to serious long-term consequences. Abbey has shared her story through a poem displayed at a parliamentary exhibition. Her message is clear: mental health care should be a space for recovery, not trauma. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through organizations like the Samaritans. They can be reached at 116 123 or online for more help.