Raising Awareness on Mental Health: Zoe Cawley’s Journey By Zoe Cawley, Edited by C.S.Welford & C.O’Brien-Welford
One of the hardest things for young people is reaching out for help. Many feel that asking for support will lead to rejection or that their struggles won’t be taken seriously. Opening up can be incredibly scary—there's often a fear that others will see you as weak or seeking attention, or that people won’t understand what you're going through. Some feel like their problems aren't "bad enough" to seek help. But the truth is, there's no such thing as being "sick enough" to deserve support, regardless of what services might suggest. In my view, the government isn’t doing enough to support mental health. The Mental Health Act needs reforming. Those struggling with mental health deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, especially when they’re already vulnerable. Far too often, patients are mistreated or neglected, which only worsens their mental health. We need more community support services so that hospitals become a last resort. If more funding were available, many young people could avoid the need for hospitalisation, which can have a further negative impact on their mental well-being. More community resources could also help reduce the strain on the NHS. Changing Attitudes Toward Mental Health Mental health is often misunderstood, and the stigma around it is still pervasive. We are not lazy or weak—we are su ering, and many of us are crying out for help only to be ignored. The government has the power to make a di erence and save lives, but I don’t believe they’re doing enough. We need actions, not just words or empty promises.
My name is Zoe, and I've been battling mental health challenges since I was 11. Over the years, I've witnessed others struggle with their mental health as well, and it’s heartbreaking to see that, even a decade later, there's still not enough support available for those who are su ering. Writing has been my outlet, a way to express feelings I never thought I could share. When I started sharing my work on social media, I quickly realised I wasn’t alone in these feelings. While it’s sad to know that so many people experience similar pain, it's also comforting to know you're not alone—you're not crazy. Having someone to relate to can make all the di erence. That’s why I continue to share my poetry and raise awareness of mental health, particularly on my TikTok account. Helping others helps me, and I truly believe that’s my purpose.
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online