Mentally ill still ignored

IAIN DUNCAN SMITh wants to cut the benefits of people with mental health issues (Mail). Why does our government not care about mental health? over the years there’s been a marked reduction in mental hospital in-patient beds, and sufferers often have to go to a hospital far away from their home, at great cost.

young people under 18 are now often being cared for by the police as there are no beds available, and selfharming levels are very high.

Too often, prisons are used as dumping grounds for addicts and people with mental health needs or learning disabilities, even though prisons have had swingeing budget cuts and reductions in staff levels.

There has been an increase in deaths in custody. Depression, anxiety and panic attacks are all serious mental health illnesses, often made worse by pressure due to financial issues.

Trying to get back into the workplace is hard enough, even when you don’t experience any mental health issues. The constant worry of having your benefits cut can be very stressful.

My daughter suffered from depression and committed suicide eight years ago.