There are so many if onlys but if only he’d been seen sooner

Sarah on her son’s psychosis

It took four years for a teenager to go from suffering anxiety to having terrifying episodes of psychosis. Four years when his mother fought in vain for the help he needed and an early intervention that could have protected his mental health. Four years when that intervention never happened.

Sarah said: “In the last six months, there have been times when I’ve genuinely feared I was going to find Andrew’s body somewhere. I’m convinced he would not have got to a point of psychosis if he had been seen by CAMHS even two years ago, been quickly assessed and put on some form of monitored treatment plan.”

The mum of four first noticed a change in her son’s mood aged 13 and sought help from their GP. Despite regular sessions with a school counsellor, his mental health gradually worsened. Andrew was referred to CAMHS by his GP when he was 15 but waited one year for a phone assessment.

“His mental health really wasn’t great at that point,” said Sarah. “After deciding there was no immediate risk of self-harm or suicide, the therapist said CAMHS would be in touch as he progressed up the waiting list.”

Another year passed until, one week before Andrew’s 18th birthday, he received another call from CAMHS. Sarah said: “They said he definitely needed to speak to somebody but, as he would be 18 in a week, it wouldn’t be with CAMHS and they would refer him to adult services. That hit him very hard.”

Andrew’s mental health spiralled downwards. With no access to psychological support, he was prescribed antidepressants in September 2019, three years after first seeking help. “He was still on the waiting list for adult services and hadn’t spoken to anyone. Andrew went from being energetic and chatty to an absolute zombie within 24 hours.”

Sarah desperately pleaded with her GP, who referred Andrew again to adult services and offered some talking therapy. “He wasn’t a trained mental health professional, just a GP frustrated at the obvious lack of support my son was getting.”

Andrew deteriorated further while the family was in lockdown earlier this year. Both Sarah and her GP suspected bipolar disorder but required a psychiatrist for an official diagnosis.

In early August, Andrew, now 19, had his first psychotic episode. Sarah recalled: “He was watching a film and became convinced the main actress was his ex-girlfriend. He began messaging his ex about being in the film for hours.”

The next day, after reading back his messages, Andrew asked his mum to help him see a doctor. “He was so upset. He couldn’t work out what was real any more. Hearing that was the scariest moment of my life. Our GP was devastated for us and referred Andrew again.”

Six weeks later, he had another phone assessment. Seven days after that, Andrew was finally accepted for a medical appointment. “We think that means he’ll see a doctor within six weeks, two-and-ahalf months after his first psychotic episode and four years after being referred to CAMHS.”

Sarah feels the entire system has failed her son. “It felt like a total battle to just get in the door and be heard, never mind get treatment, all while your child’s mental health gets worse before your eyes.

“To have this arbitrary cut-off at 18 years old is such a disservice to young people at the most emotionally and mentally fragile time of their life.

“It is nothing short of negligence. What we have now isn’t working for most young people. The Government has said it is committed, but now we need to see action.”