'Don't be ashamed too many people suffer in silence' says young fundraiser Rosie Lloyd
22 - year old, Rosie Lloyd, from Worcestershire, is making and selling her own Christmas cards to give back to the mental health services that helped her through her teenage years.
The young fundraiser has been trying to break down the stigma around speaking out about mental health by sharing her own personal experiences about the importance of reaching out and getting help in difficult times.
She told Travellers' Times, "Its important to raise awareness to let people know that they don't have to suffer in silence. And that there is help out there. Too many young people have already lost their lives, and if my story can stop one person from taking their life, then I've achieved my goal - your mental health is just as important as your physical health!"
Rosie has a personal connection to the CAMHS - The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service she is fundraising for.
"I was under CAMHS from the age of 14 up until 18. They helped me with my mental health condition and got me the right treatment. I suffer from an illness called EUPD - Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder. I also struggle with autism, it can be a day to day struggle. Because of this, I find it hard to read people and explain my feelings."
She added, "I made a card for a family member, and they liked it so much they wanted me to make more. And then I thought if I make them and sell them I could give the proceeds to a charity which really means something to me. And then that is when I decided to go with CAMHS."
Rosie's goal was to raise a modest £150, but she has doubled this and has raised £300 in just 2 weeks.
She said, "The biggest amount of cards ordered so far in one go was 50. I ran into my mum and I convinced myself it was an error. So I messaged the back lady to confirm and it wasn't a misspelling. I was shocked and happy. I knew I was going to be busy! The response I've received is amazing. I never thought id have so many people supporting me."
Travellers Times asked Rosie what advice she would give to other young people who might be struggling with their mental health.
"It does get better and having mental health is nothing to be ashamed of. Talking is the best therapy, If you do have symptoms of any mental health condition, I advise not to google it, but to seek professional help. When I first had symptoms I was ashamed to tell anyone, because I thought no one would understand. The best policy is to speak out. Don't be ashamed or afraid. To many people suffer in silence."
You can support Rosie by following her Facebook page called - Cards for Charity. All cards are £1 each. She also creates personalised Christmas cards that can be posted out to you.
A massive well done from all of us at the Travellers' Times Team Rosie for shining a light on this very important issue!
For more information about CAMHS check out Young Minds HERE.
If your a young person or a parent of a young person struggling with their mental health check out our 'Its Kushti to Rokker' info pack for young people HERE.
You can also check out our 'Its Kushti to Rokker' film project for and by young people created to break down the stigma around speaking out about mental health HERE.
Lisa Smith/YTT News
