A classroom assistant from Co Antrim has appealed for local politicians to help people like him, who is living with crippling mental health issues.
Steve Caldwell, from Antrim town, has been battling depression and anxiety for almost 10 years. He says there are episodes where he is unable to function due to the anxious thoughts that he describes as "an impending doom" upon his life.
Having sought help, and knowing the pressures on the mental health waiting lists in Northern Ireland, Steve told Belfast Live of his shock after being quoted prices for private help. He says he would go without, if he had to, to fund this specialist help.
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"For the last 10 years I have battled with and lived with anxiety," he said.
"In August, I had an episode where I was off work for a couple of weeks and in a really dark place. This is now the time where I feel like I have been given the least support. I spoke to my GP over the phone and they said they would try to get me in with the mental health crisis team but it was a couple of weeks.
"After a local MLA got involved, I got a call to come to the crisis team. Now that I am sure it is now just mental health, but anxiety too, I am looking for someone who specialises in anxiety. I have been quoted £400 for an initial consultation privately, and then £150 for subsequent appointments.
"It is frightening because I feel like I need to avail of this, no matter the price. If not, I think I would be in a seriously dark place. Essentially for me, it's find the money for private help or wait those months on the waiting list. What is the alternative?
"I would go without to pay for these services because I see mental health care as an essential."
Steve has called on all local MLAs in Northern Ireland to come together, to see what can be done to bring effective mental health care to people in need. While he has a strong interest in the political world at Stormont, he's now pleading for a collective approach to mental health services.
He said: "My anxiety comes upon me like a storm. It becomes really debilitating and can often just come from nowhere. Because it is so crippling, it means that there is that sense of terror that can stop you going to work, or out with family and friends.
"It is an impending doom that I am living with and I am not speaking out for attention, I just want to highlight the case that people are really struggling and we need help.
"People have reached out, which is amazing. It has meant so much to read the comments that strangers have shared. I just hope that our politicians can help out."
Anyone who needs to talk to someone about mental health issues can call the Samaritans on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.
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