I live in Australia with a free public mental health system. When I was sick, they first said there was nothing wrong with me. Come back in 6 months. When I came back, I was progressively worse and then diagnosed. But they said it was drug induced and I was on drugs. I had no idea what I was saying and what she was saying. I was hallucinating what questions she asked me so said some strange things. She said she would get control over me and put me in hospital and two people would come and take me away. i was scared so my parents took me to a private GP which was the best move. At least they treat you with the dignity you deserve. For the record,I am anti drug and have always been.

I went back for a review recently and on the phone they laughed at me and went to great, patronising lengths to say I was seeing a psychiatrist and laughed at me when I said thank you to end the call. Not just a giggle, an hysterical laugh. I don't behave like that and I am the one seeing a psychiatrist.

They were surprised at how good I was and what I had accomplished and those people that go there are thought to them to be nothing and not capable of great things which was the exact reason my parents took me out of that system.

If they did not believe I was capable of great things, I would not believe and would not try so hard to do things or accomplish so much. My parents are so wise. I will never forget their wisdom and what a difference they made to my life.

For those in the same situation stuck with public mental health systems who treat them this way, my advice is to go private. In Australia I am bulk billed by my GP so it is still free. And I feel normal and am treated with the respect and dignity I deserve.