Andy Horner, known as “Anxious Andy” online, continues his arduous journey for mental health support amidst systemic delays and a strained healthcare system. Andy, a 48-year-old resident of Shepley, Huddersfield, has been battling his mental health issues for years and is now facing an agonizing wait for Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), crucial for his treatment of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD).
The Waiting Game for Therapy
For over a year, Andy has been on a waiting list for DBT, a specialized therapy recommended by his healthcare providers at Folly Hall Mills. Despite the urgency of his condition, Andy’s start date for therapy remains uncertain. “There are so many hoops to jump through before I can even begin therapy,” Andy explains. “It’s not just about waiting for a spot to open up; it’s about being deemed ready for therapy, committing to it, and managing it alongside my work.”
Crisis and Overdoses
Andy’s prolonged wait has led to multiple crises, including several overdoses and suicide attempts, landing him frequently in A&E. Despite contacting the crisis team during these episodes, Andy often finds himself directed to A&E, which he struggles to reach during moments of suicidal ideation. “I’m left to overdose,” Andy states bluntly. “They bring me in, tell me I need therapy, but because of funding cuts and other issues, I can’t get it.”
Systemic Strain and Economic Impact
Andy’s situation highlights a broader issue within the mental health care system. With cuts to mental health services, individuals like Andy are left to navigate a broken system, resulting in repeated use of emergency services. “I’m costing the ambulance and police service money,” Andy notes. “If I call the crisis team, they send an ambulance, which then takes me to A&E. It’s a vicious cycle that’s draining resources.”
The Need for Government Intervention
Andy advocates for government action to support those in similar situations. He suggests that employers should be mandated to accommodate employees with severe mental health issues, allowing them the flexibility to attend necessary therapy sessions without jeopardizing their employment and livelihood. “People like me need structured support,” Andy argues. “Otherwise, we continue to be a burden on emergency services.”
A Traumatic Experience with Sectioning
One particularly harrowing experience for Andy was being sectioned. During a severe crisis, police forcibly entered his home, initially placing him in a police cell rather than a mental health suite. “It was horrendous,” Andy recalls. “I felt like a criminal. The suite I was eventually placed in was disgusting and exacerbated my mental health issues. It’s no wonder people avoid seeking help.”
Finding Solace in Social Media
Despite these challenges, Andy has found an unexpected source of support: social media. With 1.2 million followers on his Facebook page, “Anxious Andy,” he shares his experiences and finds solace in the support of strangers. “Social media has been my lifeline,” Andy shares. “Talking to followers, who aren’t as close as family, provides a form of support I can’t get elsewhere.”
A Call for Compassion and Change
Andy’s story underscores the urgent need for compassionate, accessible mental health care. The South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, while unable to comment on individual cases, emphasizes its commitment to supporting individuals like Andy. However, Andy’s ongoing struggle highlights the gap between policy and practice, calling for systemic change to ensure timely and effective mental health support for all.
Andy’s journey continues as he waits for the help he desperately needs, sharing his story and advocating for change. His resilience and use of social media demonstrate the power of community and the need for systemic improvements in mental health care.