Charlie Lavin

A quarter of the worldwide population (one billion seven hundred fifty million people.) will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year. Depression affects 1 in 5 older people. 1 in 10 young people will experience a mental health problem in their lifetime. 9 out of 10 people with mental health problems experience stigma and discrimination. So as if they're not going through enough dealing with an illness, they also have to deal with not being accepted and treated like an outsider. This no doubt would make them feel a lot worse than they already do. If somebody is mentally ill and gets no/little support then how are they expected to get better and then therefore become accepted in this society. So stigma and discrimination can trap people in a never ending cycle of illness. I just really don't quite see how a physical illness is any more important than a mental illness. Surely having a problem with the most important organ in your whole body should

So on the 9th February 2014, I became a christian. It has impacted my year for the good. So I just wanted to share my journey so far with you. I have learnt so much whether it be from my mistakes, other people or from the bible itself. Every day i'm always growing in my faith and my relationship with god. Becoming a christian has made me more confident to let others see the true me and that has really impacted the things I have had the opportunity to do. It has also given me solid friendships with people who I may have not met otherwise. These friendships have given me ongoing support through the tough times I have faced this past year. It has also give me the chance to be there for them too, like they was for me. But most importantly, my heart has changed and has made me a kinder, more generous, patient person. However, having said all this it is still important to remember that i'm still a sinner, make mistakes and have daily problems. Becoming a christian won't esse