A BRAVE student is using her own experience of severe depression to help other youngsters improve their mental health.

Sarah Wilkinson, of Porthmadog, who is 19 and soon off to university, has started a petition calling for weekly peer-to-peer or counsellor-led groups in schools to deal with ever increasing reports of students suffering with conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Sarah recently met with Dwyfor and Meirionnydd’s MP Liz Saville Roberts, who is backing a campaign calling for more school-based support and counselling sessions for students suffering mental health issues.

Sarah, who has previously attempted suicide and devastatingly lost a 15-year-old friend who battled with mental health, believes more can be done to help those who feel they have nowhere else to turn.

Sarah’s petition has already gained over 800 signatures and she aims to present it to the Welsh Government later in the year.

Sarah said: “At the age of 16 I was admitted to the care of CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services).

“I was later diagnosed with an eating disorder and was already experiencing severe depression.

“I soon found myself feeling isolated and alone, finding clarity and peace in alcohol, drugs and self-harm, which only added to my problems.

“Being in school and feeling afraid and alone is a dark place to be.

“I feel my journey would have been much easier if I could have spoken in a group with fellow pupils, many of whom I knew were suffering in silence, to talk about our experiences.

“Many young people aren’t lucky enough to be referred to CAMHS as I myself didn’t receive help until I took an overdose of paracetamol at school.

“It’s important we have somewhere to talk and be open before issues worsen and escalate into something very dangerous.”

Liz Saville Roberts MP added: “I’m pleased to support Sarah and her petition calling for more support for young people dealing with the challenges of mental health.

“We know that low self-esteem and poor self-confidence combined with pressure to achieve in exams and assessments can lead to poor health and wellbeing issues throughout adult life.

“This is why it is very important that a range of support services are on offer to help children and young people in schools and colleges.

“We also know that we can help young people most effectively and they will have the best health outcomes if they receive the right care at the earliest possible age. Providing the right support in schools is vital in this.

“It is so important that we understand how to protect and promote the wellbeing of all children and young people.”

For more information about youth mental health, visit www.nhs.uk/Livewell/youth-mental-health/Pages/Youth-mental-health-help.aspx