Warning - this story discusses mental health and suicidal thoughtsIt took four referrals and a confession she was harming herself for Quinn* to finally be accepted to a district health board (DHB) mental health service. While they sought help from the school counsellor, self-help books and encouragement to "keep going" did little to help, Jane says. "I feel like I've never made any progress with getting help," Quinn says. Over the last two years, her GP has referred her three times to the DHB's outpatient mental health service, and each time she has been declined. Meanwhile, her anxiety isn't improving, and she's faced with yet again repeating her story, while feeling like she's getting nowhere.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 14, 2021 10:39 UTC