Nung bravely shares her lived experience journey with us so that we may help other people and inspire change across young people and family’s mental health services in Cheshire and Merseyside.
In Nungs words:
"My experience began when I was 9 years-old when I first came to the UK. I went through difficulties during my childhood, but also, I wasn’t living with my parents, that’s quite usual in Asia. Your parents work somewhere else and leave you with family. Looking back this contributed greatly to my struggles and attachment difficulties.
"I really struggled to get through each day. I don’t think anyone else knew what was going on. My mental health deteriorated when I got bullied for the colour of my skin and my name.
"Even though there was support around me such as school, health professionals the bullying continued through other young people and via social media. It was constant. When you see and hear all those negative comments, after a while you unfortunately start believing them yourself.
"My mental health took a turn and I began to feel even worse. Once one bullying case was resolved a different bully would start. It affected me massively. It was a build up, constantly every day.
"Another difficulty was just after being reunited with my mum and dad in the UK, my dad sadly passed away unexpectedly. I was trying to deal with bereavement on top of this. It all started the build up inside. Eventually I felt like I was fizzing about to pop. I feel that’s how I would describe my mental health at the time.
"As I developed and aged I experienced other difficulties. I was at home alone when we were burgled. This heightened by anxiety and caused severe trauma. I think the trauma was suppressed, I didn’t want to deal with it and eventually it was just too much and everything came all at once. I was admitted to Ancora House Hospital an inpatient. I felt this was a short-term solution fix at that time. I then went into care where I got discharged to.
"My mental health issues built up over a period of time and it only made me feel more vulnerable and weaker for who I am.
"Speaking about it now, I’m in a much stronger place. I’m in a completely a different place to where I was two years ago.
"I joined Level Up Forum as an expert to help shape Specialised Mental Health Services for young people and families. I have highlighted my experience with a hope that services listen and learn. I don’t want anyone to go through the same struggles that I did.
"Level Up is a strong voice for young people and families across Cheshire and Merseyside. Listen to young people. We are the experts. We are the future."