Annie Hart

I'm nineteen years old and in love with politics (which I know will sound a little strange to some!). I'm currently studying Access to Social Sciences before I attend University in the autumn.

My story is unfortunately one that is becoming more and more common among young people today. When I was sixteen, I was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism which was followed by a Bipolar diagnosis less than six months later. At eighteen I was given a third diagnosis of Emotional Intensity Disorder.

Because of my conditions and the difficulty in getting adequate support from Mental Health services, i unfortunately reached crisis point at the beginning of my A-Levels and had to drop out after being admitted to hospital for a total of six months at just seventeen years old.

However, I am now doing well. I have almost reached the year mark since my most recent in-patient admission and intensely proud of myself.

I am now just over half-way through my Access Course, which is the equivalent of A-Levels, in a year for adults.

In September I will be attending University to study Politics and International Relations. My goal of university seems to be finally coming true. For the last two years I have been a Mental Health Activist, appearing on national news channels, radio stations and newspapers. I have also spoken at and chaired conferences , as well as handing in my petition to No10 Downing Street with 33,000 signatures to stop cuts to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

The button at the top of the page is the link to my new Politics blog- A Young Person's Politics. Please take a look and tell me what you think!