A classroom assistant from Co Antrim has appealed for local politicians to help people like him, who is living with crippling mental health issues.
Having sought help, and knowing the pressures on the mental health waiting lists in Northern Ireland, Steve told Belfast Live of his shock after being quoted prices for private help. He says he would go without, if he had to, to fund this specialist help."For the last 10 years I have battled with and lived with anxiety," he said.
"After a local MLA got involved, I got a call to come to the crisis team. Now that I am sure it is now just mental health, but anxiety too, I am looking for someone who specialises in anxiety. I have been quoted £400 for an initial consultation privately, and then £150 for subsequent appointments. He said: "My anxiety comes upon me like a storm. It becomes really debilitating and can often just come from nowhere. Because it is so crippling, it means that there is that sense of terror that can stop you going to work, or out with family and friends.