“You are not just a statistic”- Mental Health Awareness Week

At 20 years old, Kay McMichael has already experienced more challenges than many people face in a lifetime. From growing up around addiction and spending time in care, to navigating years of being misunderstood by mental health services, Kay’s journey has been shaped by resilience, survival, and determination to keep going, even during the hardest moments.

For Mental Health Awareness Week, Kay shared his experiences of mental health, loneliness, and what support has meant to him.

“I never thought I would live past age 14… I’m now about to turn 21.”

Kay describes years of struggling to access the right support. After being misdiagnosed as a teenager, he says many of his needs were overlooked for years, leading to traumatic experiences and feelings of isolation.

“Since 2014 I was often dismissed by services,” he explains. “It was only after transitioning to adult services and seeing a new psychiatrist in 2025 that my history of Autism, CPTSD, and Bipolar 1 was finally acknowledged.”

While receiving the correct support and medication has made a significant difference, Kay says the impact of feeling misunderstood still stays with him.

“I still carry the trauma of being systematically let down during my most vulnerable moments.”

For Kay, having people around him who listen without judgement has been essential to his wellbeing.

“My support staff provide a validating environment where I can process my thoughts without pressure,” he says. “Because of my alexithymia, I often struggle to label complex emotions, so having people who accept my feelings as they are without forcing me to find specific words is vital.”

Alongside therapy and support from our team, creative and physical outlets have become important ways for Kay to manage his mental health.

“When I cannot communicate verbally, I use art and music as creative outlets to express my internal state,” he explains. “I also use boxing and kickboxing as a physical release for frustration and anger.”

Kay says one of the biggest changes in his life came from moving into supported accommodation after previously living alone.

“My previous experience living in a flat was deeply isolating,” he says. “Having 24/7 access to staff provides the consistent human connection I need to feel safe.”

He also found comfort in connecting with people who shared similar lived experiences.

“You can have thousands of people around you and still feel alone, but you will find that one person one day that changes that.”

Support from 1625 Independent People has helped Kay access training opportunities linked to his future career goals, as well as practical tools that support his wellbeing, including fitness equipment, sensory items, and creative supplies.

“1625ip has empowered me to invest in my future while giving me the tools I need to stay grounded and healthy in the present,” he says.

Kay believes there are still many misconceptions about young people’s mental health and loneliness, particularly around trauma and the pressures young people face today.

“People often focus on behaviours without understanding the trauma behind them,” he says. “We are a generation that has survived unique challenges, from COVID-19 to financial instability and social pressures that older generations didn’t experience in the same way.”

Now, Kay hopes sharing his story can help other young people feel less alone.

“You are not just a statistic, and your mind is more powerful than you think.”

His message to other young people struggling is honest, compassionate, and hopeful.

“Life isn’t easy and I won’t sugarcoat that,” he says. “You have to go through the hard to get to the easy. But don’t let your battles define you.”

“There is always a hand out there that wants to guide you, even if it takes time to find it.”

And above all, he wants young people to know this:

“The world is better when you are here to tell your own story.”