A social media influencer from Croydon has launched a campaign on Twitter, as he calls for more money to be invested by the government for mental health treatment.
Benny James, who first gained online fame for talking about his dating experiences with women, is now only using his platform to raise awareness of men’s mental health.
With more than 118,000 followers combined on Twitter and TikTok, he decided to set up a campaign called No More Waiting.
The 28-year-old told Your Local Guardian he wanted to start raising awareness to help other people after he was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in early 2015.
Benny said he first realised he was going through a mental health struggle after suffering from panic attacks at the age of 21.
He explained: “I started having panic attacks a lot when I was younger.
“I went to the hospital where they then diagnosed me with anxiety.
“It was unheard of at the time because no one was talking about the struggles of mental health.
“I then told my family and found out they were also going through the same things.
“I then decided I needed to use my following on social media to make a difference and help others who are going through the same thing.”
The campaign, which was launched in March, is to raise awareness and encourage the government to invest more money into mental health treatment.
Benny said: “I speak to a lot of people through social media who are also going through mental health struggles just like myself.
“I’ve been getting messages from guys and girls who told me I’ve saved their lives through my campaigns or even just talking to me.
“I don't want them to feel alone and that somebody is always there for them to speak to.”
Benny said the lack of funding for hospitals is “not acceptable" as some people wait months to receive medical attention.
He explained: “It’s devastating to see that some people have to wait months to see a doctor, and this is just not acceptable as it may be too late.
"I try to do my bit and help people who are waiting for hospital treatment through Twitter by starting campaigns."
Benny says he will continue to campaign until a change is made by the government in funding more money for treatment.
He plans to create Twitter groups where people can join and talk to him if they’re struggling with their mental health.
If you or know someone who is struggling with their mental health and need to talk to someone, please call Samaritans on 116 123.
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