TATTON MP Esther McVey has added her support to a Wilmslow resident’s campaign to prevent suicide.

As previously reported in the Wilmslow Guardian, John Junior is striving to make dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) more widely available on the NHS via their DBT For All campaign.

The gender-fluid activist, who has lived with borderline personality disorder for more than 20 years, says this life-altering therapy could help millions of people with suicidal thoughts across the UK.

John – known widely because of their online presence as John and Charlie’s Journey – has lived with borderline personality disorder for more than 20 years.

“I wake up every morning wanting to die,” the 31-year-old said.

“I have tried to take my own life many times and I am so glad I didn’t die. I am so glad that I have the will and strength to fight for the people, to serve others and get DBT therapy for everyone who needs it.”

Ms McVey has now pledged to help support John in their campaign by applying for the matter to be discussed in Westminster.

She said: “Having spoken to John several times, I am hugely impressed by their commitment and vision. I am more than happy to apply for a debate in Westminster so the issue can be discussed more widely.’’

DBT is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy which aims to identify and change negative thinking patterns and helps patients towards positive behavioural changes.

It is used to treat people with depression, and a range of disorders. It can also help people with suicidal and self-destructive behaviours.

John’s is also being supported by professional golfer Carly Booth, and award-winning entrepreneur Sir Marco Robinson who has spoken of his own suicidal thoughts in a video for the campaign.

John, added: “I’m very grateful to have all of this support, I can’t thank them enough. It is so important for people to be able to talk about their feelings and their mental health, especially if it could help to save a life.

“Why do you think people leave suicide notes? Because they feel like they cannot express how they feel due to being deemed as an attention seeker and worried to speak out in case of judgement.

“I have written and left suicide notes and I felt I could not talk because I was deemed as an attention seeker.

“If people keep saying we are seeking attention, we are more likely to remain silent and when we have a suicidal thought or plan we will not tell anyone.”

To find out more about the campaign visit change.org/dbtherapy4everyone. More information and advice is available at johnandcharlie.co.uk or via Instagram at johnandcharlie_