A TEENAGER who suffers with anxiety and depression is encouraging young people to talk about their mental health.

Demi-Leigh Freeman used to bottle up her feelings because she was worried about what other people may think.

"When I was 13 I felt different. I felt awkward around people and completely avoided everyone," she said.

"I’d get palpitations in my heart and could feel it beating really hard. I’d feel down but I'd not talk about anything - I was scared of being judged."

The 19-year-old from Dudley, who has since sought help from a doctor, is now working with Fixers – a charity which gives young people a voice - to encourage young people to talk to someone if they need help.

She has produced posters, which were displayed at her Staffordshire University campus and Dudley College, encouraging people to open up to their GP or a counsellor if they are feeling low.

Demi-Leigh said the reaction has been "pretty overwhelming" as she has had numerous messages online from people confiding in her about their problems as a result of seeing the posters.

She said: "Mental health problems are a lot more common than people actually think, it could be a neighbour, a friend, it could be anyone.

"My aim is to get people to reach out for help earlier because I wish I did. The sooner you seek help, the easier it is to recover.

"I want to reduce the stigma around depression and anxiety, and other mental health conditions people may be struggling with."

Young people struggling with mental health issues can find support online via www.youngminds.org.uk.