The story of 14-year-old Mia highlights the ongoing challenges within the mental health system for young people. Plagued by a lack of proper support, Mia’s journey through mental health issues culminated in a tragic suicide attempt that left her paraplegic. Her family’s fight for adequate care exposes shortcomings in diagnosis and treatment accessibility for children and adolescents. As the NHS grapples with staffing and service improvements, Mia’s case serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for reform in mental health services for youth.