For nearly 25 years I have struggled with my mental health. Due to various traumatic events and challenging times in my life I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety and PTSD. I was beginning to ask myself will I ever get better and lost all hope of achieving anything in my life. I lost all self-belief, self esteem, unable to even go the local shop for a pint of milk without having several panic attacks. I didn’t socialise with friends or family. Ending up in A&E several times in crisis and to the point of writing letters to say goodbye to loved ones 3 years ago, this was the lowest point for me. After exploring all offers of support, CBT, talking therapies, group therapy etc over the last 15 years especially, as great as these were at the time and of course for most people this is sufficient treatment in order to get back on the road to recovery, I personally was searching for something that had a more long term impact on my mental health recovery.
After hearing about Recovery In Mind I put my brave pants on (not literally) and took a leap of faith as had nothing to lose, to see what Recovery In Mind was all about and booked myself on the Bitesize Introduction to Welcome to Recovery in 2017. Let me tell you now, it was the best thing I have ever done in order to help me with my recovery.
With my determination and commitment to wanting to get better and manage my mental health and general well-being much more effectively and positively, I have now attended all courses that Recovery In Mind has offered. Each course has huge benefits in different ways but at the same time they interlock with each other and gives me enthusiasm to go away and develop and implement what I learned into my daily life. Yes, I was nervous and anxious and all the feelings you can think of, stepping into a new place when you have anxiety, but this didn’t last for long at all, as Angela and the team at Recovery In Mind made me feel very comfortable, safe and at ease. When I first started I would barely say a word in the group, but now I have the confidence to contribute.
Even though life still brings huge challenges, daily sometimes, I feel much more confident and empowered with new tools and techniques I have learned. Recovery in Mind gives you new ways of thinking and opportunities to try new things.
I understand my mental health so much more now and that is key in order for me to move forward in life to achieve small/long term goals and ambitions. With the confidence that Recovery In Mind has given me, I have been able to enrol on 2 adult learning courses at Newbury College. 1 completed and 1 currently studying for. I have been volunteering at various places. Getting involved in the community. Completed a 40km walk. Now even working occasionally. Not been in crisis. My self belief, self esteem, zest for life and plus so much more is back and have HOPE for the future.