From 1997 I struggled daily with depression and anxiety. Having a family of 5, I just had to get on with it and lived day to day in the hope I would get better.
However a big turning point, four years ago, was the loss of my father which caused my mental health to deteriorate. Although my family were supportive, I found myself getting deeper and deeper into depression.
After many counselling sessions and appointments with consultants, my GP suggested that I should attend AMH New Horizons in Downpatrick. As you can image this was very frightening and I was extremely nervous about going.
However I met with Joanna (AMH Client Development Co-ordinator) who quickly put my mind at ease and talked me through the various courses on offer. So that’s when I found myself signing up for the NVQ Level 2 Health & Social Care course and it all started from there …….
Three months into my course, I meet Stephanie (AMH Employment Officer), who discussed various career options with me. I told her I would like to get a paid job and low and behold after filling in an application form for a part-time cleaner, within 2 weeks, I had my first job! Again Stephanie supported me throughout this whole process and very quickly, I settled into my new job.
So, to finish my story, I have just been offered another job in the health and social care field, my family are much more content and happy and feel that Action Mental Health has changed my life for the better. I have my own independence, and I am now supporting my own daughter through the transition of moving away from home to attend university.
In one sentence my advice to anyone reading this ….
Many thanks to S MCKibben for sharing her story. She is taking part in the “Working It Out” project which is part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2014-2020, the Department for the Economy and the five NI Health & Social Care Trusts. To find out more please click here.
