“How opening up about my mental health helped me move on…”

Individual counselling and support

I’m Shannon and have lived with depression most of my life. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1998.

My life has been punctuated with a deep sense of loss, abuse and misfortune. I would hide behind alcohol and drugs when things got out of hand. Realising I needed professional help, I spoke to my occupational therapist who recommended Holyoake.

It has been an amazing learning experience. My attitude has changed from rejection to acceptance. I discovered I can control my habits rather than being controlled by them. I honestly believed I was my own worst enemy for most of my life. I realised I was turning to alcohol and drugs to escape, so I didn’t have to face my problems.

My counsellor helped me realise that the shame and guilt I felt for events in my life were just holding me back. Opening up about everything made this less overwhelming. I started to feel more in control and more aware of my destructive behaviour.

I now see my recovery as an ongoing process, with a combination of the right medications and counselling. I see each day as a new beginning, a challenge for me to face my demons and emotions. Most importantly, to care for and be kind to myself.

I am sharing my story because it might help others. If you have mental health and substance abuse challenges, I suggest you be true to yourself, open up about it, recognise there is a problem, and seek help. It could be the beginning of a new life.