"Gave advice and supported me without judging"

About: Community Mental Health Services / South Community Mental Health Team Gowanlea / General Psychiatry

(as the patient),

I had a major breakdown due to a number of issues and was struggling to cope. Adrian, my assigned psychiatric nurse visited me at home which was a massive help to me as at that point I was struggling to leave my house. 

The guilt I felt at being off work along with the anxiety and shame of what others would be thinking of me spiralled me further down and thoughts of ending my life became persistent...niggling away at me. People would be better off without me. I was useless...a burden. 

Adrian really took his time to get to know me. His kindness, empathy and support helped me to begin to open up and share my thoughts and feelings. It didn't all happen overnight. The suicidal thoughts were with me constantly and only the desperation of my husband and how much I mean to him stopped me from ending things. Dr. Mahadun,my psychiatrist, was extremely supportive and had prescribed antidepressants and medication for my anxiety and suggested taking early retirement from work. I loved my job...how could I not go back? What would people say? How could I go back? I couldn't function at home never mind at work. My anxiety kept spiralling. 

Adrian visited weekly and he listened to my concerns, gave advice and supported me without judging. He encouraged me to try different techniques to deal with my mental health issues and made me realise that giving up work and focusing on my health was probably the best way forwards. Thanks to my husband and Adrian I started taking baby steps by going out walking and I have progressed from there. I know that I still have a long way to go. I am trying my best to take each day as it comes and focus on a better life for me and my husband. He loves and has supported me so much that I am determined to keep moving in the right direction. And yes there will probably be bumps in the road but hopefully we'll get there.

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Responses

Response from Helen Bremner, Angus Health and Social Care Partnership 8 months ago
Helen Bremner
Angus Health and Social Care Partnership
Submitted on 04/07/2024 at 08:32
Published on Care Opinion at 08:50


picture of Helen Bremner

Hello, My name is Helen Bremner and I am the Clinical Team Manager for the South Angus Community Mental Health.

Thank you very much for taking the time in sharing with us the difficulties you have experienced with your mental health, it sounds that it has been a difficult time for both you and your husband. I will share this lovely feedback with Adrian and Dr Mahadun.

It is so lovely and inspiring to hear about the support Adrian and Dr Mahadun have given and how this has made a difference in your recovery. Being listened to and not judged are so important when providing support.

I would also like to recognise that all the progress you have made is a credit to you and your husband working alongside Adrian and Dr Mahadun, your journey towards recovery couldn't have been achieved without your hard work and efforts.

We wish you and your husband all the best for your ongoing journey to recovery, I am confident you have new techniques and support to navigate any bumps.

Take care

Helen

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