From zero to hero!

Big thanks to learner, Wendy who has kindly shared with us her recovery story, about receiving a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder and how she feels she has gone from zero to hero!

A lot changed for me in 2022; my marriage broke down, I moved to a new area and was then sacked from my job due to my poor mental health. I had a breakdown. I felt suicidal and I cut myself off from everyone, barely going out of the house. I was drinking every day and trying to use alcohol as a coping mechanism. I’ve previously had both counselling and psychotherapy and have been on anti-depressants for most of my life. However, it wasn’t until I was given an appointment with a wonderful Mental Health Nurse at my GP practice and a subsequent referral to a Psychiatrist that I received a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder – and everything just slotted into place.

 I did loads of research, which helped me make sense of some of the things I’d experienced in my life. I continued to get support from my Mental Health Nurse and was referred to the fantastic ‘Changes’ service where I received DBT & CBT from my Support Worker and I was also allocated a Peer Support Worker, I really felt like I was on the right track. In March 2023 they also helped me enrol with the Recovery & Wellbeing College.

 I felt so scared attending the College for the first time, I didn’t know if I’d be able to cope.  The first course I did was run by Karl from the Richmond Fellowship, after the session I was so emotional; I ended up in tears.  I’ve done loads of courses at the College now, several with  Karl and I must say he has been a big part of my recovery journey. I love it at the College, it has really improved my self-confidence and the support is wonderful. It’s a safe space to be who I am, without judgement, which is a big thing for me.

 It has been a hell of a journey, and one that I am still on but I’m in a place where I am enjoying life now – for the first time in decades. I’ve made friends which I’ve always found difficult, I’ve stopped drinking and I’m about to start volunteering for the ‘Changes’ service. I have even delivered some craft courses with CLEAR. I really feel like I’ve gone from zero to hero!