Diana's Story
I was diagnosed with bi-polar in 1992. At first I was only given medication to...
Diana’s story
I was diagnosed with bi-polar in 1992. At first I was only given medication to cope, life was very difficult as I was also bringing up two children. In 2002, after another major breakdown I was finally given some real help in the form of Intensive Psychotherapy, that’s when my life really started to improve. Since then various treatments and activities such as voluntary work and short courses have helped me to stay well.
I receive outreach support from Southside and my support worker Mary has been an inspiration, encouraging me to do things for myself. Mary came at a time when I really needed someone to believe in me. I had just had a baby and because I suffered from bi polar I had to fight to keep my baby as I was not expected to cope.
Over the past three years I have made great progress, I can now do a lot more things myself rather than handing it over to someone else or struggling with it on my own. Mary has helped me sort out my finances and deal with housing, social security, shopping and filling in forms including job applications!
I still do have bad days when I can’t speak to anyone yet I know I can call her for a ten minute chat which helps to put me back on track. If she’s not available she always calls back. Mary always looks out for my best interest and helps me feel safe - she is a great aid to my recovery.