A Volunteer's Journey
Following the birth of my daughter in 2000, I suffered from post-natal depression, and after an array of other stresses and situations, it gradually became worse. This is when I first became associated with Mind. I was introduced by my daughter’s health visitor who felt I would benefit from it. This thought, itself, was daunting enough, but what was scarier was meeting strangers, as I also had a panic disorder which caused me to have frequent panic attacks. After a phone call to the co-ordinator for info, it all went from there.
I remember it as though it was yesterday. Petrified wasn’t the word. This is when I first met Carol. I was wary of her at first – and she knew it – but it didn’t stop her giving me advice. I just stood there, 100% attitude and breathing down my sleeve to stop myself hyperventilating, which at the time, was all I knew. We chatted about what went on at Mind, what could be offered etc etc. The other service users introduced themselves and I began to feel at ease.
The support at that time was incredible in every sense. I was made to feel welcome, and what seems to be for the first time in my life, completely unjudged.
I became a regular at Mind then.
My panic disorder became worse, and after a while, I then became agoraphobic. I lost all face to face communication, but my support from Mind never stopped, I was still able to contact them via telephone whether it was for reassurance (and trust me that was a lot) advice in general to help with CBT etc - they were there. I began to realise I wasn’t so isolated and alone as I thought. This support and advice helped me to help myself and get better, for which I am truly grateful.
After getting well, I started to use the drop-in again for a catch-up, chats etc, and was then asked if I’d like to volunteer. I jumped at the chance. From then on, it’s what I’ve been doing.
I’ve been volunteering for almost a year now. The experience has been eye-opening, varying from one emotion to the next, but none the less, I am thoroughly loving each and every experience that I’ve attained, whether good or bad. The lessons I have learned are all amazing, the welcome from staff and service users was equally heart warming. I’ve been able to help and advise others that are in the predicament I once was, plus in many other ways. Reassure them, as I once was, that they also aren’t alone.
I’m now starting training and gaining people skills to be able to work in the field of mental health. Without Mind I wouldn’t be where I am now. I feel truly privileged to be part of it.