"Recovery from relapse"

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all the NHS staff who have supported me during a very difficult period of depression and anxiety over the past year.

I have experienced depression at various points throughout my life, but around 12 months ago, it returned with such intensity that I found myself at risk of taking my own life. I became isolated, trapped in a black hole where I could neither function nor see any value in myself. I felt lost, stuck, and unable to imagine any kind of future. I believed I was a hopeless case, unworthy of help.

Encouraged by my wife, I sought support and was exceptionally fortunate to be a patient of Inverurie Medical Practice. From the receptionists to the GPs and clinicians, every member of the team has been consistently professional, compassionate, and supportive. I would particularly like to thank the following individuals who played key roles in my recovery:

Dr Leiper is one of the finest GPs I have ever encountered. He created a calm, non-judgemental, and reassuring environment that made me feel I mattered. I genuinely felt that he went above and beyond what anyone could reasonably expect. When I once apologised for taking up too much of his time, he firmly but kindly responded that he would use his clinical judgement to decide how best to allocate it. In the early stages, I leaned entirely on his expertise, but as I began to improve, he skilfully encouraged me to become an active participant in decisions about my care. While I can’t isolate which specific elements of treatment helped the most—likely all played a part—I’m certain that Dr Leiper’s patience, consistency, and quiet encouragement were crucial to my recovery.

Claire of the Central Community Mental Health Team also made a profound difference. Her exceptional listening skills and ability to create a safe, accepting space allowed me to open up and explore what was going on inside my head. She helped me see myself more clearly and more compassionately, enabling me to rise above the negativity and noise and begin to recover a sense of self-worth.

Alison of the Community Mental Health Team ran group relaxation sessions twice a week using mindful meditation and acupuncture. I was initially sceptical about acupuncture, but I soon found myself looking forward to the sessions. Alison is a skilled practitioner, and her contribution was another valuable element in my path to wellness.

I would also like to acknowledge the reception staff at Inverurie Medical Practice. Sadly, I don’t know their names, but they deserve special recognition. Despite the pressures they face daily, they always treated me with warmth, kindness, and respect. When you're consumed by self-loathing, the knowledge that your first point of contact will be approachable and understanding makes a world of difference.

I know I cannot recall and thank every person or moment that played a part in my care, but please know this: if it were not for the support I received from this team, I very likely would not be here today.

It saddens me that NHS staff are so often subject to criticism, despite the vital and demanding work they do. I want to ensure that those who helped me know how deeply grateful I am, and how much I admire the professionalism, dedication, and compassion shown to me throughout.

Thank you all for giving me the hope—and help—I so desperately needed.