"Taking part in Condition Management Programme"

I was originally referred to Clinical Health psychology and at the time the waiting list was very long due to the effects of covid etc. However, one of the amazing psychologists rang me as I was in quite a bad place due to quite serious physical health issues. After a good discussion she put me in touch with the Condition Management Programme in Ballymena. This self referral was easy to do and within a few months I was accepted.

Once I began the programme I met the amazing Sian. The programme was excellent as it covered a very holistic view of physical and mental health. Alongside seeing Sian regularly I took part in all the online courses with her colleagues. These although tough at times were excellent and gave me tools to deal with the craziness of my day to day life. Sian was then there to talk things through and give me the confidence and reassurance that I was not losing it and my struggles were valid! She was also able to put me in contact with other health professionals like physiotherapists to help with my pain management. She also made sure I was getting all the financial support I needed by putting me in touch with the appropriate people for advice. 

I have no doubt that with the help I received from Sian, her colleagues and other health professionals it has started me on the road to putting my life back together and in some ways saved my life!

I am now dealing better with my new normal and the toll multiple autoimmune diseases has on my life . So much so I am hoping to slowly return to work in the coming months and have a new brighter view of life!