"Patience, empathy and a genuine caring attitude"

After what we thought was a normal standard pregnancy my daughter went into hospital for a final check prior to her baby being induced. All was fine, however two days later when my daughter was admitted, my wife got a phone call from my daughter. I will never forget my wife's scream- our grandchild was no longer breathing. My daughter's baby was still born the next day.

Around the same time I was informed I was suffering from chronic heart failure- another thing to be added to my list of ongoing health issues.

My life was spiralling out of control and I was at a loss and unable to cope, I was referred to the Psychology Department, I became quite badly depressed and will admit to some dark thoughts.

After a lengthy wait (about 2 years) - this is the only downside and is not to be taken as a complaint - I had my first appointment with the Psychology Services Department and met up with Jane, my therapist/counsellor in January 2025. I will admit to having some scepticism at the time.

I reckoned without Jane. She never gave up - I had finally found someone who understood where I was at and really cared about me - she showed infinte patience and empathy towards me. She undestood me.

Like when I became overwhelmed waiting to go into hospital to have my pacemaker replaced and felt unable to attend my appointment - Jane didn't just wait until my next appontment - she phoned to check on me- a little thing to most people but it meant a lot to me - Jane cared.

Jane broke through the barriers I had put up around me and, by showing a genuine interest in the things I had forgotten how to enjoy in life (like my photography, my gardening) she got me talking about them again. I even got my camera out again for the first time in two years.

I will not lie, it was not all plain sailing, there were highs and lows (laughs and tears) along the way but Jane always met me with a smile and a positive attitude. I felt I could tell Jane things and she would understand.

Throughout my meetings with Jane she went to great lengths to make sure I had, and understood how to use, the tools and processes to deal with the (inevitable) ups and downs in the future.

Jane made me feel I was useful and still able to contribute to family.

"I am who I am"

"I'm not the old man sitting in the corner of the room"

"I need to live with my emotions and not push themm away and try to ignore them"

In summary Jane got me out of a long dark tunnel and I cannot thank her enough for her patience, empathy and genuine caring attitude towards throughout these past 10 months.