"I have felt I have a voice and control again"

I have been supported by Emma on/off for 18 months. Prior to this I have always struggled where to turn to get help. I never felt listened to, supported, believed, and felt I was a drain on my GPs time.

I have struggled with my mental health since my early teens. I’ve tried to commit suicide multiple times over the years, I’ve self harmed, I’ve pushed family/partners away as I never felt loved or enough for them. I always felt my loved ones would be better off without me.

However with the help of Emma’s ongoing support and antidepressant medication, I now see a future and one that’s worth living! I’ve grown in confidence and started to love ‘me’ again! I’m even looking for work which is something I thought I would never do again. I have also engaged within therapy for my past traumas, again this is something I would never access before!

Emma is compassionate, really cares about her patients and wants to help them, knowledgeable, takes time to listen to me without judging or rushing me. When I first asked for help I would never have faced a GP or nurse face 2 face as my anxiety would be too high and I wouldn’t have attended. However by allowing me to choose how I’d like my appointments delivered I have felt I have a voice and control again!

I would see Emma every week if she’d allow. However I’m now on the path to being ‘me’ again, and starting to live life instead of being a recluse for so long. But I know if I do need support again in the future, I can contact my surgery and I would be able to book back into the mental health clinic within a few days. Thankyou Emma!