"Learning to live again"

Living with mental illness, drug and alcohol addiction.

I gave up marajuana but suffered a breakdown and psychosis.

Breakdown of 20 year marriage and loss of my best friend through cancer.

I lived with family members for the last 18 months. I have my own home but find it very difficult being on my own, anxiety unable to focus, fear and panic.

I tried to take my own life last year and suffered another breaks.

I have been told that I’m not alcohol dependant but I drink when I’m stressed and have too much to do.

I am highly sensitive and I’m tuned into pain suffering and sadness which is very trying, I don’t like loud noises, too many people talking, having too many things to do, I become overwhelmed very easily.

I joined CGL Runcorn last year looking for help to stop drinking and to try and control my anxiety’s, I currently take antidepressants.

CGL are my lifeline and have been amazing and supportive, sadly due to vivid I was only able to attend a few sessions, but I’ve had continuous support on line and by telephone.

Sue, Stewart and Chandni at Runcorn CGL have all helped to bring me to a better place and be calm enough at times to help me learn to cope on my own.

Chandni especially as we are similar in the fact that we become easily overwhelmed and must take things slowly.

Chandni sends me work books and helpful literature to read and has been so supportive to both myself and my daughter.

I still have a long way to go and sadly I have moved area and will not be able to continue with Runcorn CGL, this is hard because I don’t want to have to start all over again with someone new.

I’d like to say to anyone who is suffering with alcohol or drug addiction, finds it hard to cope-and lives in the area, then you are blessed to have the CGL team there to help.

I hope the office opens up again soon as there are a lot of people who rely on the support.

Thank you so much for all of your help and support, and I plan to be sober enough to be able to volunteer in the future.

Peace and light