"Kind, patient and understanding"

I have been having problems with eating for a period of time and after finally visiting my own G.P towards the end of 2019 I was referred to the Southern Trust Eating Disorder Team.

I was offered my first appointment to attend the Eating Disorder Team in January of this year where I saw Catherine. Obviously feeling anxious, nervous, embarrassed about attending the appointment I was quickly put at ease by Catherine which became a regular occurrence.

Like most people I tried to hide my illness but after some discussions with Catherine I quickly became aware of having a problem to deal with. Not only did Catherine help with my eating disorder she also got me to talk about the Social anxiety I suffered from that I thought had just become a normal every day occurrence that I was going to have to live with.

Initially I felt some male pride would get dented from having to talk about my illness but Catherine was kind, patient and understanding with me. I quickly felt at ease and managed to delve deeper into my illness and understand that I wasn't 'weird' and what I suffered from could be rectified. Without Catherine’s support and perseverance I do not think I would be in the strong position I am in today.

During my period of time with Catherine I suffered the loss of my mother-in-law and also had to deal with an everyday life that was affected like most people by Covid-19. I was open with Catherine about my fears of having to have my sessions over a video call but again with Catherine's support and encouragement I managed to overcome these fears and quickly become able to not worry about the video call sessions. When I started out in January I did not envisage being discharged in December as I thought I couldn't return to normal every day life and being able to eat like an ordinary person but somehow Catherine has managed to support me back to good health.

I feel Catherine’s help and support over the past year has been second to none. Not only is she an understanding, caring and supportive member of staff for the Trust I feel her ability to talk to me as a normal person, give examples of problems she may encounter in every day life proves what a wonderful person she is. Myself and my family are so thankful for Catherine’s support as without her I really don't know how low I could have sunk with my eating disorder.

I am due to have my last video call with Catherine in December and couldn't be discharged without recognising and acknowledging the priceless member of staff that the Southern Trust have and I can only wish her the best from the bottom of my heart for her future career.