"all thanks to the Southern Trust Mental Health Team!"

When locked down first happened in 2020, it was a really bad time for me as I had just left school and was not able to see my friends it really took a toll on my mental health. During this time I started to develop an Eating Disorder it was only last year where it became very dangerous to me. I didn’t know where to turn for help and it started to affect my family as well as they were telling me that I needed help but I was getting frustrated with them as I didn’t want to but also knew deep down I had too . After my mum had brought me to the GP for a consultation, he referred us to CAMHS as I was still only 17 at this stage. During my first session with CAMHS I had met with a lot of people but never quite felt comfortable with them however there was one staff member Nicola who I just clicked with. Nicola was brilliant as she guided me on this huge journey with her kind words. Her expertise, her bubbly personality and to be honest she was  just saying the right things at the right time. Her support was invaluable. I still keep in touch with Nicola but I had to be moved from CAMHS to the Bluestone Unit as I turned 18 and was no longer considered a child. This was hard for me to adapt as I was comfortable in CAMHS. It would be nice if this was looked into for people who are in the same situation as me, having to go from CAMHS to being in the mental health wards for adults as I feel as this department was for older people even though I am classified as an adult there should be an age range for us to go into. I have been on this ward for a while now and have been doing very well. The staff are all very nice, what I like is that there are young staff members because I feel we can relate to a lot more things and have the same interests, which was one of the main reasons why I became comfortable in this setting as I feel I can talk to anytime and more at ease around them. My journey is soon coming to an end in the Sliverwood ward as I am soon to be admitted, even though it was a long time getting here I am glad I came in here. It has helped me in so many ways and there is something that is reassuring speaking to people who are going through the same stuff, it can help you so much as it allows you to open up and talk about everything that has been bottled up for so long. From the meetings, late session and all the activities I participated they were all worth it. The service has given me the tools to move forward with confidence. I would honestly recommend the Mental Health Department here in Craigavon to anyone that feels they need it. I am extremely delighted that the program worked for me so well, all thanks to the Southern Trust Mental Health Team!