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Can you believe that one in four of us will
have some sort of mental health problem
Reach out for
in our life? From eating disorders to
depression and phobias to panic attacks;
mental illness comes in a range of a new start
conditions and severities. We look at one
local woman’s story as an example of
Your wellbeing is important and with a New Year upon
hope. And show that change really is
us, now could be the time to work towards a new you.
possible, even if life seems bleak.
Beth’s story:
Having left school with no real qualifications, Beth
had her first hospital admission aged only 18. She
spent most of her 20s either in hospital or being
imprisoned in her own home by agoraphobia. She
also received a diagnosis of Bipolar disorder.
Beth tried a variety of treatments including
medication and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) –
where a brief electrical stimulus is given to the
brain. But nothing really seemed to work. Poor
relationships, a bad marriage and several more
admissions to hospital followed. Beth said: “I didn’t
feel able to do anything; I just stayed home and lost
my friends, my confidence and my life.
“I then became aware of the ‘Support time and
Recovery’ (STR) workers. They help people who have
ongoing mental health issues. I personally felt that
now, in my mid thirties, it was probably my last
chance to try a different approach so I got a
referral. I met with an STR worker who explained
Photo posed by model
how things work and asked what I wanted from life.
My main aim was to be able to leave the house and
travel independently. But at the time I had no
motivation or reason to do it.
“So, I signed up to an evening course at the adult Did you know?
education centre and this really gave me a goal.
First Point has expanded
My STR worker came along in the first term and
its services to the
Facts
provided telephone support in the second term to
community. Advice and
Agoraphobia
is an anxiety
help me manage on my own. I wouldn’t have been
able to do it without her.
guidance is now available
of open spaces or being in
at 528 Wimborne Road,
places where escape might
“I’m now a volunteer at First Point, helping others
Winton for services
be difficult (or
with mental health needs. I’m also about to finish a including: Bournemouth
embarrassing).
qualification in Health and Social Care. My life has
Citizens Advice Bureau
turned around completely. I have a new relationship,
(CAB), Bournemouth and
Bipolar disorder
is
new responsibilities and a new thirst for life.”
Poole Voluntary Services,
characterised by extreme
First Point, previously known as the Winton
Bournemouth Employment
mood swings, from deep
Resource Centre, is the home of the STR team.
Services, and Age Concern
depression to extreme
They link with workers in health, leisure,
groups. Find out more on
elation or 'highs'.
employment and education to make the most
the number below.
of local facilities.
Find out more on 01202 531339 or email start@bournemouth.gov.uk
22
WELL BEING
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