I came to PSALT Care’s support group when I realised I needed to heal from certain traumas in my childhood that have continued to haunt me and affect my life. Since my teenage years, I have struggled with low mood, the tendency to isolate myself and suicidal thoughts. All these years, I have been a loner, feeling different from everyone else. Even though outwardly I have a job and have some friends, I always felt disconnected from life. I have also struggled with intense anxiety and gastro-intestinal disorders since I was 9. Coming from a family with two aunts who suffered severe mental illness, I wondered if I myself might have a condition.

When I came to PSALT Care, I realised I wasn’t the only one struggling. I felt a connection with the people in PSALT Care, knowing that they too have suffered and continue to soldier on. The feeling of community and social support has been a positive influence in my life. With PSALT Care, I know there is a safe space for me to be honest about my struggles. 

In a society which values achievement and financial success, it is difficult to be vulnerable. Among my “normal” friends, there is a tendency to brag about career success and financial achievement. No one wants to acknowledge that they are struggling, let alone talk about difficult feelings such as suicidal tendencies. It is the same with the workplace and family. My family has given me a great deal of support and love, but it is also the birthplace of a lot of grief, hurt and trauma. My journey has been understanding what was done to me, processing the emotions and giving myself and others compassion, in order to heal. The workplace is even more unforgiving, where sometimes I feel I have to be on my guard all the time. At PSALT Care, there is a community where we can be open about our issues and gain support and encouragement in our recovery journey.

The social connection has been invaluable in my healing journey. I treasure the friendships I have made at PSALT Care, although I have only joined the group some months back. Having struggled with depression and anxiety most of my life, I am glad that I can share some of my coping strategies and contribute in some small way to the well-being of others. PSALT Care has given me the opportunity to find meaning in my suffering. I love that the support group is run by peers with lived experience. Knowing that they have gone through what I have gone through, and possibly much worse, and seeing how far they have come in their recovery journey, gives me hope and encouragement that recovery is possible.