From CAMHS patient to mental health professional - Lucy shares her recovery journey this World Mental Health Day
For World Mental Health Day (10 October) we are sharing Lucy’s story about the support she received from Nottinghamshire Healthcare’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and the incredible achievements she has gone on to accomplish.
Lucy first began struggling with her mental health around age 13, this included anxiety, panic attacks and low mood and she knew it was time to reach out and ask for help. Lucy felt isolated, lost and alone. She was struggling with her attendance at school and didn’t want to be there. She struggled to get out of bed and do basic daily tasks
Lucy said: “when I first asked for help, my biggest fear was being judged, but my nurse took the time to build that relationship with me and give me someone I could trust, she was my safe person, I could tell her anything. I would encourage everyone to seek help if they need it, it may be scary taking that first step, but this will pass, and over time recovery gets easier.
“There were some challenging moments when I was on the ward, but I am grateful for those who truly got to know me, and my interests, those that gave me hope and saw my potential. I don’t think I’d be in the position I am now without that.
“I will keep her anonymous, but let’s call her “A”. She was my biggest supporter, my cheerleader. She told me to be calm in the chaos, which is now my biggest motto for life. On the darkest days when I didn’t think I’d make it through she was there, every step of the way. She knew the right things to say and calmed me down every time. She helped me see the light when things felt so bleak and helpless. I may have been just ‘another patient’ to her, but to me she is the reason I chose to recover.
If Lucy could go back and speak to herself on the day she first reached out for help, she would say to herself:
“Do it, it will change your life. You spent so long convinced no one had time for your distress, but speaking about it gave you so much empowerment and strength, and now you use that strength to help others who have no voice. Look at how much you have achieved.”
Lucy’s proudest moment was getting her degree as a nursing associate.
She continued: “By 14 I was strongly convinced that I wouldn’t be here anymore, so now I am working for the Trust that once supported me, what a full circle moment. I am not ashamed of my journey or my story, as it has shaped who I am today, and I wouldn’t have the skills of kindness and empathy I do now. I understand patients on a deeper level, and for that I would never trade for anything!”
Lucy’s current role involves working with patients to support their mental health and recovery. She uses some of her lived experience and clinical skills to build a rapport with the patients she works with. She supports them with their activities of daily living, their recovery goals and any skills they would like to get better at.
Joseph Sullivan, Care Group Director, Mental Health at Nottinghamshire Healthcare said:
“Lucy’s story highlights the difference compassionate, consistent support can make to someone experiencing difficulties with their mental health. Reaching out for help can feel like a huge step, particularly for a young person, but having someone who listens, builds trust and sees the person behind their difficulties can make a lasting difference.
Joseph Sullivan, Care Group Director, Mental Health at Nottinghamshire Healthcare said: “We are incredibly proud to hear how Lucy has gone on to use her own experiences alongside her professional skills to work for the Trust and support others in their recovery. Her journey demonstrates the importance of hope, kindness and seeing the potential in every person we work with.
“On World Mental Health Day, we want to reinforce Lucy’s message that it is okay to ask for help. No one should feel they have to face difficulties with their mental health alone, and seeking support can be an important first step towards recovery.”
If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for support. Speak to your GP who can refer you to the most appropriate service. You can also find out more about our CAMHS service on our website: https://www.nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk/camhs.
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