Personal Experiences

Anonymous 20.05.10

I have suffered with depression and anxiety for many years.  Looking back, I have lived with it for years but never got any help.

After having a very bad bout of depression, I saw my GP who recommended I went to see Rochdale & District Mind.  He explained that they help people with mental health issues and could help me with my wellbeing.

I came to see a development worker who was very friendly and made me very relaxed.  Whilst having a cup of tea with him, we talked about how Mind could help me with counselling, self help and maybe going on to working or volunteering!  Me?  Working?  Volunteering?  Never!!!!

Here I am, two years on volunteering for Rochdale & District Mind - and loving it!  My mental health issues haven't completely gone away, but I have them completely under control now.  Thank you to everyone who helped me along the road to recovery!

Anonymous 20.05.10

My daughter was diagnosed with Bi-Polar 2 weeks ago.  Because I didn't know anything about this I decided to try and research the issue as much as possible to see how I could help her.

I went on NHS Direct website where National Mind was advertised.  From the link I found Rochdale & District Mind Information Helpline.  I decided to phone the helpline to find local support groups.  The lady on the line was very helpful and told me that my daughter could join in some of the groups there, she said that they help the person - not the issue.  She also said that because I didn't have a printer, she would send lots of information about Bi-Polar to me via post.

My daughter is now waiting for an appointment to see a development worker, where hopefully she will receive some help.

There is light at the end of the tunnel !   07.07.10

The people of Self Development who run this service, I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you for getting my life back on track.

I have learned so much. I am able to do things I never thought possible. A special thank you to our Self Development leader who run my group….

I’ve come a long way, I am able to go on buses. I feel at ease talking to people. I now do volunteering at the Mind Centre which is helping even more with my confidence.

All my thanks, 'D'

Anonymous 06.07.10

For many years I've suffered from depression.   Like many people I've found it difficult to deal with on my own,  but for me Mind changed the way I had felt and gave me a new outlook on life .

I would like to share my story with you. It was about 3 years ago,  I have to say I was terrified the thought of going to a group and meeting other people even though I was made really welcome.  At first I found even talking difficult to other people in the group . I've come a long way since then and am now volunteering.