Helen’s Story

My self-confidence was at an all time low, and I was also diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I was mentally unwell, and would have panic attacks on a regular basis. I was living with my mum during this time, who didn’t believe in medication at such a young age, so this is something that I struggled with on a daily basis.

When I was chosen for the Project K programme I was hesitant at first and didn’t understand how a programme could turn my life around, and pull me out of the hole I had dug. I participated in the programme from the start to the end with no regrets.

Without Project K, my substance abuse would have continued and grown. Alongside my lack of support, I would have continued to have suicidal thoughts and never would have learnt how to cope from using a holistic approach. After the programme ended, my self confidence had grown, I was truly happy with the person I had become.

I no longer had suicidal thoughts, and created relationships with my peers for life. I not only received support, but also was given an opportunity to support others, which contributed towards myself gaining a sense of belonging. I managed to complete the grades I needed in school, and went on to complete a certificate at my local Polytechnic.

I gained employment and worked within my community. I gave birth to my daughter at the age of 18. The only way I was able to cope was using the life skills I had been taught through Project K. The stigma remains in place around teen parents and I learnt how to ignore the negativity, to keep my self esteem high and feel proud of my achievements.

I had the strength to stay away from using any recreational drugs and continue to follow the career path I wished for by setting goals, and using the previous support gained to do so. I was employed by a mental health agency at the age of 19, and am currently working towards my degree in psychology, as well as raising my 3 year old on my own.

My experience in mental health has helped me gain insight into skills that are lacking within our children and adolescence, as the majority of the clients I work with are aged 11-19.

Depression and self-harm within our children and adolescence are high. Children as young as 11 will discuss how they wish to commit suicide and will describe in detail how they wish to do it. This is a heartbreaking thing to witness, and as a parent, I would wish my child to have the opportunity to participate in a programme that has proven to be so beneficial for all children who have participated.

From a mental health perspective, children would benefit hugely from been given an opportunity to participate in such an amazing programme, and it would be crucial in reducing the suicide and self-harm rates within our children and adolescence.

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