Unbound: Finding Freedom, Strength, and Support Through Creativity and Self-Discovery
By Lisa
Here at Tyneside and Northumberland Mind we use the strong, extensive research connecting healthy coping strategies to mental health recovery and encourage our community to find their own coping mechanisms as much as we can. The following piece tells Lisa’s story, showcasing the power of a diagnosis, the importance of accessible mental health support and the freedom found in creativity.
My name is Lisa, I am 36 years old and my story involves a mix of mental ill health and autism!
The two issues are different but very intertwined for me. Before finally being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder last year, I had experienced a very long struggle with clinical depression triggered by a mix of issues: heredity, a bad time at school, trauma from an abusive relationship, and generally fighting through life not knowing that I was neurodivergent.
During this struggle I can pinpoint multiple times where Tyneside and Northumberland Mind helped me:
When I was in crisis aged 21, my GP prescribed me antidepressants for the first time and also referred me for counselling with Tyneside Mind. This support helped to get me out of a terrible episode of depression and marked the beginning of my getting the help I needed, rather than suffering alone.
During a period of better mental health I was able to actually volunteer briefly with Tyneside and Northumberland Mind, working on reception and greeting visitors. Here the staff were incredibly supportive, understanding and nurturing.
When I was at another very low point, Tyneside Mind staff supported me, providing resources and encouraging me to get in to see my GP. I have used Tyneside Mind’s Support Line in a moment where I just needed to talk to someone, to have some human contact and encouragement.
Now I have my ASD diagnosis I am receiving specialised therapy to help me manage better in life and to keep my mental health level. But even now, Tyneside & Northumberland Mind are still supporting and uplifting me!
I discovered a hobby I really enjoyed: making my own notebooks. I cut the notepaper myself, decorate the cover, bind it all with needle and thread and add a velcro fastening. It serves really well to distract and occupy me.
Wanting these notebooks to serve a purpose, I got in touch with Tyneside and Northumberland Mind and asked if they were happy to accept them as a donation. They were!
Now my notebooks are gifted to service users and sold on stalls, with the charity using any money raised to support their local mental health services. It makes me so happy to be able to give back, and it’s helping me at the same time.
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If you have found any of the content within this piece upsetting and would like to speak to someone about how you are feeling please reach out. Our Support Line is Monday-Friday 2pm-10pm and Saturday-Sunday 12pm-8pm for those 16 years and above living in Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland. Call on 0191 4774 545 / 0330 1743 174 (Calls charged at local rates).
