SHARING MY STORY
All of us face difficult problems in our life circumstances, which could be difficult to manage, where at time we can have no control over the situation. I wanted to share my story to show you the kinds of problems I have been faced with.
I’ve always been a strong person. I always keep in mind a saying that my mother used to say: “Don’t judge people, as you never know what could happen to you”. I guess that particular statement has always stuck with me.
Whilst I was in the third year of my psychology degree, I fell pregnant. I decided I would stick with the university course, regardless – the first two years had been great and my learning was superb. That same year my partner had to undergo a major operation in which he had to have his leg amputated due to poor circulation. There were so many things I needed to do – be supportive to my partner, visit him in hospital, and be there emotionally for him.
At first, my partner found it difficult to accept the loss of his leg. He also found it difficult to express his thoughts, and at the beginning he became withdrawn. It seemed like he couldn’t face the loss of his leg and couldn’t even look at it.
I worked full time and remained in my studies part time, and even though I felt the pressure I continued with my journey supporting my partner, working and studying and getting ready to be a mother.
My partner gained strength day by day. When my son was born it enlightened us as a family and his perspective on life changed and his attitude changed leading him to do things independently. A year later I completed my studies.
Five years on, my son was a healthy boy and everything seemed manageable. One night, all of sudden my partner sat up in bed and held his neck as if he was fighting for air. I knew right away he was having a heart attack. My son was sleeping in his room, I remained quiet as I didn’t want to make any noise to wake him. I rushed downstairs to call 999.
The operator who assisted me was great. She provided clear instructions and kept me very calm. I listened to the things she told me to do. I was talked through the process of resuscitation, but there was no heartbeat and no air passing through his mouth. She told me she was sending the response team and ambulance crew to me. They took 10 minutes to come. They banged on my door, shouting out loudly, “It’s the response team, open the door”.
Technically, my partner was dead at the time they arrived. The team rushed upstairs to where he was and began giving him electric shocks. It was only a matter of time before one of the members of the ambulance crew said enough, but they carried on. But my partner sighed on the eleventh shock and there was hope. It took 11 electric shocks to bring him back to life.
You see, we all go through traumatic situations. But it’s all about how we deal with those situations that can help us get through them in a positive and healthy way. For me, it was through my studies that I understood the things I needed to do to help me manage this traumatic experience. I spoke to my manager and friends and I accepted their support. I continued to work, I completed my course and looked ahead at what I could do for myself, my partner and family. I am now able to thank God that my son’s father is alive today. I look at how I appreciate life without abusing it or taking things for granted. I have learned that in life anything can come at us but again, knowing how to manage that situation is the key.
HEALTH
My physical health is very important to me and I am a very active person. My past experiences have shown me that physical exercise is so important for maintaining strong mental health. In depression, people often lose motivation to do the everyday things they need to do or used to enjoy doing. But withdrawing into yourself often does not help the situation. I find that exercise and gym sessions really help my clients to take their mind off things and have a powerful effect on you, releasing knots of tension.
I tend to go to the gym and carry out high-intensity workouts. I know looking after my well-being and feeling good inside has such a positive outcome.
Have a look at the footage below: