Karen

Karen shares how the death of her mother impacted her mental health and how the support of Cruse Scotland helped her through a dark period of her life.

Following the death of my mother, I could not face anything. I was given antidepressants by my doctor. They were upped a few times.

I felt that my brain was out of control and could not stop shaking, even on antidepressants.  

I really did not want to go on.

It brought back a time for me when I lost my husband to leukaemia when our boys were two years old and 12 days old.

My dad has had heart attacks, my brother has had five strokes, and I have also had breast cancer surgery, all within the last five years. I had also been overwhelmed with work, and my mum did not keep well.

Although I did do things for the family, I was planning to retire and look after them more.

Sadly, my mum passed away. I did take time off and stayed at the hospital most nights, as well as being there during the day.

However, the guilt I have for working so much has weighed on my life.

Support from Cruse Scotland

I reached out to Cruse Scotland and was pleased to be accepted for phone call appointments.

There were days when I was inconsolable with grief and so ill. But the lady on the phone managed to calm me and provide coping mechanisms. Her help was invaluable.  

I cannot thank her enough. Thereafter, I was offered face-to-face counselling.

These sessions were also invaluable. The counsellor made me feel that I could let him know anything. I knew that I could not tell family and friends a lot of things, as they would likely think that I was mad.  

My brain had been spiralling out of control. He made me feel so relaxed, and he showed true compassion. The more I spoke with him, the more I relaxed.

I also felt these sessions were invaluable. I asked if I could donate each week, as I wanted to give something in return. The office kindly accepted this and passed it on to your funding.

He was such a kind and compassionate counsellor. I cannot praise him enough. I was in a dark, dark place. He really saved and helped me.