Joe's story

“I experienced a suicidal crisis after my marriage broke down. It felt like I had lost part of my identity, I couldn’t get out of bed and I just didn’t want to be here anymore. My intrusive thoughts were scaring me, I was thinking all the time about the quickest and easiest way to die. I was drinking too much. I wasn’t really talking to anyone about how I was feeling and I kept in all in, but I wanted help, I just didn’t really know where to get it. One night it got really bad and in a bit of a drunken haze I found James’ Place online and filled in the form.

The next day someone called me to get me straight in for an appointment, they made it as easy as possible for me, even telling me how to get there and where to park. I had a long session with a therapist and then started to go every Wednesday. We talked about a lot of stuff, unpacking how I was feeling and why, things from my childhood, my feelings of self-worth, how I was blaming myself for the end of my marriage, how some of my thought patterns and drinking wasn’t helping. It was liberating to let it all out, and I could only do it because I felt safe there.  I started to accept what had happened, to actually let myself feel emotions I’d been suppressing, and make a plan of how to sort myself out.

Things are really good now, I’ve made some major lifestyle changes, cut down on drinking, work is going really well, I just moved into a new house, and I’m running the Liverpool Half Marathon to raise funds and awareness for James’ Place dressed as Spiderman! This has all helped me stay positive and when I do spiral I’m equipped to deal with my suicidal thoughts and break the loop.

James’ Place was honestly my last resort. I’m so grateful that they were there to help me navigate the minefield of emotions I was experiencing. They got me through a really hard time and steered me in the right direction. I just want every man in Liverpool to know about them in case they get into a bad place like I was in – if you’re making a plan to end your life, reach out to them. They will help you.”

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