Jason's story

“I’d been struggling for a few years, I had long term issues in my relationship which has caused me to feel very down. I eventually moved out, but spending too much time on my own wasn’t good for me, I was going over everything in my head and blamed myself for not being able to fix things. I started to feel like I didn’t want to be here anymore.

My manager realised I wasn’t doing well and gave me some time off work to sort myself out, but I just had too much time to think. I was referred to occupational health through work, but it was a 4 week wait for help, in the meantime they told me about James’ Place so I googled it and filled in the form online. I couldn’t believe how quickly they got me in. I was initially a bit worried about going, I’m a lifetime Sunderland supporter and I never go to Newcastle except to watch the football so I was very apprehensive but at the same time I knew this might be my only chance to get myself out of the headspace I was in.

As soon as I arrived I was instantly put at ease, it was the first time in my life that I felt able to open up and I put that down to the environment and also my therapist. She really took notice of what I was saying. The cards she used helped me to work out some of the things that were causing me to feel suicidal, I talked about my background in foster care, my nephew who died, things that I’d sort of brushed under the carpet and never really dealt with. I think in my fourth session I had a complete breakdown, but it was the biggest release, I had no secrets anymore, no shame. I could finally move on and put things behind me. I feel like I’ve found myself really, going to James’ Place has been the best thing I’ve ever done and I’m looking forward to the future.”

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