When the people at Flourish Australia’s Seven Hills service suggested that I attend some of their group activities, I felt apprehensive. Up until that time I had only really had one-to-one sessions with a support worker in person. The thought of going to a group and socialising with others made me pretty anxious, like I had to be on guard and super careful. So, I had to be ‘gently nudged’ to make myself go along. I agreed because I believed it would be beneficial for me.
The reason I have felt so much anxiety and depression has to do with childhood trauma. I was taken away from home and sent to a foster family, and I didn’t have the best experience. From the age of 15 I started living in refuges. I still struggle: we ALL do. But I have been doing therapy to allow me to deal with anger and self-hate and other issues. Over the past two years or so I have enjoyed therapy because it allows me to express feelings I could not otherwise express.
Now I go to the group activities because I genuinely enjoy them and look forward to each session!
There is a great diverse mix of people in our art group for example. People of different ages, different backgrounds, men and women. The older people are cool because I guess they have had more experience and they can give me advice. They’re all really nice. Sometimes we are so engrossed in our conversations, we don’t stop talking.
Our Art Group is at St Clements Church at Lalor Park. Another group is mindfulness and meditation at the Seven Hills office. Plus, we have a movie group every once in a while.
The groups have up to about ten people and I am so glad that I take part. It is much better than hanging around at home because in the groups I feel enjoyment!
When I feel overwhelmed, I know there are things I can do to help myself. I can disengage from the situation, practice mindfulness, go for a bush walk, listen to music or just hang out. Now that I am better at relating to people and better with feelings and emotions I feel like I’m part of civilisation!
I call it learning how to be an adult.
One thing I always found hard growing up was the way people come and go. It was especially tough when people seemed to disappear when things got difficult. I really needed to have people who could stick by me through both good times and bad times.
When people are not there for you, how can you learn to trust people? Now, through Flourish Australia, I have met people who I can rely on, I am learning to trust. I have begun to think ‘it’s OK to trust people; it’s OK to let people in!’
Another thing that is making a difference for me is the medication I am now on. It seems to be working well for me.
Now that I am learning to be an adult, I’ve realised that I would like to make a difference by helping other people who might find themselves in similar situations to mine. My hope now is to be a youth worker, offering support and guidance to those who need it, and providing the kind of reassurance I once lacked: there are better paths to follow, and support available! I am grateful to Flourish Australia and to all the support workers and others who have helped me along the way. With their support as my inspiration, I hope to give back and maybe I can return the favour to others!
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