Tammy - Trying group activities has helped me to trust again

Giving group activities a go has been so life changing I want to inspire others struggling with trust.

I’m so glad Flourish Australia gave me the nudge I needed to try some of the group activities at their Seven Hills service. I had only ever experienced one-to-one support sessions and was apprehensive about socialising with people I didn’t know. Once I took the leap of faith to get involved with an Art Group and Mindfulness and Meditation sessions, making new connections with a diverse group of people helped me to reconnect with myself and move past the childhood trauma underlying my anxiety and depression.

I had been sent away from home to live with a foster family at a young age and found myself in refuges from the age of 15. I struggled with the way people would come and go in my life and it was especially tough when the ones I grew to rely on would vanish when things got tough.

Enjoying fun group activities with others who really got what I was going through was so much better than hanging around at home on my own dwelling on things. Older people in the groups share life experience and great advice, and sometimes we’re so engrossed in our conversations we completely lose track of time.

I’m surrounding myself with people who stick by me through the good times and the bad which is restoring my trust. This has all been so nurturing for my mental health and wellbeing, I’m starting to feel it’s ok to let people in, and genuinely look forward to every session! Getting out of the house more has opened doors to healthy distractions and I’m relaxing into relating to people from all walks of life.

With therapy, I’m learning to manage my anger and strengthen my self-esteem. I’m now able to express feelings I was once unable to process and as I walk out what it’s like to exist in the world as a responsible adult, I find myself wanting to make a positive difference by helping others on their recovery journey.

A turning point for me was realising that no matter how hopeless things seem, there are better paths to follow and support is available! Now, when I feel overwhelmed, I know there are things I can do to disengage from a situation, practice mindfulness, and take some alone time to process by going for a walk or listening to music.

I’m so grateful to the support network I’ve built around myself who encourage me in my ambition of becoming a Youth Worker, where I can offer young people the kind of reassurance I wish I’d received at their age.