"Me and my mental health journey"

Three years ago, I was released from a drug and alcohol rehab that I was in from a year. I returned to my parents after living away for 30 years. within those 30 years I was an functioning alcoholic who used alcohol to supressed my mental health which I didn't know at the time. my life fell apart when I started using Ice, not long after my life fell apart I lost my job, my housing and I didn't see my kids because I felt ashamed.

I had gone in out of the health system may of times due to my poor mental health. I had moved to Nowra which I was afraid of due to my past experiences in addiction. but what I had found that is was the exact opposite!

I was close to several services that have helped me through my addiction and mental health such as the sub-acute mental health service, Shoalhaven community mental health rehabilitation service, lived lived well and one door mental health service.

These service provided me with tools and strategies to deal with my mental health and life, I found all the staff were welcoming and understanding of my needs, and having these services, having my routine and things to do. I feel without these services I wouldn't be in the state I am in now. I feel as though there could be a little bit more community engagement.

I'm now feeling the best I have felt in life, I'm back to seeing my family, I'm now doing my cert lV in mental health. i can now deal with life and my PTSD, depressions and anxiety and my life has changed for the better.