08/07/2025
This post mentions su***de and self-harm. Please read with care ๐
"I hated opening up to the crisis team and didnโt want to talk about my mental health with anyone else. I found myself avoiding the staff, spending most of my days outside, exploring the area until someone called me to check where I was.
"Unsurprisingly, I didnโt feel any better. It seemed like a big waste of time, counting down the days until I had my freedom back. The future seemed bleak. I desperately wanted to escape it all, but I knew if I didnโt talk to someone, nothing would improve.
"One evening, I was filling out a form for the crisis team. Confused about one section and hesitant, I shuffled into the office, where I saw a young woman at the desk on her laptop. She saw me and smiled. I handed her the form, stumbling over my words, asking for her help. Immediately, all her attention was on me.
"As we worked through the form, she asked me questions, trying to get to know me. She surprised me with her empathy and kindness. When I didnโt know what to say or hesitated, she spoke, giving me advice, warm words and encouragement. Suddenly, I felt more comfortable and reassured. Talking through my confusing thoughts and urges helped me make sense of them.
"When I was leaving, I was told I could come back whenever I wanted, whether I needed to talk or just to say hi. Even now, it remains my โhome away from homeโ. Gathering the courage to open up is hard, but if you are staying at a crisis house, itโs important you make most of the staff. I fully believe that if I had opened up sooner and allowed myself to spend more time with them as they wanted, I would have felt a lot better, a lot faster!โ