The Blemished Rose

Last year, when I was having weekly counselling sessions, I drew a little sketch to illustrate some of my issues. I realised that most of my problems are a result of the core issue: CSA. Counselling enabled me to work through some of my issues and grow in confidence like a blooming rose.                                               When I wrote about these issues last year, I realised that some triggers were making me feel the same way that I did as a child. As I started to feel more confident, I realised that I didn’t deserve to feel that way. The last statement before each rose includes the word ‘deserve’, these are the statements I wrote:                                 ...

As a result of my last blog post I was spurred on to write to my local MP about mental health services in the UK. I was invited to his surgery and met him yesterday. I voiced my opinion and said that I am speaking on behalf of all survivors who are in need of support.                                                               We discussed support available to survivors during and after a court case. I spoke about my own experience and the fact that I received no support, unfortunately hit rock bottom and tried to take my life. Only then was I offered a lifeline, which in all honesty changed my life. I said that in my case, and in the case of many others, when we finally remember and admit what happened to us, our first instinct is to stop the perpetrator from reoffending. Obviously we are putting the safety of others b...

Everyone has issues, and sometimes issues related to everyday life can affect people in their place of work. However, being in the workplace is a lot more difficult for those with mental health problems. Many people are unable to work due to disabilities including mental health. In fact, in the UK 40% of people unable to work are claiming disability benefits due to psychological issues (according to the OECD report). Part of the problem in the UK stems from the Government and their lack of understanding about these issues. The NHS are only able to offer help for 2 years, it might seem a long time but in complex cases, much longer would be needed in order to heal. In my case, I was offered 6 counselling sessions from the NHS, thankfully it was extended and my therapist assured me that I would not be left in a raw state. Being offered support is better than nothing but still may not be enough time for a survivor to heal. Questions I believe that the UK Government should be asking...