My journey at Middleton St George
From failed placements to living independently - thanks to Priory Middleton St George.
“I came to Hazelwood Ward at Middleton St George, after experiencing many failed placements in other hospitals. It felt like this was my last chance to finally gain a life worth living.
The multidisciplinary team helped me with a personalised recovery plan, suited to my needs, which included input from myself as well as their suggestions.
I had to take responsibility for my actions and thoughts and show I could progress in a safe and effective way.
I started the dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) programme three months into my admission. I had done some DBT at previous placements but had never been able to complete the programme. I found it hard to start with as it made me rethink how I approach different situations, my thought processes, and the way I present myself. But with the guidance, reassurance and support from the team on Hazelwood, and with prompts that resonated with me, I was slowly able to put the skills I was learning into practice. I was taught that I could use the skills I learnt in DBT, in everyday situations, using pros and cons to make a decision, or radical acceptance when things didn’t go to plan.
With the help of the team I started to build a life worth living. I enjoyed my time going out and one of my biggest achievements was getting a train by myself which I hadn’t done in three years.
Eventually I was taken off my section and I started looking for somewhere to live in my home area. When I was discharged I knew I had many challenges ahead of me but I felt prepared for the first time. I still use DBT skills on a daily basis. I use my mindfulness, radical acceptance and interpersonal effectiveness which has helped me in a recent job interview I had. I am now learning to drive and have lived independently for two years. I have just accepted a job offer for my dream job and I never would have got this far without the team on Hazelwood.
Thank you!”