Aston’s story
Jessica-Rose is one of Bradford District and Craven Mind’s longest-serving volunteers, and in July last […]
This is Patrick’s story.
Patrick* is 50-years-old and has struggled with his mental health for several years. He’s experienced problems with substance misuse, bereavement, sexuality, identity and self-harm.
He first called Guide-Line around eight years ago and this was the first step in turning his life around. He became a regular caller, with Guide-Line workers encouraging him to explore aspects of self-care, giving him guidance and coping techniques for self-harm, and supporting him with self-acceptance and understanding of his sexuality as a bisexual, Catholic man.
You have helped more than you can ever imagine.
He also sometimes shares his poems to express his feelings, which helps him cope with stress and anxiety, and Guide-Line gives him the space to use this therapeutic approach.
On a recent call to Guide-Line, Patrick spoke about his gratitude to Guide-Line for supporting him over the years and described that although he has had many challenges in life, Guide-Line has been there for him and has helped him through the hard times.
Seven or eight years I hadn’t come out of the closet, I was using hard drugs, it was getting worse and you help me understand my sexuality and accept myself for who I am; a bisexual Catholic man. My drug use was partly due to not coming out of the closet and Guide-Line helped me with this and understanding myself.
Patrick now goes for long periods drug-free and no longer self-harms at all. His goal is now to get healthier and stronger as he wants to attend Pride this year and get into a relationship. He knows he can still call Guide-Line for support as and when needed.
*name has been changed to protect confidentiality.
A poem by Patrick:
An uneducated mind
All my knowledge I’ve learnt
Is from living life
From the streets
Down the main drag
Of many cities
The people I’ve met
And their crazy wisdom
Along the road of life
To here today faze and fade
In the mist and haze
Another chapter begins for me
Time passes quickly on by
My oh my
Two birds with one stone
Nine lives I’ve lived
Give or take a bit
Hop and skip dance and sing
Poor man or king
Loaded or skint
Life can be cruel
Life can be kind
Leave all your worries behind
Learn to love yourself and life.
If you’re struggling with your mental health and feel like you need to talk to someone, our free helpline Guide-Line is open every day of the year from 8am to 12am (midnight). Call 08001 884 884 or use our live chat. You’re not alone – our friendly team is here to listen and support you.
Posted on: 17th February 2023
Jessica-Rose is one of Bradford District and Craven Mind’s longest-serving volunteers, and in July last […]
“Insightful”, “poignant”, “eye-opening”. These are some of the words used by staff at Bradford District […]
One of our favourite fundraising events, The Great Yorkshire Abseil, was held on Saturday 14 […]
We are excited to share some important news with you. Mind in Bradford will now […]
To hear all about Bradford District and Craven Mind’s services, events, latest news and how you can get involved in our projects and fundraising activities, please fill in the form below.
Your privacy is important to us, we keep your information safe and we will never sell or swap your details for marketing purposes. You can easily unsubscribe from emails at any time using the link at the bottom of the email, or by contacting [email protected] Please see our privacy policy for more details.