Affinity Services gave me coping strategies
"My husband gambled again, so my mental health condition was once again out of control. However, the crisis management plan enabled me to make an emergency phone call to ask for help" Wife and factory owner
How a woman, helped by Affinity Services, dealt with her mental distress due her partner's habitual gambling
"In the ‘80s, I had owned a factory in Hong Kong, and managed over 1000 workers. My husband lost all of my possessions in gambling, and did not make any change in his behaviour, so that I was under severe pressure and ultimately suffered from mental illness.
When I review my recovery experience, I think the greatest help I received was from Affinity Services, which was previously named TKA, and the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
I have corrected my misunderstanding and fear of mental illness, and gained a reasonably comprehensive understanding of mental health problems through attending workshops, watching videos, reading relevant articles and information, communicating and cooperating with professional workers in mental health.
In the study group, I understood that my symptoms were mixed up with irritability and depression, my emotional level is sometimes very high, but sometimes very pessimistic.
With the support from Affinity Service, I set my life goal and made a specific action plan. I learnt relaxing strategies to take control of my symptoms, enhance my life quality, and maintain normal daily functions. I can now recognise and prevent the early warning symptoms, and make good use of suitable coping skills.
A few years ago, my husband gambled again, so my mental health condition was once again out of control. However, the crisis management plan that I made after learning the WRAP programme enabled me to make an emergency phone call to ask for help.
I have basically recovered at present, and have been discharged from Affinity Services. I am enjoying my current healthy lifestyle and I really appreciate the support and encouragement provided by the service."
