Support groups make a big difference

"Some of my neighbours began talking to me over the fence... I don't think they realise to this day the help they were" ~ Consumer Advisor

One woman's journey to recovery - from isolation and depression to a life of joy

"When I was two years old, I was diagnosed with nervous asthma. In my teens I was diagnosed with anorexia. My friend discovered me one day when I was not in a good place in my mind and I had to go to hospital. This was in Sydney. I returned to New Zealand, where I isolated myself totally and became agoraphobic for 13 years.

It was a long climb back. I started by going into my garden and digging a new patch of ground each day, ignoring all else around me. Some of my neighbours began talking to me over the fence and I could not ignore them; I don't think they realise to this day the help they were.

I became even more depressed and went to see a psychiatrist. From there we decided I should attend a women's support group, which I did for two years, and got a huge amount out of it.

I also attended and participated in a joint psychotherapy group run by Manaaki House and Segar house. I went to this group for two years during the evenings. It was a huge turning point in my life, as I realised I was not alone.

During the group times, I met lots of service users of Manaaki House and when I applied for the consumer representative position of eight hours a week, through election by service users, I was elected for two consecutive two-year terms.

When Jim Burdett set up Mind and Body Consultants, I was offered a full time position as Consumer Advisor.

My life is now a joy, which through all its stages has reached a continuing journey of recovery."