What was life like before meeting Emerge?

“Before meeting Emerge, my life was consumed by my self-harm addiction. It was like there was a constant cloud of darkness towering over me, stealing every possible ounce of happiness and joy. I saw no way out, and, even though part of me didn’t want to end my life, I felt this would be the only way that would put an end to my suffering.”

How did Emerge support you?

“Emerge have helped me see the light in life again, and have helped me equip myself with all the coping skills I need to continue to support myself in my mental health recovery. Emerge have been there by my side throughout the highs and the lows, and, although I still struggle, I am in an infinitely better place than when I first met Emerge in hospital that day. Emerge have helped me gain a better understanding of myself as an autistic person and have assisted me in gaining the confidence necessary to advocate for my needs and any necessary accommodations. From the very moment I first met Emerge, they have supported me through the times I thought I’d never have made it through, and have been a consistent form of support, who I knew I could trust and be able to rely on in times of difficulty.”

Would you recommend Emerge Follow Up?

“If you’re thinking about getting support from Emerge, absolutely go for it. Don’t be afraid of letting someone new into your life – they are there to help you and will do everything in their power to advocate for you and help improve your quality of life. Chances are, if you’re being offered support from Emerge you’re going to be in an incredibly dark place, and just like I once did, you will see nothing but darkness. Allow your Emerge worker to take your hand and help you see the light in life again, allow them to help you to bloom. Mental health recovery is possible, I am a living example of that. It may not be an overnight journey, but with assistance from Emerge, you will be able to make it to a better place.”

What does life look like now?

“As someone who has just moved to University to study Child Nursing, I will forever advocate for Emerge and recommend their support services to those who might find themselves in the same darkness that I did even just a year ago. Without Emerge, none of this would have even been possible, I’m not sure I would have been alive to see the day where I was able to start my nurse training, thank you Emerge for helping me to see the beauty in life, and learn to appreciate both the sun and the rain – flowers don’t bloom without rain and you can’t have a rainbow without first experiencing the rain.”