Stories from our care-leavers
David, a participant on one our recent outdoors events, is an extraordinary man who has had more than his fair share of difficulties. We are publishing part of his story here as an inspiration to us all of how we can get through anything with enough determination. We are very grateful to him for sharing this.
Uncertain times or life certainty
By David McCormack
Several weeks ago the world was sent into uncertainty when the virus known as Covid 19 emerged from the Chinese city of Wuhan, this was a virus that no one had anticipated or prepared for leaving the world in a state of panic and medical professionals the world over unsure how to combat this disease. In fact, at the time of writing there have been 2.090,100 people infected globally as well as 139,469 deaths and 528,746 who have recovered.
This has led to worldwide lockdowns and self-isolating that is having just as big an effect on people’s health as the dreaded Covid-19, I can see the question marks being asked at this statement but from personal experience I know the impact this is having on the many people in recovery from addiction and indeed those with mental health problems.
I myself face both having been in recovery from addiction for almost 14 months and having recently been diagnosed with PTSD and Emotionally unstable personality disorder, I used to think that this was the end of the world, that my life never had any purpose, but in reality I believe that with recent events then I’ve never had more purpose or motivation to share my story and hopefully inspire someone else to follow the path to a better life.
I had a start to life that wasn’t the easiest or greatest and at the age of three I was taken into permanent foster care as my Mum was unable to cope with me on her own and felt the best move was to put me in care, unfortunately that wasn’t the case and over the next thirteen years I moved around 70 times from carer to carer all over Scotland.
During the intervening years David had, probably about the worst time possible and we pick up his story again here -UTS
The first week of isolation hit me hard, I couldn’t get out of bed, wouldn’t wash actually self-harmed due to my inability to communicate in my relationships, but then I had a lightbulb moment, I could mope about or I could really put the work in on myself. I work a 12-step recovery program and have done some real internal work that is bringing me pain, love and reflection.
I have rediscovered a love and passion for writing, for sharing my experience and helping others to see that even in times of dire uncertainty the one thing that is certain is that we only have one life and we have to seize the opportunities we get and live that life to the full. Covid 19 will come and go and will leave many with bad memories but so does life in general, but we can also grow from these experiences and become all that we ever dreamed of.
I hope that this can inspire at least one person to see that we can all change if we have faith and put the work in.
This has led to worldwide lockdowns and self-isolating that is having just as big an effect on people’s health as the dreaded Covid-19, I can see the question marks being asked at this statement but from personal experience I know the impact this is having on the many people in recovery from addiction and indeed those with mental health problems.
I myself face both having been in recovery from addiction for almost 14 months and having recently been diagnosed with PTSD and Emotionally unstable personality disorder, I used to think that this was the end of the world, that my life never had any purpose, but in reality I believe that with recent events then I’ve never had more purpose or motivation to share my story and hopefully inspire someone else to follow the path to a better life.
I had a start to life that wasn’t the easiest or greatest and at the age of three I was taken into permanent foster care as my Mum was unable to cope with me on her own and felt the best move was to put me in care, unfortunately that wasn’t the case and over the next thirteen years I moved around 70 times from carer to carer all over Scotland.
During the intervening years David had, probably about the worst time possible and we pick up his story again here -UTS
The first week of isolation hit me hard, I couldn’t get out of bed, wouldn’t wash actually self-harmed due to my inability to communicate in my relationships, but then I had a lightbulb moment, I could mope about or I could really put the work in on myself. I work a 12-step recovery program and have done some real internal work that is bringing me pain, love and reflection.
I have rediscovered a love and passion for writing, for sharing my experience and helping others to see that even in times of dire uncertainty the one thing that is certain is that we only have one life and we have to seize the opportunities we get and live that life to the full. Covid 19 will come and go and will leave many with bad memories but so does life in general, but we can also grow from these experiences and become all that we ever dreamed of.
I hope that this can inspire at least one person to see that we can all change if we have faith and put the work in.
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Llwyn Celyn Farmhouse Trip
"This experience has been exactly what I needed as I have been suffering quite badly with my mental health. The chance to relax and be at one with nature has been superb. I really enjoyed the walk as well as the warm welcome received by everyone. There was a real camaraderie amongst the group, and we all seemed to get on extremely well. The facilities were excellent, and the programme was spot on. Thank you for the experience it really has helped." -David McCormack |
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