Ards mum shares mental health journey to give others hope
A NEWTOWNARDS mum-of-four, who battled crippling anxiety for years, is sharing her story to encourage others to seek help, with a powerful message that ‘It doesn’t stay dark forever’.
Katrina Hunsdale faced a daily struggle with anxiety which was often invisible to those around her, including family and friends.
But through seeking help from her GP and the South Eastern Trust’s Recovery College, Katrina has learned how to manage her symptoms, build resilience and speak openly about her mental health.
Now she hopes that sharing her experience will encourage others living with anxiety to speak up, seek support and know that recovery is possible.
Katrina explained that she had always suffered from anxiety, but it became really debilitating after the birth of her second child.
“I had early intervention at that time and there was group and one-to-one therapies,” she explained. “I made quite a lot of friends and we all worked together. We were equipped with the tools to deal with anxiety management.”
Over time, Katrina learned to recognise the warning signs that could trigger her anxiety.
Katrina credits her GP team and the Trust’s Recovery College with providing vital help and support.
“It is so important to reach out,” she said. “People think I am a very confident person because I do talk a lot but that is not it. When I reached out and especially going to the classes, the sessions and listening to other people, you realise that you are not alone. Other people that come to the classes are just the same as you and they are there to get the help to deal with their condition.”
Katrina added: “There is always help. You are never alone. Someone is always there to listen.”
Looking back on the years when her mental health struggles were at their lowest, Katrina said she would tell that version of herself, ‘it does get better’.
“It did take time – but I got there. I got there through asking for help and through speaking out. You have to put the work in yourself.”
The South Eastern Trust’s Recovery College provides free educational courses and workshops designed to support mental health and emotional wellbeing, while helping people develop practical skills, build resilience and support their recovery.
Laura McAllister, South Eastern Trust Health Development Specialist said ‘recovery is possible.’
“Anxiety is something that any of us can experience, at different points in our lives,” she said. “It does not mean that you are flawed, or that you will always feel this way.”
“If anxiety feels too much to manage alone, please reach out and talk to someone you trust or speak to your GP. Katrina’s powerful and inspiring story reminds us that anxiety does not have to define your life.
“There are simple skills we can
learn to help calm our nervous system, when anxiety starts to build, that can help us to feel more in control. For me, focusing on my breathing, using techniques such as box breathing or the double inhale, can help me feel calmer and more grounded.
“Spending less time on our phones, going for a walk and spending time in nature, can all be very helpful. Small changes to our lifestyle can make a big difference and learning what works for you can be incredibly empowering.
For further information on the South Eastern Trust Recovery College, email [email protected] or visit the Minding Your Head website.
