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Mental health service: Amy’s story

Founded in 2020, our Riverside Sanctuary mental health service has grown rapidly to support those in our communities whose lives are impacted by mental health struggles. Amy is just one of many people who we are thankful for being able to support…

A woman with a dog following a Wiltshire mental health service session.

Amy came to her first meeting with our mental health service team with her mum. She had enjoyed school, and college, but now aged 18, she was struggling with anxiety and feeling isolated. She is autistic and lives with an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

After arriving at our appointment, initially Amy wanted her mum to speak for her, but gradually began to talk for herself, explaining how she was feeling.

At our mental health service, we understand how important it is to feel heard, supported, and empowered. Amy, who is passionate about animals and aspires to work in the animal care sector, had been struggling with anxiety, particularly around doing things independently. She reached out to our team for guidance, and we were able to help her find the confidence she needed to take steps forward.

Tailored support for Amy’s mental health needs

During our first session, Amy expressed her anxiety about taking on new tasks alone. We recognised that creating a comfortable environment would be essential to her healing. That’s why we arranged to meet Amy at her home for our second session. In a place where she felt most at ease, Amy was able to openly share her concerns and feel more understood by the mental health service team. By the end of that meeting, Amy said she felt much more positive and appreciated the personal, one-on-one support.

Addressing anxiety triggers and coping strategies

Together, we explored the situations that caused Amy to feel anxious. Our mental health service team worked with Amy to create a visual list of feelings she experienced in these moments. This list helped Amy realise how some feelings triggered others in a chain reaction, which gave her valuable insights into her emotional responses. By identifying these patterns, we were able to develop calming techniques and distraction methods that Amy felt confident using.

Amy took charge of her mental health by adding additional strategies to the list before our next session. She felt empowered to take an active role in her recovery, which is a key element of the approach we use at our mental health service. Our goal is always to make sure the individual feels empowered and supported.

Building confidence at the Animal Centre

For Amy’s third session, we met at a local animal centre—a place where she felt comfortable and connected to her passion for animals. While holding a guinea pig, Amy shared how she had used some of the anxiety management techniques we had discussed. She was animated and confident, with no signs of agitation, demonstrating how effective our mental health services had been in helping her cope with anxiety in real-world situations.

We also explored volunteer opportunities at the animal centre, which Amy found exciting. She expressed hope that she could take part in one of the available positions. This step is a significant milestone in her journey toward independence and overcoming anxiety.

Positive progress and continued support

After just three sessions, Amy and her family have already noticed a positive shift in her well-being. Amy continues to meet with our mental health service team, and we remain committed to providing ongoing support tailored to her unique needs.

Get in touch with our Mental Health Service Team

If you know others in similar circumstances, please consider our mental health service and get in touch for a no-obligation chat. We understand that reaching out for help can sometimes feel daunting, but our team is here to offer support in a compassionate and non-judgmental environment. Whether you’re seeking guidance for yourself or someone else, we are committed to providing tailored care that meets individual needs. There is absolutely no pressure, and we can discuss how our services might be beneficial in a way that feels comfortable for you. Your well-being is our priority, and we encourage you to take that first step towards better mental health.

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