Andrew's story

42 year old Andrew from Hounslow came to James’ Place for help last year after experiencing a suicidal crisis after the loss of both his parents.

“I lost my mum very suddenly and unexpectedly at the end of 2024, and my dad, who had been ill for six weeks, passed away two days later. My relationship was also coming to an end at the same time. It was a hugely traumatic time and I found it very hard to deal with all the emotions I was experiencing. I became very negative and down on myself over a period of about six months. I just didn’t want to live anymore, everything seemed so unimportant, like there was no point to anything anymore. I had started to plan ending my life and had worked out how to do it. Thankfully others around me had noticed the gradual decline in my mental health, and colleagues stepped in and sent me to counselling through work. The counsellor realises I was actively suicidal and told me about James’ Place.

The centre itself was a really lovely place, very calm. That first time I went I just felt so hopeless, and could barely talk without breaking down, but every therapy session I had I felt a bit better, a bit lighter. My therapist helped me to see that I was very hard on myself, and despite the grief I was feeling, I still had so much to live for. It was really helpful to get everything out of my head, all my very worst thoughts, and to have a professional there to support me and carry some of the weight of it all for me. It was great to have somewhere to go every week where I knew I could talk, that really got me through at the beginning.

At the end of all my sessions at James’ Place I felt so much better. There was a massive difference in my mood, I’d learnt to be much kinder to myself and how to tackle my negative thinking. It was exactly what I needed at that time when I was in a horrible place. I would encourage anyone else feeling the same way not to keep it to yourself and try to handle it on your own – James’ Place can help you. It’s healthier to try and face what you are feeling than try to push it aside. As the saying goes ‘this too shall pass’.”

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