Jason's story

“I’d been struggling for a few years, I had long term issues in my relationship which has caused me to feel very down. I eventually moved out, but spending too much time on my own wasn’t good for me, I was going over everything in my head and blamed myself for not being able to fix things. I started to feel like I didn’t want to be here anymore.

My manager realised I wasn’t doing well and gave me some time off work to sort myself out, but I just had too much time to think. I was referred to occupational health through work, but it was a 4 week wait for help, in the meantime they told me about James’ Place so I googled it and filled in the form online. I couldn’t believe how quickly they got me in. I was initially a bit worried about going, I’m a lifetime Sunderland supporter and I never go to Newcastle except to watch the football so I was very apprehensive but at the same time I knew this might be my only chance to get myself out of the headspace I was in.

As soon as I arrived I was instantly put at ease, it was the first time in my life that I felt able to open up and I put that down to the environment and also my therapist. She really took notice of what I was saying. The cards she used helped me to work out some of the things that were causing me to feel suicidal, I talked about my background in foster care, my nephew who died, things that I’d sort of brushed under the carpet and never really dealt with. I think in my fourth session I had a complete breakdown, but it was the biggest release, I had no secrets anymore, no shame. I could finally move on and put things behind me. I feel like I’ve found myself really, going to James’ Place has been the best thing I’ve ever done and I’m looking forward to the future.”

If you need support please click here.

To make a donation to help men like Jason click here.