jigsaw

As a 23 year old I moved to Galway. I was from another country and had no family in the area.

From as young as I can remember I struggled with mental health issues, in particular anger and substance abuse. The lack of support and lack of stability I had in this country heightened all of my symptoms.

I was sabotaging my own life and spiralling out of control with binge drinking and violent outbursts. I sought help in the mental health ward at the local hospital and was redirected to an organization called Jigsaw.

I kept the number but didn’t ring; I thought I could manage on my own. I was stubborn. A couple of weeks later another violent out burst took place. Riddled with guilt and depression that often occurred after one of my episodes I broke down and I rang and was asked to come in for a chat so I did.

I was informed of a meditation group that has been known to be effective for people with my issues. The group wasn’t going to start for a month or so and I needed help then and there. When I expressed this, I was accommodated with one to one sessions that were very helpful.

The services that were provided were great. They were professional and casual at the same time. I went on doing one to one sessions then the meditation group and then realized a common denominator in a lot of my problems was drink. So when the groups ended I went on to do substance abuse counselling. I found it very helpful and with great resistance found myself attending AA meetings.

I am making great progress with my life today and I owe it to Jigsaw for the guidance and helping hand that they held out to me. The services they provide are brilliant and I would recommend it to anyone struggling not matter how severe or how miniscule they can help.

Thanks,

Mike, 25