Julie shares her experience of depression and how visiting Humphrey Booth Resource Centre has helped her mental health.
Hi, I am Julie.
I have lived with depression since childhood and at certain times in my life, I have felt it take over me. Over the years, I have learnt healthy coping techniques, which help to distract my mind and keep me thinking positively.
Seven years ago, my life changed for the better when I drove past Humphrey Booth Resource Centre in Swinton. I used to drive past Humphrey Booth most days however one day I decided to pop in to see if they had any volunteer vacancies. At the time, they did not but I was greeted by kind, caring staff who told me all about Humphrey Booth and the wonderful community, dementia friendly café!
I can honestly say, I fell in love with the place! Myself and my dog, Monty, used to visit Humphrey Booth every day for breakfast and chat with the lovely visitors and staff. Monty was my world and came everywhere with me, so it was ideal we could visit together. It meant a lot to me, that people made time for not only myself but Monty as well.
Last year, my dog, Monty sadly passed away, this brought on panic attacks and made me feel anxious and scared. Without the support of my friends and the staff at Humphrey Booth, I don’t know what I would of done! Every day, someone would take the time to sit with me and listen to me, it made a difference to my life knowing someone cared.
Aspire have helped me have a purpose. I always look forward to a Monday morning, seeing my friends, tidying the bookshelves, watering the plants, and helping where I can. My only wish is that they were open seven days a week!
I hope sharing my story encourages someone who lives with depression to visit Humphrey Booth Resource Centre in Swinton, it changed my life for the better and I am sure it will change your life too. For someone who has lived with depression my top tip is “Make sure you have a purpose, it is what gets you up in the morning, and helps you to fight through the emotions you are feeling.”
To find out more about Humphrey Booth Resource Centre, please visit Humphrey Booth Resource Centre – Aspire for Intelligent Care and Support (iamaspire.org.uk)
If you would like to find out about different ways to get help with your mental health, please visit How to access mental health services – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
