Joanne began struggling with her mental health whilst trying to juggle a busy family life as a newly single mum to two young children.
Here’s Joanne’s story.
In January 2022, I filed for divorce. However, the following months became increasingly difficult and I began to struggle with the situation. As a mum to two young children, the decision to leave was one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made in my life, but it had to be done. I knew in my heart, that in the long run, it would be the best thing for me and my children.
“I got to a breaking point one night and genuinely believed that my children would be better off if I wasn’t here anymore”
I finally reached out to Libby at Back Onside, who quickly got me referred onto their counsellor Jane. I’ve always been very independent, so I try and deal with it myself. But sometimes the problem is too big to deal with on your own. I had regular counselling sessions, every one to two weeks, and eventually I began to find my feet.
“Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without Back Onside and I’m pretty sure that I wouldn’t have gotten through the worst of it on my own. So, this is my way of saying thank you.”
On 13th August 2023, I will be doing a charity Skydive to raise money for Back Onside. This challenge is something that I have never done before, but I’ve thought about for a good few months now — I’m ready to push myself further, physically and mentally. Back Onside receive no government support and, therefore, rely on fundraising donations from service users and supporters like me. I want to raise as much money as I can so that everyone can receive the same level of mental health support as I did.
For years, I was made to feel ashamed and weak for struggling with situations. It’s normal to feel sad, upset or struggling to deal with whatever situation you’re facing. That doesn’t make you weak!
So please, if you are reading this, please consider supporting Back Onside however you can – whether it be participating in a fundraising challenge or donating via this link here.
I cannot describe how absolutely incredible this charity is. If you can, please support Back Onside this year, so they can continue to help people like me.
Thank you.
