For World Mental Health Day this October we are sharing Jacqui’s uplifting story. Through her work with Lottie, her Recovery and Wellbeing Worker from our Open Mental Health service in Somerset Jacqui found the confidence to return to therapy sessions that once felt overwhelming. In time, she started to see herself in a new light and found new ways to connect with the world around her.
When Jacqui was referred to us from Talking Therapies1, she was in a difficult place. Living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as well as physical health issues, she described herself as “barely managing.”
“I often became overstimulated very quickly… I would frequently shut down, become upset or angry, and go straight into fight-or-flight mode. Combined with ongoing physical health issues, this left me in a destructive and unhappy place.”
Jacqui also carried deep struggles around trust, especially with men, which meant she could be easily triggered in clinical or social situations. These challenges made it hard for her to continue with her therapy sessions.
Working with Lottie
Working with Recovery and Wellbeing Worker Lottie, Jacqui completed the Facing Your Feelings course – a four-part structured programme developed by the Centre for Clinical Interventions2.
Over eight months, Jacgui worked with Lottie on emotional regulation, calming strategies and self-soothing techniques.
“Learning that feelings will come and go, and that it’s okay to sit with them because they will pass, was a turning point for me. Distraction methods and grounding strategies also gave me practical tools I could reach for when overwhelmed.”
New tools, new perspective
The new coping tools have had a ripple effect on Jacqui’s daily life. She now uses hearing loops to attend social gatherings without becoming upset, feels more confident in advocating for herself in medical settings, and has found new ways of relating positively to friends and family.
“I’ve learned it’s okay to say ‘no’ when I’m not able or comfortable to do something without being consumed by guilt. These may sound like small changes, but for me they are huge steps toward living with more control, peace, and acceptance.”
Most importantly, Jacqui has begun to embrace her neurodivergence as part of who she is.
“I have learned that being neurodivergent is not a curse; it is simply a different way of being. This shift in perspective has helped me embrace the parts of myself I used to struggle with.”
Looking ahead
Jacqui now feels ready to return to Talking Therapies to focus on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or the root causes of her PTSD.
“I truly cannot put into words how much Lottie’s support has meant to me. Her kindness, adaptability, and encouragement have given me the tools to feel more prepared for the next stage of my recovery. I would not be where I am today without her guidance, and I am deeply grateful.”
Lottie’s perspective
“It was a privilege to support Jacqui through this process. Watching her grow in confidence, find new ways of coping, and embrace her strengths has been inspiring. She has worked so hard, and I know she now has the tools she needs for the next stage of her journey.”
