After two heart attacks, Richard* went from a life of adventure to struggling with alcohol, drug use and suicidal thoughts. With support from our housing support service Step Down in Somerset, he began to rebuild his life. This is his story, in his words.
I used to be very active. I skied; I climbed; I was a skydiver.
The second you jump, everything just goes calm, the colours get brighter, you’re not thinking about the gas bill, or an argument with your girlfriend, you’re 100% in the moment. It’s absolute freedom.
But then in 2011 I had a heart attack as a result of a base jump, and then in 2013 I had a second one. My health just declined and I could no longer do the things that I felt were me. I’d climbed the Eiger three times and now I struggled to even get up a flight of stairs.
I came home and I struggled to come to terms with what I’d lost. I leaned heavily into drink and drugs. There were a string of arrests and the last time I was arrested I’d actually gone out to take my own life. After that I spent a month in a secure psychiatric unit.
And then Second Step found me. They gave me space to stop and think and get some mental health support. It enabled me to accept what had happened to me and completely changed my life. It’s given me a future I was so convinced I didn’t have and now I do.
I’ve been clean and dry for 10 months. Second Step helped me secure a new home. This place means security and stability to me. A place that’s mine and that means a lot to me.
Just knowing an organisation was there that had my corner was such a relief. I’ve got ADHD so focusing on paperwork or bureaucracy is tough. Physically I couldn’t move heavy items and emotionally I was overwhelmed. Second Step stepped in wherever needed, whether it was helping me get furniture, on moving day, or just calmly talking me through any problems. I can’t thank them enough.
It’s just a pleasure walking in through the front door and seeing my space. It’s wildly different from where I was not long ago. I’ve made it my own and it’s just a lovely feeling.
About Step Down Somerset
Richard was helped by our housing support service, Step Down, in Somerset, part of the Open Mental Health alliance. We provide support with practical living skills, as well as offering emotional support to clients as they rebuild their confidence and resilience and reconnect with their community.
Find out more about Step Down here.
Watch Richard tell his story
*not his real name