“It doesn’t stay dark forever.” For several years, Newtownards woman Katrina Hunsdale battled crippling anxiety, facing a daily struggle that was often invisible to those around her, including family and friends.
The mum-of-four’s story is one of resilience and strength. She sought help from her GP and the South Eastern Trust’s Recovery College to manage her symptoms and speak openly about a condition that so many people can quietly battle behind closed doors.
The South Eastern Trust’s Recovery College provides free educational courses and workshops designed to support people with their mental health and emotional wellbeing, helping them develop practical skills, build resilience and support their recovery journey.
Katrina hopes that by sharing her experience, others struggling with anxiety will feel empowered to speak up, seek support and know that recovery is possible.
Katrina explained how she had always suffered from anxiety and how it became, “Really debilitating after I had my second child.”
“I had early intervention at that time and there was group and one-to-one therapies. I made quite a lot of friends and we all worked together. We were equipped with the tools to deal with anxiety management.”
Katrina said that she would come to recognise the signs that would trigger her anxiety such as, “Feeling overwhelmed, I would sweat and there would be a tingle in my fingers. Once you recognise the symptoms, you can use the techniques you’ve learned and put your plan into action.”
Katrina credits her GP Team and the Trust’s Recovery College for the help and support she has received.
“It is so important to reach out. People think I am a very confident person because I do talk a lot but that is not it. When I reached out and especially going to the classes, the sessions and listening to other people, you realise that you are not alone. Other people that come to the classes are just the same as you and they are there to get the help to deal with their condition.”
Katrina added, “There is always help. You are never alone. Someone is always there to listen.”
Reflecting back on the years when she was at her lowest with her mental health struggles, Katrina said she would tell that version of herself, “It does get better.”
“It did take time – but I got there. I got there through asking for help and through speaking out. You have to put the work in yourself.”
South Eastern Trust, Health Development Specialist, Lead for Mental Health, Emotional Wellbeing and Suicide Prevention, Laura McAllister added how, “Recovery is possible.”
“Anxiety is something that any of us can experience, at different points in our lives. It does not mean that you are flawed, or that you will always feel this way.”
“If anxiety feels too much to manage alone, please reach out and talk to someone you trust or speak to your GP. Katrina’s powerful and inspiring story reminds us that anxiety does not have to define your life.
“There are simple skills we can learn to help calm our nervous system, when anxiety starts to build, that can help us to feel more in control. For me, focusing on my breathing, using techniques such as box breathing or the double inhale, can help me feel calmer and more grounded. Spending less time on our phones, going for a walk and spending time in nature, can all be very helpful. Small changes to our lifestyle can make a big difference and learning what works for you can be incredibly empowering.
“This year’s regional Mental Health Campaign comes with a simple message; you are not alone, there is hope, there is support, things can get better. If things are too much to manage alone, please reach out for help.”
For further information on the South Eastern Trust Recovery College email recovery.college@setrust.hscni.net or visit the Minding Your Head website at www.mindingyourhead.info/campaigns/look-after-your-mental-health-campaign