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Journeys of recovery audio recordings

Stories of hope and recovery from long term mental health problems

Below are audio recordings of the twelve personal stories of recovery featured in Journeys of Recovery. Each recording features three stories, together with information about recovery. Beneath each story heading there is a quote and short description to help you decide if the story is relevant for you. If you would like to hear a story, you can locate it quickly by pressing play, and then fast forwarding to the time point next to the heading.

If you would like an audio CD of all twelve stories, contact 0141 240 7790 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Recording one

      

Bring on Las Vegas and the pink Cadillac [2:28]
“I don’t let it control me. And it is an ‘it’. It’s not the whole of my life, it’s just part of my life now.”

This story highlights how self-knowledge, taking back control of her life, and getting the right support helped this woman deal with symptoms associated with clinical depression, psychosis and personality disorder. 

The house that recovery built [10:36]
“…you have to be prepared to make the first step yourself and be prepared to work from then onwards.”

In this story, a man who experienced problems related to stress relates how his wife, kids, friends, and spending time in his garden all helped in his recovery, and how volunteering finally led to a new career.

It’s never too late [15:55]
“Recovery for me has meant that I can actually choose where I want to live… what I want to do, and how I want to live.”

This narrator talks about the importance of self-awareness and self-acceptance; of finding ways to ‘give back’ to loved ones; and the need to develop an honest, open relationship with key professionals.

Recording two


There’s more to me than my mental health [2:27]
“Challenging my thoughts and experiences was difficult, especially as I didn’t quite believe  that it was the right thing to do. Thankfully the pay-off has been worth it.”

This is the story of a student diagnosed with schizophrenia who found that developing a positive attitude and building relationships with people who gave him/her space to explore themselves was important for their recovery.

Paving my own way [9:49]
“I just try to trust myself. I have brought a lot of strength, courage and creativity to my own recovery and I think this is true for everyone who embarks on a similar journey.”

This story tells how someone who experienced post traumatic stress was able, with the support of her employer, to retain control of her recovery journey, using herbal remedies and homeopathy to gradually build up her strength and wellbeing. 

JR and Sue Ellen [14:57]
“I am an occupational therapist (OT) and mental health nurse and through experiencing mental health problems myself, I feel like I’ve now got a lot more to offer clients. I can bring a totally empathetic understanding of what they’ve been through.”

This is the story of a mental health professional who became unwell with anxiety and depression who found that having someone to listen to them was vital for recovery. 

Recording three


Tracky bottoms and trainers versus make-up and heels [2:28]
“About two years ago I realised that I really could recover. I find that quite an amazing fact, because over the years no one has actually said, ‘You can recover.’”

This story highlights how one woman found ways to support her recovery by accessing the right supports and learning how to believe in and trust herself again when faced with issues relating to suicide, relationship difficulties, depression, agoraphobia, and the fear of her children being removed by social services.

Coming out of the fog [10:20]
“There are a number of strategies that I follow in order to stay well. Keeping busy is one of them.”

This man experienced problems with anxiety and depression, which led to the loss of his job and an overdose. He went on to regain his confidence and self-esteem through activities including a personal development course, photography and hillwalking.

Psychotic and proud [18:04]
“One of the major things for me since my recovery started was feeling integrated and part of the wider community…”

This story explores how spirituality, self-acceptance, peer support and self-employment have helped this person cope with recurrent psychotic episodes. They now run their own charity, supporting people with mental health problems to tell their stories. 

Recording four


The evolutionary jigsaw [2:28]
“A big step in my recovery process was joining a hill walking club. Nobody knew that I’d been in hospital about a dozen times and I was just accepted as one of the other hill walkers.”

Following a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and repeated hospitalisations, this person found a way to wellbeing through taking risks, reducing their reliance on professionals, getting involved with the Bipolar Fellowship, and physical exercise.

Doesn’t time fly when you’re depressed [6:11]
“Learning about what trigger signs were, about what the early warning signs were, and also about some of the traits of the illness armed me to form a sort of self management style for myself.”

This is the story of someone diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Through developing self-knowledge and getting involved with self help groups, they have accessed full employment, and created an enjoyable and contributing life.

To hell and back [9:40]
“Every problem and every hiccup was necessary for me to arrive at where I am today. The experience was required to give me the tools and knowledge to keep going.”

This person had problems with alcohol and wasn’t able to be open about their sexuality. Alcoholics Anonymous and their Buddhist faith were both a great source of help, as was support from a befriender. 




 
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