Stories
Leila’s Story
They’ve lifted me up and out of the worst depression. I couldn’t have done it without Improving Lives. I wouldn’t have gotten through without (my Support Worker) and (the art group volunteer). They’ve given me hope.”
Leila has a long history of emotional trauma dating back to her teenage years. She was deeply affected by the loss of her father, then her mother, who was her primary supporter, followed a year later by her nephew.
In addition to her mental health challenges, which include depression, severe panic attacks and debilitating anxiety, Leila has extensive physical health problems including strokes and kidney failure.
Leila’s apartment was in need of significant repairs. There were leaks in the bathroom and ceiling. She had put down piles of newspaper to soak up the water, which had turned into mulch. She was also experiencing significant issues with antisocial behaviour.
“My neighbours were abusing me, recording me, calling me horrible things. There was sexist and racist abuse, banging on the doors and on the ceiling. They even cut my TV aerial.”
Leila struggled to engage with her Social Housing Association, believing that they were knowingly allowing her living conditions to deteriorate to bully her out of the property. Leila was terrified of men coming into her home. She had been financially exploited by a previous boyfriend resulting in debt issues and had been harassed by the stalker. As a result, she felt unable to go outside and was trapped inside a house where she felt unsafe.
“I was a devastated, broken person. I didn’t want to discuss anything. At first, I didn’t want to let (the Support Worker) into my home. (Over time) I built up trust and a rapport with him. I never trusted anyone outside of my family and a few specialists in my medical team.
(My Support Worker) has gone through hell with me. It was a case of rebuilding Humpty Dumpty.”
Over the last year, Leila’s Improving Lives Support Worker has helped her to address issues with her landlord and has made arrangements for repairs. Leila had been ignoring important letters about medical appointments.
“I’ve never been good at paperwork. After grieving for my Mum I went into a massive depression. I just couldn’t face it. (My Support Worker) waded through all of my paperwork.”
Leila noted that this support was invaluable during the lockdown as appointments at the hospital were repeatedly cancelled and rescheduled. It appeared that the hospital had also lost the paperwork related to her recent stroke. Her Support Worker helped her to deal with all of these issues and ensured that her prescription medication was delivered during lockdown. Leila’s Support Worker also helped her to get out into the community,
“To get me out into a coffee shop where I used to go with my mother was huge. I’ve come out of my shell.”
Leila had been a highly accomplished artist, dancer and teacher in the past. As a result of her breakdown and enduring mental and physical health issues, Leila has a deep and distressing sense of losing herself.
“Previously I loved my life, then I lost my life and my place in the world. After my father died I had a creative block.”
“I didn’t know that I could draw. To learn a new skill has been tremendous. It’s had such a significant impact on me. Almost like being reborn.”
Leila is very grateful for the support she has received, noting
“They are the sweetest, most patient and kind-hearted specialists in mental health. All of the team are very special. I think it’s just brilliant. I’m aware I’ve had special treatment!” She is in no doubt as to the impact this support has had on her life. She said, “It’s because of Improving Lives that I’m still on the planet. I’m finding my confidence. A year ago I couldn’t speak or articulate what was happening. I was so close to giving up. I’m now saying, ‘I’m going forward’. I’ve come such a long way.”