Twenty two years ago my life was out of control and I thought I had no way out. I was hopeless, depressed, anxious and it felt everywhere I turned, there was no help. When I was 17 years old, my brother and I were in a tragic accident where he was killed. Before the accident, I had been a promising rugby player but unfortunately I broke my back, hands and had other life threatening injuries. The dreams that I had were now a gaping black hole filled with anger, depression, anxiety and resentment. I was unable to deal with the pain and used drugs and alcohol to numb out and feel 'normal'.

I was in a dark and destructive place, all alone with nothing but my chaotic thoughts. In that abyss, I had a thought; that using drugs and alcohol was a prison and If I kept on living this lifestyle there would be no way out for me. If I kept on using drugs I was certain to die. My way was not working, no matter how hard I tried to make it work. I had tried being around different people, using different substances and regulating my usage. It never worked and It always ended up the same, feeling alone and in pain. I was desperate and I couldn't see any way out. 

Then I did something out of character for me at that time. I found the courage to reach out to family and friends whom I had shunned for years before. That decision completely changed the course of my life. I sought professional help, listened to what they had to say and started to take the necessary actions to begin my recovery journey. I began the challenging process of healing my trauma. I learnt to connect with myself and build relationships with others. I learnt the tools that I needed to cope with the challenges that I had been ignoring for so long. I gained hope, self respect and belief that I could create a different and more meaningful life. 

I have now been clean and abstinent since 2001. Being in recovery and managing my mental health isn't always easy; like everyone else, I have my challenges. However, I now have the resilience, tools and support networks to manage whatever life throws at me. I have a wonderful life. I have gained qualifications in the field of psychology, mental health and addiction. I have travelled to various countries all over the world for work and pleasure. I have fulfilling and enriching relationships with my family, friends and partner. I feel good about myself and I am comfortable in my own skin. I am living a life I would never have dreamed possible and I am eternally grateful. I love my work and feel privileged to have the opportunity to empower and support others on their journey of life. I am aware from my experience, both personally and professionally, that there is always hope and with the right support you can transform your life. I am living proof of what is possible!