Two years ago, when I was 15 years old, I started self harming, it was a massive struggle in my life. I remember being sent to camhs in Letterkenny, Co’Donegal and thinking that nothing would ever help me. the first person I ever seen didn’t help me that much. I know absolutely she tried, but it just didn’t help. I then started struggling with anxiety and EDNOS. I wouldn’t eat, was self harming every day. I was eventually sent to Galway to Merlin Park, the psychiatric unit down for Camhs. I’m not gonna lie, it wasn’t the best experience, being away from my family and friends and just everything about it was not fun at all. It helped to keep me safe.
Once I came back, I was doing okay for a while, but then I started self harming again. I was also struggling with my eating again. I genuinely did not think anything could help me at this point. That was until I was told that to help me with my trauma that caused all my issues, I would be doing EMDR treatment. I would love to say that EMDR changed my life, but I would say that the woman doing EMDR with me had changed my life. If it wasnt for her, I don’t know where I’d be.
Aisling helped me stop self harming. she helped me with my eating. and mainly, she let me work at my own pace and helped me cope through all my trauma. During my trauma work, she sat with me and was so patient. she has changed my life so much in so many ways. EMDR was SOOO beneficial for me and I would recommend it to anyone who has struggled with past traumas. but it has to be with someone you trust, like Aisling.
I’ve recently turned 18 years old, and am now done with camhs. Although there were some bad experiences there, I have to say, the last year has helped me beyond words. and i’ll forever be grateful for that. My team in camhs prioritised my mental health and have taught me many useful coping mechanisms to cope. I’ll always be so thankful towards Aisling for the help she did. I actually do not think I would be here if it wasn’t for her so thank you.
Camhs was a scary thing at first, but helped me beyond words in the end up. I’ll always be grateful for them.
"Camhs helped me"
About: Child and Adolescent Mental Services / CAMHS - North Team Child and Adolescent Mental Services CAMHS - North Team Letterkenny Merlin Park University Hospital Merlin Park University Hospital Galway 0802-3200
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