Before I came to St. Pat’s life was nothing but disappointment and misery. I resented friends, family, everything I thought I loved. I just didn’t want to be alive. Looking back at my time here now I’m only beginning to comprehend how much my life has changed in the space of a few months.

I’ll never forget my tantrum and tears when I first arrived; I would have legged it if I had the chance. Thank God for the nurses’ patience though! By the end of the week I was beginning to realise how unhappy I was – how could trying to change that be any worse?

I made a decision to try to change. At first I did it for family or others, anyone but myself, and I failed. Deep down I think we all know that we can only change for ourselves even if we haven’t accepted it yet.

To do this without help is rarely achieved – for me help came in the form of the nurses, doctors and friends who supported me in St. Pat’s. Without them I wouldn’t be who I am today – happier, healthier and looking forward to a future.

Only you can change your life, but the people here can help you succeed.