“Before I went to YMCA, I was beyond depressed. Both my parents abused me as a child – psychological, physical, sexual abuse.”
Rachel’s story is featured as part of our mental health fundraising appeal, which you can find out more about here. Please donate today to help young people like Rachel.
“Looking back, I must have had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from all that abuse, but I wasn’t diagnosed with depression and anxiety until I was 19. I’m proud to say that despite having suicidal thoughts I managed to complete college.
When I left home, I stayed on my sister’s sofa for about a year. But we were evicted when the landlord sold up and I became homeless. YMCA was somewhere I could finally settle and have somewhere safe to call home.
My keyworker was a real lifeline. She gave me non-judgemental, practical advice. YMCA gave me space to heal and recover without being rushed. I always felt like my life was going at 100mph, and now it feels more like 10mph.
I built myself up, learned life skills. And now I feel less bitter, more at peace, more confident. The residents here are like a family to me.
Once, I thought my life would only ever be pain – but these days, I see the good things in life.”
Please donate today to help young people like Rachel.
* While Rachel’s story is 100 per cent genuine, a model has been used and her name changed to protect her identity.