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My journey from darkness to light

Posted By Marek72

"My journey from darkness to light"

About: Community Services (AMH) / 4Doncaster Primary Care Network Talking Therapies Doncaster

(as the patient),

When I first came under the care of this service, I was in a very dark place. My daily life was a struggle I didn't have the strength to fight – even getting out of bed, brushing my teeth, or eating a meal felt like an impossible challenge. I was suffering from severe depression and anxiety, which made me fear contact with others and left me feeling completely overwhelmed by the world.

Everything good that has happened to me since then started at Kingthorne Group Practice. Here, I received not only professional medical care but, above all, human understanding. Gemma, serving as a Mental Health Practitioner, played a pivotal role in my recovery – it was through her expertise and empathy that my treatment was adjusted, which quite literally brought me back to life.

In addition to the medical care, thanks to the team's commitment, I received immense support from support workers who helped me navigate my housing crisis and find stability in council housing. Now, with the help of talking therapy, I look to the future with hope and am actively seeking employment.

I feel profound gratitude for this 'second chance' at life. I want to give back in return, which is why I plan to become a volunteer at Sober Social. I want to support those struggling with addiction, as I know firsthand how difficult the path is from substance abuse to depression and suicidal thoughts. Thanks to the help I received here, I now want to be the one reaching out to help others.

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Responses

Response from Jennifer Mason, Team Manager, Doncaster Talking Therapies, North Lincolnshire Adult Mental Health and Talking Therapies Care Group, Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust 4 days ago
Jennifer Mason
Team Manager, Doncaster Talking Therapies, North Lincolnshire Adult Mental Health and Talking Therapies Care Group,
Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust

Submitted on 19/03/2026 at 16:21
Published on Care Opinion at 16:21

picture of Jennifer Mason

Hi Marek72,

I just want to say how incredibly inspiring it is to read about the journey you have been on. It takes real courage to describe such a painful and challenging period of your life, and your openness will undoubtedly offer hope to others who may be feeling the way you once did.
It’s wonderful to hear how well supported you felt by the team at Kingthorne Group Practice, and how Gemma’s compassion and expertise helped you at such a crucial time. It is clear that the care you received there played an important role in helping you reach a place where therapy could be beneficial.
I’m also pleased to hear that the wider support you received around your housing situation helped bring stability when life felt overwhelming. Having those practical needs addressed can make an enormous difference to someone’s ability to focus on their emotional wellbeing.
it’s inspiring to hear how you are now looking ahead with hope, re-engaging with life, and even preparing to return to employment. Your progress reflects incredible strength and determination, and everyone involved in your care will be heartened to know how far you’ve come.
Your wish to give back by volunteering at Sober Social is truly admirable. Turning your lived experience into support for others shows not only how much you have grown, but also the compassion and empathy you carry forward. It takes tremendous bravery to use such difficult experiences to help others on their own recovery journeys.
Please know that while you’ve made remarkable progress, we remain here to support you whenever you need us.
Thank you again for sharing your story. We wish you every success in your continued recovery and in the positive steps you are taking toward your future.
Warmest wishes,

Jen

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