Finding Hope and Healing Through Trauma Healing Together
Trigger Warning: Please be aware that this piece contains references to suicide. The writer wishes to remain anonymous.
Background
Moving to Scotland was something I had to do. Life in Poland had become extremely difficult, and I was in a very vulnerable place emotionally and mentally. I had tried to seek help in Poland, but mental health support there felt very different. When I arrived in Scotland, I really struggled. My English was poor, and I felt isolated, lost, and alone. It wasn’t only the language barrier; for most of my life I had felt misunderstood and disconnected from myself and others. I often wondered what was wrong with me, but I couldn’t explain what I was experiencing because I didn’t even understand my own emotions. I looked again, for support but didn’t know where to find it and was terrified of being judged. Eventually, I reached such a dark place that I attempted suicide and spent three months in hospital.
Afterwards, I buried myself in work and tried to hide how much I was struggling. Although I later found a lovely therapist through another organisation, I still could not speak openly about my trauma because I felt ashamed and unable to trust people.
Finding Support Through Trauma Healing Together
Everything changed when I was referred to Trauma Healing Together (THT).
At the time, my daughter was going through a very difficult period with her own mental health, and we were assigned a social worker who genuinely listened without judgement. For the first time, I felt able to admit that I couldn’t cope. I told her honestly about my struggles and my past experiences. She suggested THT and explained that there might be a waiting list. I agreed, although I didn’t believe that therapy could really help me.
At my first session, I was extremely sceptical. I worried that my English wasn’t good enough and feared I wouldn’t be able to communicate properly. I didn’t think I would ever be able to open up about my experiences.
However, from the beginning, I was met with patience, understanding, and kindness. I was allowed to move at my own pace, without pressure or judgement. For the first time in my life, I felt truly listened to and accepted.
Rebuilding My Sense of Self
Through THT, I began to understand that I wasn’t a bad person or a bad mother. I realised that I had spent years suppressing my trauma so deeply that I had disconnected from myself entirely. I had lived with constant fear, shame, perfectionism, and an inability to ask for help because I believed needing support made me weak. I felt unattractive, hopeless, and undeserving of care.
Therapy helped me rebuild my sense of identity and self-worth. I started learning how to set boundaries, prioritise my own wellbeing, and care less about the judgement of others. I began to understand my emotions and recognise my own needs. I discovered that it’s okay to need time alone, to have a small circle of trusted friends, and to find peace in quiet moments. Slowly, I started finding joy again, even in small everyday things.
Strengthening My Relationship With My Daughter
One of the biggest changes has been in my relationship with my daughter. Before, I often felt overwhelmed and disconnected, but now I am calmer, more understanding, and better able to communicate with her. I have learned how to support her as a neurodivergent young person who also struggles with mental health challenges. I am proud that our relationship has become stronger and more positive, and that we now genuinely enjoy spending time together.
Discovering Confidence and Purpose
THT also helped me discover strengths and interests I had overlooked in myself. I am an artistic person, and participating in group activities showed me how creative spaces can calm and comfort me. Eventually, I decided to be brave and become involved as a volunteer Peer Group Facilitator with THT, which has had a huge impact on my confidence and personal growth. Supporting clients and seeing them gradually open up and smile gives me a sense of purpose and fulfilment that I had never experienced before.
Volunteering is a huge step for me and not something I could have imagined myself doing, but the training (which was delivered in a small, friendly group) and being supported by more experienced volunteers helped put me at ease.
Volunteering has helped me develop confidence in speaking to people and being part of a community. In the past, I believed I was too anxious to work with others, but now I find peace in being around people and contributing positively to their lives. I feel that I am rediscovering who I am. THT have offered to support me through further training to design and deliver my own floristry workshops and, although I’m not ready just yet, this is something I would like to do in future.
Looking Towards the Future
For the first time in many years, I have hope for the future. I am a florist, and since childhood I have dreamed of opening my own flower shop. Through the support and encouragement I have received at THT, I now feel more capable of pursuing goals that once felt impossible. Even when difficult days come, I notice that I approach challenges differently, with more understanding, resilience, and confidence.
THT has not only helped improve my mental health; it has transformed my life. The support was especially important because it was free and accessible. If I had needed to pay for therapy, I would never have been able to access it due to my financial situation. Without THT, I don’t believe I would be the person I am today.
Conclusion
I am deeply grateful for everything THT has done for me and my daughter. THT helped me understand myself, rebuild my confidence, strengthen my relationship with my child, and regain hope for a peaceful and meaningful future. Most importantly, THT helped me believe that my life could get better, and for the first time, I truly believe it can.