Jean’s story: Bipolar, isolation and the role of community support
Struggling with bipolar and isolation, Jean found support at a local resource centre, proving how community support can transform lives.
Finding the right mental health support can make a world of difference. For Jean, joining Change Mental Health’s resource centre in Invergordon gave her the community support she needed when she felt isolated and lost.
Jean had been struggling with her mental health for years. Living with bipolar, she faced challenges like stigma, grief and a lack of consistent support. Things came to a head after the death of her mother and Jean found herself at her lowest point. “I couldn’t be bothered to go out or see anyone. My dog Maddie was the only reason I left the house,” she says. After a difficult experience with the police, Jean was referred to Change Mental Health’s resource centre in Invergordon by her probation officer.
taking first steps into community support to break the isolation
Jean’s path to mental health support wasn’t easy. Long waiting lists often left her feeling discouraged. “I’ve always been looking for something like this,” Jean says of the resource centre. “I went to my doctor, and he was supportive, but the waiting lists were long. Hearing that kind of made me think, ‘What’s the point in asking for help?'”
The stigma surrounding mental health added to the difficulty. “When people say mental health problems are attention-seeking, it’s so hurtful. It made me feel like I couldn’t ask for support. But those people don’t understand – they don’t know what it’s like to live like this.”
Before finding Change Mental Health, Jean had tried joining a bipolar support group but struggled to feel like she belonged. “I found it hard to fit in. A lot of people there couldn’t accept their diagnosis. I get it – I felt that way at first too. But I thought, ‘I’ve got it, so how can I cope with it?’ The group just didn’t feel right for me and I didn’t feel safe enough to talk about my experiences.”
finding a place to feel safe and accepted
Before finding support, Jean’s days were marked by loneliness and a lack of structure. “I’d walk my dog Maddie and then spend the rest of the day in pyjamas, lying in bed watching TV. I couldn’t be bothered to do anything.”
Jean then lost her mother, who she had been caring for during their early stages of dementia. “My family decided I wasn’t capable because of my diagnosis. They took over and moved her into a care home without telling me. It hurt so much. I’d been there for her and she didn’t want strangers helping her. She wanted me.” But after her mother’s passing, she retreated further – not wanting to go out or see anyone, leading Jean to say it “felt like there was nothing for me anymore.”
Jean’s referral to Change Mental Health came on the back of the police encounter, who said that she didn’t need punishment, she needed help. This changed everything, when she started attending groups regularly and felt the impact of community support almost immediately.
Walking through the doors of the resource centre wasn’t easy for Jean. “I left the house, walked part of the way and then turned back. I thought, ‘I can’t do this.’ But I kept trying, and eventually, I made it.”
“Before, I’d just stay in bed all day, but now I’ve got something to do. I feel safe here. Everyone talks openly and you know it’s not leaving the room. This group has given me so much confidence.
“I feel safe here and it’s changed my life.”
Cindy, a Project Worker for Change Mental Health at their resource centre in Invergordon, highlighted Jean’s growth: “Jean has made remarkable progress. She attends almost every group and thrives on learning. Her enthusiasm during the Culloden Battlefield project was incredible – she took pride in her research and shared her findings confidently. Her piece is even displayed on our wall.
“Jean has come so far. She’s learning to put herself first, say no when she needs to and take control of her decisions. It’s been amazing to watch her confidence grow.”
In her first weeks at the centre, Jean joined a confidence-building session focused on power poses. She fully embraced the activity, striking a pose with energy and confidence.
Looking at that photo today, Jean feels a mix of emotions. “When I look at it, I think, ‘Where did that come from?’ It’s hard to recognise myself in that picture. But it reminds me that I can be that confident person.”
positive changes in family and life
The support Jean received has brought positive changes to her family life. “Before, I’d tell my grandson, ‘Not today,’ and we’d never do anything. Now, every weekend, we go out – whether it’s the park, swimming or just something fun. He’s so much happier now and so am I.” Jean has also learned to set more boundaries, helping her to feel more in control while learning to say no and not feel guilty about it.
Another area of growth for Jean has been managing money, as she is beginning to learn how to save and say no without making excuses. Her partner has been very supportive and it has made a big difference to their lives.
Her friends and loved ones have noticed Jean’s changes, spotting improvements in her mood since she started receiving community support in the Invergordon’s resource centre. She has also learned to manage her anger: “I’ve always had to have the last word, but now I’m learning not to argue so much.”
Jean reflects on her journey with pride.
“I don’t know if I would have gone if it wasn’t in Invergordon. We need places like this in our communities, where people can connect and find the help they need. If I could talk to the Jean from last September, I’d say, ‘You’ve done very well.’ I’m proud of myself and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve found here.”
Cindy sums it up beautifully: “Jean’s transformation has been inspiring. She’s not just attending groups, she’s thriving. She’s showing others that it’s possible to make a change.”
accessing community support through resource centre
Change Mental Health run resource centres across Scotland, offering safe and welcoming spaces to support mental health and wellbeing. In the Highland region, resource centres are based in Invergordon, Golspie and Fort William. In Dumfries and Galloway, resource centres are located in Dumfries, Annan, Castle Douglas, Newton Stewart and Stranraer.
Each resource centre offers a comfortable, non-judgmental space with opportunities to engage in activities that support recovery, self-confidence and personal growth. From skill-building sessions to creative projects and peer support groups, these centres are designed to improve wellbeing and create access to community support.
Access to resource centres is by referral only and can be arranged through statutory services, GPs, mental health nurses, other healthcare professionals and third-sector organisations.
contact
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 4 pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
