James’s story: Experiencing bipolar and EUPD
For James, living with anxiety and depression, combined with a diagnosis of bipolar, had made daily life feel overwhelming. He found the support he needed at Change Mental Health’s resource centre in Stranraer. Through one-to-one sessions, peer groups and new friendships, James has been able to regain structure in his life and rebuild his confidence.
James has lived with anxiety since childhood. His school reports often noted, ‘James doesn’t like change, but after he’s done it, he’s fine.” This pattern followed him into adulthood, as he found himself worrying intensely about upcoming events, even though things usually worked out fine.
“Everything I’ve done that I’ve worried about – like talking to you right now – when it’s finished, I wonder why I worried the whole day about it. I don’t seem to learn. I get worried, but I always get through it.”
While working as a support worker for people with learning disabilities in Glasgow, his mental health began to decline. Visits to his GP led to diagnoses of bipolar type 2 and major depressive disorder. Although medication helped for a while, it eventually stopped being effective.
The relationship breakdown led James to leave Glasgow and return to Stranraer, hoping that being closer to family would provide some stability.
James’s friend, who also has bipolar, suggested he visit the resource centre in Stranraer run by Change Mental Health, then known as Support in Mind Scotland. Despite feeling apprehensive, he chose to give it a try.
“I’m not great in big groups, and I thought I wouldn’t do well, but I pushed myself to go,” he recalls. To his surprise, he felt comfortable right away. “Everyone there is in the same situation. Everyone’s got a mental health problem of some kind and it’s a safe space to chat. I felt at ease from day one.”
Reconnecting with support and stability
James began attending resource centre groups, including the men’s group every Wednesday and taking part in activities like pizza nights. He quickly made the group an essential part of his routine. Through regular one-to-one and group support, he began to feel more capable in his day-to-day life.
“I really try to structure my week by making sure I come whenever it’s on. I’ve been on trips with the group. I need to push myself more to go on more trips. But apart from that, I’m here any time anything’s on.”
“If I hadn’t found the group here, I really don’t know where I’d be right now. I’ve found it’s boosted my confidence and it’s helping me push to do things I’d never thought about before. I’ve had one-to-one help and I go to men’s group every Wednesday. The group structure has been fundamental to my general wellbeing – knowing that I have the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with peer support and even volunteering.”
James
The staff at the resource centre were instrumental in helping James manage his mental health. “All the staff have been so helpful and understanding,” he says. “They’ve helped me with everything, from my diagnosis to just being there to talk things through when I’m struggling.”
Derek, who supports James at the resource centre and leads the men’s group, played a key role in his mental health journey. He carefully listened to his experiences and shared them with his psychiatrist, which ultimately led to an additional diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD). As James shares, “The bipolar diagnosis never felt quite right, and this finally made sense of things.”
Strength in community
Looking back, James says the support from Change Mental Health has been life-changing, helping him to form relationships that have been a key part of his progress. “I’ve found it’s helped me do things I’d never thought about before. I don’t think I could go on without this group. It’s made such a difference to my life,” he shares. “The friendships I’ve made here have been so important. Without the group, I’d just be at home worrying about things.”
James encourages others who feel unsure or overwhelmed to reach out. “The longer you don’t talk, the worse things get. Change Mental Health opened so many doors for me and I know it can for others too.”
He is especially grateful for the inclusive nature of the group. “I’m gay, and it’s never been a problem. Everyone here is so accommodating and inclusive. You can be yourself here.
“I really don’t know where I’d be without this group, but I know I wouldn’t be as happy as I am now. I’m quite positive that I’ve got something ahead of me now.”
“Before, I wouldn’t have been able to walk in town or even just out my front door. I’ve now been able to go out and meet friends more and not feel so isolated.
“All the staff have been so helpful and understanding. I’m quite positive that I’ve got something ahead of me now.”
James
support
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.
