Mum finds it’s good to talk in online safe space
A VALLEY mum has highlighted how a free online service has helped her address struggles with mental health.
Sam Haworth, 34, has talked about how Togetherall (formerly Big White Wall) has supported her for more than five years, to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10.
There has also been a heightened concern - as the Covid-19 pandemic progresses - about the twin psychological impacts of lockdown and public health fears, especially through increased isolation and loneliness.
Sam, who lives in
Bacup with her husband Simon and their two daughters Paige, 11 and Amy, nine, first came into contact with free online service Togetherall in 2015 after going to her GP.
It is an anonymous
24/7 online community providing a safe space where people struggling with their mental health can talk, share and support each other.
Prior to using Togetherall Sam had difficulties with thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Growing up, she felt like she was not able to regulate her moods quite as easily as everybody else.
This was due to the brain damage Sam suffered at birth, which has left lesions on her brain causing her to be diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a young child.
Sam said: “What would I say to anybody who is struggling at the moment?
“Firstly, be kind. I would definitely encourage you to interact with Togetherall. It’s anonymous and monitored 24/7 by trained councillors and it’s really secure so nobody in there knows who you are and there’s nothing to identify you as an individual.
“You can take part in lots of online discussions with other people that are in similar situations to you.
“Togetherall has a feature called mood bricks, so if you are not able to verbalise how you are feeling, maybe try and express yourself in an artistic manner. You can also take part in little courses in things like self-esteem and recognising your moods and how to track them.
“So yes, it’s definitely a really good tool.”
Dr Rakesh Sharma, clinical lead for mental health at NHS East Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “This is a truly uplifting story which should serve as a great example of self-help to others, particularly during the current pandemic where it certainly has been challenging for us all and it is perfectly understandable that the changes we have had to live through may affect your mental wellbeing.
“If you are feeling at all worried, isolated or overwhelmed, it’s important to know you’re not alone but at the same time equally important to seek help and talk to someone Get support.
“Take control. Feel better.”