GROWing in confidence and supporting our peers – Nancy

Needing help

A few years ago I experienced depression, anxiety and panic attacks. I believe this stemmed from excessive fear and isolation in my childhood. I was also having problems raising my son.

I went to see a GP, who recommended that I go to GROW. GROW is a 12 step recovery-focused program and mutual support for people with mental health problems. I went to their groups for a year and recovered enough to return to work.

Instead of keeping up with GROW, I stopped going in the 1990s. I had to cope with bouts of depression by myself, but my relationship with my son improved.

In 2001 I had a psychotic episode while overseas. I think this was caused by stress and isolation. I returned home and spent some time at the Alma Street Centre in Fremantle Hospital. I retired early from my teaching career because of my illness.

Sharing and supporting

Following this, I went back to GROW and have since been attending every week. Participating in social activities and developing friendships made my feelings of isolation disappear. GROW holds a picnic every month and we organize bushwalking and movie outings. There are weekend get togethers four times a year, including a community weekend with family and friends. At the last event, we had workshops on yoga, laughter and nutrition. Leadership training is available to all GROWers.

The GROW program helps us to explore personal values, share problems and affirm progress. We don’t interfere with people’s GP or professional treatment, but let members know how they can help themselves. At the support groups we set practical tasks and check to see how we went. In this way, I was able to stop smoking and lose weight. GROW recognizes that taking care of our physical health is essential for good mental health. We also read and discuss information on mental health.

Becoming a leader

I can now take on new challenges with increased confidence. I am on the GROW Program Team, which looks after the 27 GROW groups in Western Australia (WA) and mentoring other members. I am also part of the National Program Team which oversees our newsletters, publicity and leadership development.

Leadership means “knowing, showing and going the way” to help each other extend ourselves. I often share my experiences with others. At first this was scary, but I found people relate to and are happy to hear about my experiences, which is very humbling. I enjoy using my abilities for something I believe in.

GROW is having two celebrations in 2007 – our 40th Anniversary in WA and 50th Anniversary in Australia. We had a lunch in North Perth which recognized previous GROWers. In October 2007 we had a dinner at the Novotel Langley to celebrate our 50th Anniversary.

I am 65 now. In terms of the future, I look forward to continuing my GROW work and contributing to the community.

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