Hannah's Story

Hannah felt like she didn’t belong, until medication and therapy helped her reconnect with people and rediscover her sense of joy. Depression and anxiety had turned Hannah’s life grey.

A huge amount of stress in my world was a catalyst

As my mood darkened, my need to find some light in my world expanded, so it became this survival technique, to find whatever I could, to make myself feel better. 


All sorts of things affect your mental health

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I’ll feel busy even though I’m not busy

Anxiety for me was like, everything’s fast but it’s not fast. That something’s about to go wrong but I don’t know what it is. Depression was just this absolute greyness - I couldn’t feel joy or happiness.


Depression or anxiety is different for everyone

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Medication formed one piece of the pie which was my recovery journey

In the past, I’d expected medication to make me happy. Whereas this time round, I expected it to be part of my support kit. It helped me to be able to think clearer, to understand what was going on and to do the work with my counsellor. 


There are things that can help you get through

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I’ve got some connection with others and it gives me a purpose

Connection with others is really important, with my family, with my son and with my partner and with my friends. Work also provides me with a sense of belonging. I feel like I’ve found my people.


There are changes you can make to stay well

Learn how

I know that it is actually by having connection with other people, that I feel alive

Other people's stories

I korero with whānau

I put myself first

I created a safe space

I look for positive things