Jennifer Mackey
I would like to introduce myself and explain why I joined Shadows Depression Support Group as a member and then how I became a facilitator. My name is Jennifer and I have been a Carer/ Support for 40 years to my husband who has and still experiences mental health issues for over 50 years. I have never been able to find help or support in the area for myself and my husband. So when I saw a poster for Shadows I went along to find out what it was all about.
After my first visit I knew I had finally found a place that could offer the support we needed and totally understood. The knowledge and experience offered in the group guided me in certain areas to get the help and information I needed.
After a few weeks I think my husband saw the change in me, as I was not frightened or scared of his illness any more after many years of not properly understanding and I had learned more in the weeks of joining Shadows about Mental Health and how to deal with it. My Husband decided to come along. He has never really spoken about his illness to many people before, but has found it very helpful.
I have experienced depression twice myself. One of the times was after my mother's death. So I have personal experience of the illness too.
After several months I felt ready to offer Louise the founder, any help that was needed with the running of the group. Louise asked me to become a Facilitator in October 2017, which I happily accepted and since then I have never looked back.
I am so passionate for Shadows to grow and help more people and to support them in any way I can to promote the group as widely as possible.
After my first visit I knew I had finally found a place that could offer the support we needed and totally understood. The knowledge and experience offered in the group guided me in certain areas to get the help and information I needed.
After a few weeks I think my husband saw the change in me, as I was not frightened or scared of his illness any more after many years of not properly understanding and I had learned more in the weeks of joining Shadows about Mental Health and how to deal with it. My Husband decided to come along. He has never really spoken about his illness to many people before, but has found it very helpful.
I have experienced depression twice myself. One of the times was after my mother's death. So I have personal experience of the illness too.
After several months I felt ready to offer Louise the founder, any help that was needed with the running of the group. Louise asked me to become a Facilitator in October 2017, which I happily accepted and since then I have never looked back.
I am so passionate for Shadows to grow and help more people and to support them in any way I can to promote the group as widely as possible.
