Labelled by Fiona

Having had a different diagnosis since the age of 16, a label being branded has been an ordeal.  To the point of waiting for a new one, it mattered to me because how can I have insight or knowledge about myself when a diagnosis changes and my medication with it.


Eventually I was diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, PTSD, Depression and Psychosis.  Sounds like a lot of disorders but, from my childhood traumas of abuse, rape along with violent partners my outlook on life changed and I found it hard to trust people.  Even everyday tasks such as getting out of bed, fighting voices in my head and trying to have normal healthy relationships with friends seemed exhausting. People see the vulnerabilities in me and can abuse my trust.  Yet I have no label on my forehead for this. It is apparent in my actions, maybe in what I say or how I am. I can have mood swings, ups and down but Creative Living Centre has helped me and been a safe place to go. Sometimes I go to talk through what is going on, sometimes for a brew or art class.


I have started writing again after stopping for a while.  Writing poetry about my thoughts and feelings really helps.  Having the encouragement from the staff at CLC means I don’t feel ashamed, excluded from society as a person.  After all the staff at CLC have been through their own health issues or know someone in their family that has.  For me this helps to have the understanding, empathy for a person who has gone through their own battles for sanity, depression and more.


I can honestly say without Creative Living Centre I don’t know how I would have coped in life.  There is still no magic wand but things can be managed with the right support. I now have a better outlook on life itself.