I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety in late 2012 after being sexually assaulted by a friend. Prior to this, it had taken me two years to come to terms with what had actually happened and accept the fact that I needed help. I confided in family and applied to see a counsellor.
I had worked in architecture for over twenty-five years and have suffered from depression for the last six. During that time I worked for two different architects practices in Bristol and have to say that the attitudes of both companies differ greatly.
I say that with love, because I know how mental illness can make us think the worst of every situation. Goodness knows, I’m guilty of that.
But after months and months of depression – depression that had encompassed hospital admissions, severe self-harm and four significant suicide attempts – I decided to come clean.
