Kim’s Story — Finding Treasure in Scars
Kim attended a Kintsugi Wellbeing Group in Bristol — this is her story or transformation.
Two years ago, my world was upended when my husband was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, thrusting me into the role of his caretaker and advocate during a challenging time. As I grappled with the weight of these responsibilities, I found myself sinking into depression and isolation, my instinct to shield my family from my struggles prevented me from seeking support.
Seeking solace in anonymity, I enrolled in a Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Group outside my local area, initially observing from the side-lines. Yet, as weeks passed, I began to sense a profound shift — a newfound sense of belonging, acceptance, and validation enveloped me.
Through this journey, I came to understand that my depression stemmed from shouldering the burden of strength for too long, compounded by the grief and loss accompanying my husband’s diagnosis. Guided by the gentle hands of others, I embarked on a journey of healing — a journey marked by tenderness, nurture, and self-discovery.
The pinnacle of this transformative experience came during our final session, where we delicately pieced together our fractured pots — a symbolic act mirroring my own fragmented state. I felt overwhelmed by the task of putting the broken shards together. They represented me; in bits, broken. The two people either side of me, gently, with no words, just respect and love helped me put my pot back together. The realisation that I didn’t need to do this tough stuff on my own was profound and life changing. It was a revelation that reshaped my outlook deeply.
Kintsugi Hope has become my beacon of hope, illuminating my path toward brighter days. Through its encouragement, I’ve begun to recognise the beauty within my scars, finding solace and strength in the art of embracing imperfection.
Mental Health Awareness Week
The NHS Long Term Plan for Mental Health, which came out in 2019, is the roadmap for making mental health care better in the UK over the next decade. One big focus is on stopping mental health issues before they start or catching them early. That means doing things to keep people mentally healthy, like programs in schools and workplaces, and making sure problems are dealt with quickly.
To make all this happen, they want to train more mental health professionals and make sure they keep learning. They’re also big on encouraging research and new ideas to improve mental health care. The goal is to make mental health care better for everyone in the UK.
One of the main issues of this is the data — The Health and Social Care Committee Expert Panel and the National Audit Office have carried out reviews of the Government’s progress against its commitments. They have raised concerns that even if the commitments are met, there will be a gap between the number of people with mental health conditions and the number receiving treatment.
The data suggests that 1 in 6 adults experience a diagnosable mental health problem every year, that’s 7.8 million we would expect to be suffering and the NHS long term plan aims to treat 1.9 million a year. The problem is huge, and it needs an answer.
Be Part of the Solution
Here at Kintsugi Hope we want to be part of the solution. We want to see a world where mental and emotional health is understood and accepted, with safe and supportive communities for everyone to grow and flourish.
Can you help us by donating anything you can so that we can continue to make a difference. This week anything you can give will be doubled so it makes your generosity twice as effective. Thank you!
