"Recovery and Coping Mechanisms"

I was going through a really difficult time in my life and hadn't also dealt with past issues properly either, so I had picked up a lot of unhealthy coping mechanisms that were destructive to my life. I eventually got a referral to St.Eunans drug and alcohol services counselling services. I done work one on one with a lady there for over a year who was so kind, understanding, non-judgmental and patient. She listened to what I had to say and gave me tools to better coping mechanisms, it was hard at first but over the weeks it became easier. I was given exercises to do on my own to learn grounding skills, taught the importance of self forgiveness and how to be nicer to myself. If I had a bad day I was allowed to call for support. After coming here my friends, family and partner said I was like a different person because I was so much more happier and grounded. When I started to move away from services because I was doing much better my counsellor there kept me on her file for longer because I asked her if I could keep it as a safety net in case I needed to chat. I wish that anyone who went through what I have been could have access to what I had access to because I don't think I would be in as good as a place as I am in now if I hadn't of done the work there. I really couldn't of asked for better care than what I received there and feel so lucky that I did get it.