In the Upper Hunter region of NSW, 49-year-old Scone local, Michele, has faced more challenges in her life than most will. From childhood trauma to struggles with mental health and addiction, her journey has not been easy. But this year, with the help of Social Futures, she is walking a path toward recovery and healing.
“I’ve tried to get help for years,” Michele shared. “I’ve seen five or six psychologists before, but I never found the right one. Moving back to Scone, I was in a really bad place. My mental health was at rock bottom. I’d tried to take my own life multiple times, and I just didn’t know where to turn.”
Michele’s turning point came in January when her doctor referred her to Social Futures. She accessed three programs: Care Connect, a service for those at risk of, or who have previously attempted suicide; the Muswellbrook Medicare Mental Health Centre, where she receives therapy, and The Bridge, which supports people with drug and alcohol addiction.
“When I first met Michele, she was teary and was self-harming quite extensively,” said Team Leader of Care Connect, Aanaminda Makeig.
Care Connect workers like Aanaminda walk beside people who have attempted suicide or who are at risk of suicide, and help them determine what it is they need to feel socially connected and mentally well. Workers provide practical, emotional and social support, and Aanaminda says Michele has been on an incredible journey to where she has found herself again.
“To go from that sense of hopelessness to that sense of safety, to no longer have thoughts of suicide and to now being able to address the challenges that led her to that dark place through counselling and accessing other services is a great achievement,” Aanaminda said.
With the opening of services such as Medicare Mental Health Centre and The Bridge, people in the Hunter Region now have increased access to additional supports including therapy, and access to a support navigator, peer workers and counsellors.
“This means people are supported to make meaningful change, not just a short-term response to one aspect of recovery, but with a whole suite of services that can support people through a range of challenges – this is a game changer,” Aanaminda said.
Michele vividly remembers her first day at the Medicare Mental Health Centre. “I was so nervous. I didn’t even want to walk through the doors,” she said. A trusted support worker from another service accompanied her to the intake meeting, which helped ease her anxiety.
“I was numb, completely washed out. I didn’t care about anything.”
That first meeting was overwhelming, but it marked the beginning of a new chapter. Michele was paired with Sandy, a Mental Health Clinician who would become a pivotal figure in her recovery.
“Sandy was amazing. She really listened to me and helped me feel like I wasn’t just another number. Within three weeks, I started noticing a change in myself.”
During her sessions with Sandy, Michele opened up about her struggles with drug addiction.
“I started using ice. I thought it would help me cope with my relationship at the time, but it only made things worse,” she admitted.
With support from Sandy and Sophie, a Peer Support Worker at The Bridge who has lived experience with addiction, Michele began attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings and exploring detox options.
“Hearing Sophie’s story made me feel like I wasn’t alone. It was sad to hear, but it also gave me hope.”
Michele’s journey with addiction is ongoing, but she has made significant progress.
“I’ve cut back a lot. I’m trying to go cold turkey because I really want my own place, and I want to move in drug-free. It’s hard, but I know I can do it.”
Rebuilding Confidence and Finding Herself
One of the most profound changes Michele has experienced is rediscovering her sense of self. “For years, I didn’t know who I was. I’d lost my identity,” she said. But now with support, she’s started to rebuild her confidence.
“I started dressing the way I used to, wearing my jewellery and makeup again, and taking care of myself. I even go to the hairdresser now. I’ve found my voice, and I stand up for myself. I don’t let people walk all over me anymore.”
Michele has also learned valuable tools to manage her mental health.
“Sandy taught me that if something is out of my control, I don’t need to stress about it. I’ve learned to walk away from situations that frustrate me instead of letting them escalate.”
“I couldn’t tell you the last time I thought about hurting myself. It’s been months,” she said.
Even during a recent breakup, Michele’s mental health remained stable—a stark contrast to how she might have reacted in the past.
Michele credits much of her progress to the support she received from Social Futures.
“I didn’t know how much help was out there until I went to Medicare Mental Health. There’s so much support, and I’ve even shared their number with friends who need help.”
Michele’s journey isn’t over, but she’s optimistic about the future. She’s considering volunteering to support others walking the journey from addiction to recovery.
“If I can help just one person, it would be worth it,” she said. “I want to show people that it’s possible to climb out of that black hole and have a happy life.”
Reflecting on her progress, Michele said, “I’ve done a 180-degree turn for the good. There’s still a long way to go, but I know I can do it. I’m not ashamed of my mental health or my past. I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
“Don’t give up. There’s help out there, and it can change your life.”
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Care Connect offers aftercare support to people who are at risk of, or have previously attempted suicide. Care Connect is funded by the Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network
Muswellbrook Medicare Mental Health Centre is a free mental health service offering support, care and options – without needing a referral. It is proudly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.
The Bridge is a free alcohol and other drugs support service in the Upper Hunter funded by the NSW Ministry of Health.
