World Suicide Prevention Day: Portsmouth mental health worker who tried to take her own life shares her story

The 28-year-old, a contact officer for talking therapy service PositiveMinds in Portsmouth, came to the UK to study Health Sciences in 2010 but went home in 2011 after struggling being away from her family in Cyprus.

When she returned home, her mental health continued to worsen and she tried to take her own life.

Andriana said: ‘At 18 I decided to come to the UK to study, believing that I could get away from issues at home.

‘In truth, I found I was isolated and missed my family terribly, making it through the first year of the degree before heading back home.

‘The effect was that my mental health worsened, to the point where I tried to take my own life. Luckily, I was unsuccessful, but my parents were unable to talk to me about it.

‘My mother did not have the confidence to talk to me about my emotions and there was very little mental health support in Cyprus.’

Andriana returned to the UK and worked as a carer in care homes.

She said: ‘It seemed that I was always trying to help others, in what could sometimes be extremely traumatic circumstances, all whilst hiding my illness away.

‘Eventually I took the step of reaching out for help and I was diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety and bulimia.’

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Andriana is now a contact officer for talking therapy service PositiveMinds, a collaboration between Solent NHS and Solent Mind, and helps people in the city get the support they need.

She said: ‘The work I do now still brings me into contact with vulnerable people experiencing mental health crisis, but my journey enables me to connect with them on a personal level and build trust.’

Today (September 10) marks World Suicide Prevention Day and Andriana feels this year’s theme, ‘Working together to prevent suicide’, is especially poignant.

‘I think the theme is incredibly relevant, especially living through Covid-19.

‘If you think someone is quiet or not themselves, ask them the question, offer to listen and stay connected.

‘You’ll never know how important your contact may be.’

- For emergency access to mental health support, please call NHS 111.

- For non-emergency appointments and advice, please call your GP surgery.

- Call Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123.

- Call 111 or visit the NHS 111 website and speak to the NHS Mental Health Triage Service.

- Positive Minds, run by Solent MIND, has a number of wellbeing advisors who can help with housing, money and work support as well as issues regarding bereavement low mood and anxiety. The service is open between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, on 023 92 824795.

- For children and young people experiencing mental health emergencies during office hours, contact CAMHS, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, on 0300 123 6632.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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