The bedrock of my self management

Louise tells us how Long Term Conditions Hebrides has enabled her to take the lead in managing her health.

My name is Louise and I have long term physical conditions, as well as being in recovery from a mental health trauma.

I feel very lucky to have been referred to Dr Gail Cunningham when in crisis several years ago, and I have been with Long Term Conditions Hebrides (LTCH) ever since.

I regard LTCH as the most important part of my recovery ‘toolkit’. I have done CBT and specialised counselling, as well as other things, but I feel that LTCH is the bedrock underlying any other therapy ‘tool’.

I work full time in a very technical and sometimes high-stress job, but I attend the Tuesday Advanced Self Management Zoom session whenever possible. I look forward to it; it gives me an anchor in my week; it provides social contact, and also an element of mental respite, as well as continued help with ‘brain training’.

Over the last few years, LTCH has helped me to come such a long way in my recovery. Mindfulness, acceptance and self-compassion are crucial in regaining a grounded life, and a balanced perspective on the world and everything in it. Hearing everyone else’s experiences each week when we talk about a topic is also pivotal to easing any loneliness or any feeling that you are different and hence isolated due to a condition.

Over time, the self management techniques, such as breathing, remembering to look at nature on dog walks, pausing before reacting to something etc, all become habitual and your life, and the associated management of your own conditions, really starts to improve.

I think one of the key successes and differentiators is the ‘LONG’ in Long Term Conditions Hebrides. You can join and attend for as long as you want with no pressure, and with no fear of the sessions ending and you being left in the lurch. I truly hope that this wonderful group can continue for many years to come!

Louise is a participant at Long Term Conditions Hebrides.

To learn more about Long Term Conditions Hebrides, head to www.ltch.org.uk or visit the Facebook page or YouTube channel or else email info@ltch.org.uk