Paul's Story

"When I was young, I used to do martial arts (taekwondo), I used to be fit and healthy, happy all the time, boisterous. Then I lost contact with my son in 2001 and I started feeling depressed. I fell out with people that I have known for a long time. I ended up being by myself. A very close friend of mine passed away 5 years ago and I felt devastated."

“When I was young, I used to do martial arts (taekwondo), I used to be fit and healthy, happy all the time, boisterous. Then I lost contact with my son in 2001 and I started feeling depressed. I fell out with people that I have known for a long time. I ended up being by myself. A very close friend of mine passed away 5 years ago and I felt devastated. I decided to start studying music and I went to college for that. During my time at college, I did a lot of research about music. Music is like a therapy for me and It reminds me about good time I had in the past. I met a guy that encouraged me to get into production. This year I felt very worried about my parents for the Covid-19 situation. I was stressed out a lot for different situations. I was feeling very low before engaging with ROAD. The FED specialist at ROAD helped me to sort out my debts and apply for PIP. My health Trainer at Jack Drum Arts gave me breathing exercises to help me to fall asleep, and improve my sleeping pattern and routine. Chair-based exercises, showed me how to have a daily planner. I reduced my sugar intake in everyday drinks like tea and coffee. I attended the Confidence/emotional resilience sessions, which helped me to feel more confident in what I can do. This was also helped by a friend in the music industry. He is now surrounded by very encouraging people. In general, finding helpful having someone to speak to and feeling supported. I know that there are people out there that can help me.” Paul’s confidence has massively improved. He has entered a music competition making his own track. He has improved his lifestyle and worked on his feelings and emotions. He has learnt some relaxation and breathing exercises that are helping him to relax and keep focused. He was helped to apply for PIP and sort out his financial situation (bills and debts). “I want to continue improving my musical skills through training, watching tutorials and networking with other people in the music arena. In the future I would like to decorate my house. I am feeling more motivated to do this. I want to keep pushing myself to do better every day. When you are low or depressed you forget about doing the small things that can really help you. One or two things a day add up and you can eventually turn your life around. In the last 5 years I turned my life around and it is important for people to know that everyone can do it!”