This archive report was first published on 13 November 2019.
'I lost my business, marriage and home to depression but I fought back and you can too' ¶
Andrea Newton, a 52-year-old woman, seemed to have it all - a successful HR consultancy, a bright and loving son at university, and a long-term marriage. But within a few short months, everything fell apart, and she found herself battling with crippling depression and thoughts of suicide.
According to Andrea, she felt completely overwhelmed and just wanted the torment to stop. Her marriage ended badly, leaving her homeless, penniless, and unable to work due to her mental health. She approached her doctor, who prescribed her antidepressants, but they didn't fix the problem. She also had a six-week CBT course, which was great, but it was only six weeks.
It was through an online network for dog rescuers that Andrea found her salvation. Three women who had never met in person became her 'tribe,' offering her relentless, unquestioning support during her darkest hour. They helped her deal with the practical problems she faced, paying bills, sorting solicitors' help, and keeping her physically alive.
Andrea's epiphany came in September 2017, when she set out into the woods with her dog to end it all. But as she thought of her son having to carry on without her, it smacked her in the face - 'What are you doing? What has he done to deserve this?' She then vowed that with her three friends' support, she would get better, and if she did, she would make it her mission to help others going through similar hard times.
So, last April, Andrea started a City and Guilds course to become an accredited Suicide Prevention Tutor, a course paid for by her friend in France. Since then, Andrea hasn't looked back and goes into big corporations to deliver mental health and suicide prevention training. She now has a new home, a new career, a new life, a new partner, and her fabulous tribe.
