Doreen: Coping with loss and anxiety

Doreen lives independently in her flat in Poole supported living.  Doreen has recently moved to a new flat, and says ‘I’m alright, I feel settled into my new flat, it’s so much better than the room I had.’

Doreen loves Chelsea football club and the colour blue, decorating her room with blue curtains and Chelsea FC bed sheets!

Doreen fills her time with going for walks down to Poole Quay, listening to music and watching football at the pub. Doreen is also currently learning to cook on her new cooker.

But these changes are all recent.

Doreen has recently lost a very close family member, causing her mental health and anxiety to worsen.

Like many people with learning disabilities, Doreen has difficulty with her mental health. It is reported that up to 54% of people with a learning disability also have a mental health problem.

Doreen was introduced to Bea, our wellbeing lead, and has been working with her for about six months. Bea was able to support Doreen through loss, anxiety and depression by listening to Doreen and identifying different coping techniques. Bea and Doreen also worked closely with the Poole support team for advice and direction.

Doreen says:  ‘Bea was alright, she listened to me and listened to all my problems. (I’m feeling) a lot better. It’s been very helpful, it has yeah.’

On difficult days, Doreen was reaching out to support workers up to 70 times a day. But now, she has made the decision to lock her phone away at times of distress which greatly reduces her anxiety.

By listening and supporting Doreen, Bea and support staff in Poole have seen a positive change in Doreen. Despite not being able to read or write, she has recently passed three certificates at her paid job at Tricuro!

Now that Doreen is feeling better, she is very excited to go on a supported holiday to Corfu and Turkey this year.