We’re sharing the 11th instalment of a series of blogs which follows the significant event form thoughts of one anonymous client. It allows us to give you a raw insight into emotions and feelings that can be experienced as someone progresses through therapeutic treatment here.
Significant Event thoughts on day 56 at Broadway Lodge
The most significant event of today was: “Well where do I start? I’ve never been so pleased I never left. I laid in the sun with my peers feeling alive. Then I was called to see Dr.Nick and he was great and agreed to re-start sertraline, went back on the grass and we laughed and I was laughing! I felt a real connection and sense of belonging and community. I forgot about my troubles. Then we had dinner and…wow! I’ve never enjoyed food like that in over 10 years. Life today is good at Broadway! People are suffering out there and the staff have not only managed a unique and difficult situation but turned it into a positive. Lifted the morale of the whole house. Compliments to the kitchen staff and all Broadway Lodge staff! I never thought it possible I would feel like life was worth living again. I feel healthy. I feel nice and feel I can be nice to other people, what a relief. Also a lady called Sue done a share and she was bonkers, grabbing dogs during people’s share back. Then when (peer) was in full flow sharing, she said “right, shall we bring this meeting to an end?” (Peer) found it funny and omg so did I. I think that Sue started a good day off for us all. Lovely, strong and honest but totally mad. Loved her!”
Summary
The power of laughter, which we may sometimes take for granted, can be incredible for clients, some of whom have not belly-laughed for years. You would be surprised how many people in treatment express this sentiment. Addiction is a life of misery, pain, suffering and torture. To find the inspiration or desperation to go into treatment (which is like being on an emotional roller coaster), and yet to find yourself in moments of laughter and joy like you have not experienced in many years, is a really special moment. Believe it or not, some of our patients will look back at their treatment as one of the best times of their life.
