Alina’s story 

My life used to be so different. I had a great job, was earning well and able to treat myself to the fine things in life. But then everything started to change.

It began with the feeling that people were in my flat, going through my things and following me. So, I moved into a hotel as a long-stay guest. It felt better knowing there was round-the-clock security and people around. I didn’t feel isolated.

But soon, that sense of safety fell away. I felt constant fear and distraction, and it started affecting my work. I lost my job, and with it, my ability to afford the hotel.

I moved to a cheaper hotel, but things spiralled further. I started doing things that made no sense – taking the expensive belongings I spent years acquiring, designer handbags, putting them in washing machines or dropping them off outside charity shops. I started neglecting my self-care, and then obsessing over it. I wasn’t coping.

I ended up in hospital and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. But I refused to accept it. The doctors warned me that when I left hospital I wasn’t going to go back to normal, and I didn’t believe them. Turns out they were right.

I ended up sleeping on the streets for four months, and then in shelters and hostels. I was struggling, avoiding everything and everyone. I stopped taking care of myself. I was delusional, hearing voices and having intrusive thoughts.

I ended up back in the mental health unit. But this time I started to recognise what the doctors were telling me and I accepted their help.

It hasn’t all been smooth but things started to get better. I see the doctor regularly now. They help with my medication, and are happy with how I am doing.

Now, I’m at Your Place. I’m happy here and it’s a good environment for me. It is safe, clean and well-equipped. There are people here to support me, and I’ve made friends with a neighbour. I’m not isolated. My support worker knows my history and is a very nice person. I asked her for help with two things today and they’re resolved already.

I used to be too fearful to even enter buildings. My paranoia kept me away. But now, with the right medication and support, I feel safe. And this building is my home.

Sometimes I think that even if I won millions of pounds, I’d love to stay right here at Your Place. This is the best accommodation I’ve had in the years since I lost my home.

I’ve started enjoying little things again. I like going to museums, sight-seeing, drinking coffee, and visiting charity shops. There I buy things for myself and for homeless people, to help them. I’m still fearful of doing something wrong but I’m able to savour some moments too.

It’s been very difficult, going from having everything, being well-established, to losing it all and finding myself in these circumstances. But the moment I accepted my reality, I took my first step towards recovery.

*name changed