At school, I struggled academically and left without any qualifications. I often found it difficult to fit in and didn’t have many friends. Social situations were challenging, and I spent a lot of time to myself. As I moved into my 20s and 30s, life continued to feel difficult. I had a relationship when I was 24, which was on and off for several years, but sadly, she later passed away. During this time, I still struggled to process information and had very limited job prospects.

I attempted several college courses but was unsuccessful, which further affected my confidence. My depression and anxiety worsened, and I found it hard to see a way forward. However, I began trying different volunteering opportunities. Some of these experiences were positive and helped me build valuable skills, giving me a small sense of purpose and achievement.

A turning point came when I attended an appointment at my GP. I was introduced to a new mental health practitioner who asked me how I managed my autism. This came as a surprise, as I had never been told or considered that I might be autistic. After some time, it was agreed that I would be referred for an assessment. The process took around 18 months and involved my dad providing information about my early childhood.

Receiving an autism diagnosis was a significant moment in my life. It brought a sense of relief and helped me understand why I had always felt different, why I struggled socially, and why I often preferred being alone. It gave me answers to questions I had carried for many years.

A few years later, my mum passed away suddenly in her sleep. This was incredibly hard for me. I had always wanted to make her proud, and at that point, I had been out of work for a long time. Her passing became a motivator for change.

In recent years, I made a conscious decision to move forward and improve my life. I chose to focus on education, despite my past struggles. When I applied for my first course, my tutor was unsure due to my previous experiences. However, I was determined to succeed and openly explained my autism and the challenges I had faced.

Since then, I have completed several courses and achieved things I once thought were impossible. I was awarded Student of the Year in 2024 for a mental health course and again in 2025 for a dementia course. These achievements have helped rebuild my confidence and shown me what I am capable of.

In September, I plan to attend university to study mental health and resilience. Helping others has become a big part of my life. I enjoy supporting people and signposting them to services that can help. This has also played an important role in my own recovery.

Throughout my journey, I have faced significant challenges, including periods of crisis that led to admissions to mental health wards. I also developed a gambling addiction during a difficult time in my life. However, I am proud to say that I have not engaged in any form of gambling for the past three years.

More recently, I was introduced to a local mental health group run by someone named Tez. At first, it was just the two of us attending, but over time the group has grown. Through this, I discovered a photography group. I had always had a small interest in taking pictures, so I decided to give it a try.

Over the past four to five months, photography has become a very important part of my life. I have learned new skills and even taken part in a studio photoshoot. It has had a noticeable positive impact on my mental health, helping to reduce my anxiety and depression.

Photography has taught me that it is not just about taking a picture. It is about understanding composition, lighting, positioning, contrast, and exposure. It has helped me focus, be present in the moment, and express myself creatively.

I have also met new people through photography, which has helped me build social connections and feel more included. Being part of a group and sharing a common interest has made a big difference in my confidence and wellbeing.

I was recently given a camera, which I am using to continue developing my skills. In the future, I hope to invest in a more advanced camera, particularly for studio and model photography.

Alongside photography, I enjoy studying, socialising, helping others, and learning new skills such as cooking. I am committed to continuing my personal growth and improving my mental health.

Photography has become more than just a hobby for me—it is a tool for recovery, self-expression, and connection. I look forward to continuing this journey, learning more each week, and sharing my progress along the way.

Conclusion

My journey has not been easy, but it has shaped who I am today. Through challenges, loss, and personal struggles, I have found strength, purpose, and direction. Education, helping others, and photography have all played a vital role in managing my mental health and building a more positive future.

I am proud of how far I have come and hopeful for what lies ahead.