As a retired occupational therapist with over 30 years experience I applaud your determination to try and overcome your difficulties by engaging in patchwork and quilting and by joining a group. My working life was spent encouraging people beset with mental health problems to be creative and express themselves through various meaningful activities. We were NOT the “fluffy bunny” ladies but professionals who understood the importance of being productive and achieving success. The NHS has gradually eroded our role as services have moved away from activity based treatments to “support and counselling” . Recent research has proved what we all knew – people gain much from being involved in creative activities. I run two quilting groups now in retirement and I know that my friends gain much from the support, encouragement and socialising being in a group can give when dealing with the problems we all experience in our everyday lives.
I hope you continue to achieve your goals and overcome your difficulties.

Hi Jacqui.
Well done on an open, honest and transparent blog. I too took up sewing just over 5 years ago following a nervous breakdown. I had no confidence, had lost and didn’t recognise “myself” at all, and felt that I didn’t have any skills or purpose I had previously had to offer were gone.
I only managed to attend a sewing lesson as the tutor was an old neighbour, but even then it took weeks and weeks to get through that door to ask if I could enrol. At my first session I made a small patchwork cushion and a hanging heart. I cried my eyes out because at last I had managed to do something positive.
I sew every day, partly because I want to but also because I have to. As you mentioned in your blog, it also stops me falling into my negative thoughts.
Don’t get me wrong, sewing has not cured my depression, anxiety, panic attacks and multiple other problems, but it sure does help.
For me, sewing, patchwork and quilting is definitely my therapy, but one that fortunately I love.
Regards, Jo X

I have just written my March blog – which is along similar lines. I fully agree with what you have said here, and I’m glad that you continue to go along to classes even when it is difficult. I’m lucky, as I am a foster carer, and as the main Carer I don’t do any other work, and I try to make sure (as far as possible) that I never miss attending my quilting group. Now I’m go to spend time in therapy this evening – doing some sewing!