Marie and the Holistic Wellbeing Centre
The Hartlepool Holistic Wellbeing Centre has played a huge part in helping Marie and her family get back on their feet after their struggle during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Marie suffers with bronchiectasis and asthma which meant that during the pandemic it was necessary for her to shield at home throughout 2020-21. Feeling petrified of the outside world, she knew that catching the virus would be devastating and potentially fatal.
Marie said, “My fiance, Steven, was the only person who was able to leave the house to buy essential items whilst I worked from home and home-schooled my son, Lincoln, who was 8 at the time. The only place I was able to go during the lockdown was my back garden so we thought we would invest in a hot tub. I looked forward to spending time in there most days with Steven and Lincoln and I called it my safe haven.”
The whole family contracted COVID-19 in July 2021. “My worst fear came true and I was hospitalised after collapsing with COVID pneumonia. I remember panicking in hospital, thinking ‘What if this is it? What if I never get to go home?’
Fortunately, I was able to go home but as the weeks passed I did not feel any better. I then received the bad news that I was diagnosed with long COVID. As well as affecting my physical health, it took a toll on my mental wellbeing. Every day is a battle for me. I have long COVID symptoms which include breathlessness, brain fog, muscle aches, fatigue, stomach pains and have now been diagnosed with a stomach condition as well as heart palipitations. I’m always in and out of hospital. I was also diagnosed with depression and anxiety.
My son, Lincoln, also suffered during all of this. He became very anxious throughout lockdown as he couldn’t see anyone. He went from visiting my mam and dad every single day to nothing. I couldn’t, and still am unable to, exercise, cook, sleep or do anything after having COVID, the ongoing lockdown made me feel lost and like I had no purpose.
Restrictions lifted but I was still so frightened of going outside, I didn’t feel like myself and I just wanted everything to be back to normal and be able to go to work again.”
Patricia, Marie’s mam, found the Hartlepool Holistic Wellbeing Centre in February of this year. “I was just scrolling through Facebook to find somewhere to book for reflexology because my appointment elsewhere was cancelled and I came across the page. During my appointment, I noticed a group of ladies crafting and all of the different things the Centre had to offer. I booked myself and Marie onto a candle-making course. I thought it would be a great way for her to get out of the house and be around people for the first time again.
I left the decision of coming completely up to Marie; I wanted her to be comfortable. Before we attended, I told Barbara, the Holistic Wellbeing Practitioner, that Marie was anxious and she was so understanding and reassuring.
Walking through the main doors of the building felt like two huge arms opened up and wrapped around me. It was the most warm and welcoming place we have ever been in and we haven’t look back since. We loved the candle making course and didn’t want to leave so we took a look at what was on later that day and it was a group meditation… we booked without hesitation.
We grabbed a sandwich after our course and rushed back to try it out; it was amazing and we quickly booked onto more!
When you are in the group meditation, it feels safe. Everyone can share how they truly feel afterwards without the feeling of being judged.”
Marie noticed that the centre also did family meditation so she booked herself, Steven and Lincoln onto a session in March of this year. It has been life changing. Lincoln loved the entire experience and he now goes at least twice a month with Steven for one to one sessions; it’s their bonding time.
His anxieties and worries have improved so much with Barbara’s help. He really settles to the sound of her voice and she has taught him how to use grounding exercises to cope with his emotions. Lincoln said, “When I walk into the Centre it makes me relaxed and happy. After my parent session with my daddy and Barbara it makes me feel like the stress I have been feeling disappears and my sleep is way better which makes me feel I can have a better day at school the next day.”
If he cannot sleep at home or he’s worried, he will listen to her meditation video on YouTube and listen to her voice to calm himself or we will meditate together; it really works for us. Barbara has even given him his own little pot of lavender oil to use whilst meditating and he loves it.
He was so excited to go and see everyone at the recent Holistic Wellbeing Centre open day. His favourite colour is green and straight away he noticed a green dream catcher. I just had to buy him it and he now sleeps with it by his bed.
I’m now on a journey to recovery from long term COVID and I attend an NHS support group. I have even mentioned the Hartlepool Holistic Centre there! I began a phased return to work in May, I’m still not back full time, and I truly don’t think I could have faced that hurdle without the help of Barbara and the Team.
I recommend the Centre to anyone suffering with their mental health at any age. It has completely vhanged our family for the better and we call it our safe place as this is how we feel when we walk through the doors.” ■