Compassionate Distress Response: Mental health support in action
Mental health recovery programmes are all about helping individuals to make positive changes in their lives. GAMH’s Compassionate Distress Response Service (CDRS) puts this principle into action every day.
In this short case study, we’ll look at how the CDRS supported a real person in making real change in their life and dealing with past trauma.
Trigger warning: This page contains references to stalking and suicidal thoughts, which some individuals may find distressing.
Providing a safe space to deal with past trauma
Sarah – not her real name – was referred to GAMH’s CDRS due to distress relating to over a decade of stalking by an ex-partner. This led Sarah to experience ongoing anxiety, hypervigilance, and suicidal thoughts due to previous trauma.
The Compassionate Distress Response Service provided Sarah with a safe space in which to discuss ongoing stressors and her experiences. She was supported by a CDRS coordinator to learn coping strategies she could use on her own.
These were designed to reduce her levels of distress and included:
- Calming breathing exercises,
- Anxiety management techniques, and
- Insights into understanding trauma and its impact.
Compassionate Distress Response: Making a positive mental health change
Sarah began to use these coping strategies in her everyday life. For example, she had struggled to feel safe and sleep in her own bed. Sarah worked with her CDRS coordinator to tackle this by making small changes to her environment. This included changing the layout of her bedroom and lighting.
These changes increased Sarah’s confidence, allowing her to spend longer periods of time in her own bedroom.
Identifying and dealing with trauma responses
By the time Sarah had completed her sessions with the CDRS, she felt more aware and knowledgeable about her behaviours.
Sarah was able to identify her behaviours as trauma responses: “My previous behaviour and instincts now make sense. I wasn’t able to see that previously. I have now created a safe space in my own home which is amazing. I can’t thank you enough for your support.”
Are you experiencing distress?
If you live in Glasgow and are experiencing distress, GAMH’s Compassionate Distress Response Service could help you make sense of how you feel and consider what might make you feel better.
GAMH provides a Compassionate Distress Response Service for Adults and a dedicated service for Young People aged 16 to 25 (or up to 26 if care experienced).
To access support, you must be referred to GAMH by your GP or multi-disciplinary practice team. Learn more about referrals to the Compassionate Distress Response Service for Adults and the Compassionate Distress Response Service for Young People.
GAMH provides other mental health recovery services for Adults and Young People in Glasgow, including Individual support and mental health Support Groups.
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