'They saved my life' - Nottinghamshire woman appeals for help to find good samaritans

Jessica Fletcher, a student nurse from Kirkby-in-Ashfield, has suffered from depression and anxiety for 20 years but found herself needing the mental health crisis team’s intervention in September.

She was taken to King’s Mill Hospital but, unable to communicate her feelings, Jessica refused further treatment and left the hospital in distress and walked along the A38, heading for the bridge over the busy road.

A concerned woman, spotting her walking alone in her dressing gown at around 11pm on September 8, pulled over and tried to speak to her to ascertain if she was alright.

Jessica, 32, said: “My head was full with darkness, it felt like my only option for my amazing family – I thought they needed protecting from my illness.

"A woman, who I think was a taxi driver, spotted me and pulled over to help, she offered to sit with me or take me wherever I wanted to go, she tried everything, but I couldn’t even look at her or speak to her properly.

"Then another car pulled up and an off-duty police officer arrived and he took over, calling for back-up to help.

"They saved my life – I feel so grateful that they took the time to stop and help me.

"I really want to say ‘thank you’ to them.”

Jessica was taken to Millbrook Mental Health unit for treatment where, alongside her supportive family, she began her recovery.

She returns to her studies this month and now wants to help others in a similar position.

As a student nurse, she has witnessed first-hand the horrors of the pandemic, and is worried a second wave will cause a much bigger strain than the first, as seasonal flu and the usual winter challenges see hospitals busier than ever.

She added: “Staff are working long days and it’s easy for your mental health to spiral – a lot of people are struggling.

"I suffered in silence for 20 years, and didn’t speak out, I didn’t think things were that serious until it was too late.

"I don’t want anyone else to end up in the same position as me – I would not be here today had it not been for two complete strangers.”

As others reported in our previous mental health feature, Jessica did not speak out for fear of burdening others with her worries.

She said: "Speak to friends, family, health professionals, even if it feels like it’s not too bad – don’t let it get to the point I did.”

Charlotte Mather, a clinical hypnotherapist, is seeing first-hand how the virus is affecting mental health across the board.

She said: “I am seeing more clients that are struggling with the isolation and are concerned about the impact on their health.

"Clients are needing help with insomnia due to the threat of losing their jobs – financial hardship is a huge concern that’s keeping them awake.

"These are the forgotten victims of the virus and they need our help.”

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email [email protected] or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

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We stand together.

Nancy Fielder, editor.