A Co Antrim woman has spoken about being able to rebuild her life after hitting rock bottom eight years ago.
Paula Douglas, 35, from Ballymena, said she felt "completely helpless, vulnerable and disconnected with everything" when her mental health hit a low point in October 2014.
Weighing just six stone at this stage, she felt overwhelmed by anxiety, unable to eat or sleep, and told herself her family and friends would be better off without her.
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On October 18, 2014, she said she "had no energy and was in so much physical pain from the constant crying, little sleep, vomiting and anxiety that I just needed it to stop. I lay awake that morning knowing and planning what I was going to do."
Paula added: "I was found by someone who said they 'had a gut feeling to turn the car and drive back to me' - I will be forever grateful for that second chance.
"I was admitted to hospital and felt completely helpless, vulnerable and disconnected with everything."
Speaking to Belfast Live, Paula said less than a month after this incident her life was completely transformed, after beginning counselling and medication while focusing on exercise.
"Since that date, I have met and married the love of my life, gave birth to the most precious little boy, gained two handsome step sons and watched my daughter and son grow into the special little people that they are," she added.
"I have met all my career goals, graduated in 2018 and my band business has snowballed into something I am so proud of. I’ve seen places and had experiences that sat on my bucket list for years.
"I have more confidence in myself now than I ever had. I have a marriage and family that is filled with so much love, there’s not a day I don’t feel grateful."
Paula shared her story for Mental Health Awareness Week, to let others who may find themselves in a difficult situation to know that hard times aren't permanent, and that you can "rebuild yourself again from rock bottom, a new, better version at that."
The 35-year-old, who sings in a wedding band and works for the NHS, is hosting a gala fundraiser for local charity Turning Point NI early next year as a way to give back, emphasising the importance of reaching out for help if you need it.
She said: "If you think it's over, it's really not. You don’t know who is going to walk into your life, where you’re going to go and who you’re going to meet.
"It’s taken me a long time to get to this point, there have been set backs and bumps along the way, but I’ve worked hard to get here and see things differently. Nothing is permanent, not even hard times
"There's so much help out there, there's so many different charities locally who help. You can get through the tough times.
"It's so important to reach out and ask for that help. At times it's been hard to keep going and get to this stage, but I've always had a goal in mind."
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