Bridgnorth woman urges people to get help as she tells her story.
Updated: Oct 2
A Bridgnorth woman left devastated by the suicide of her twin sister is urging people to seek help after she said a wellbeing service in the town completely transformed her life.
Julie Brazier’s sister Janet took her own life three years ago - a tragedy that took a major toll on Julie and her husband Lyndon as Julie’s emotional wellbeing significantly declined. Lyndon and Julie contacted the Stay Mentally Healthy initiative and the life-changing difference that made has prompted Julie to tell her story in the hope that it will encourage others.
Julie said: “Janet and I were identical twins born in 1964, just 15 minutes apart, and were inseparable throughout our childhood and into adult life. We shared the same sense of humour, styled ourselves exactly the same and spoke in the same voice".
In 2005 Janet lost her husband to cancer at the age of just 36. She adored him and, as a result, she tried to take her life with a mixture of paracetamol and over-the-counter sleep aids. "When I arrived at her house I found her, called for an ambulance and she was admitted to hospital".
“She was very distraught, but seemed more upset about what impact this would have had on me. She had a follow-up appointment with the local NHS Mental Health Team, who were satisfied that she was not likely to try this again and no further contact was made either by the hospital or the Mental Health Team".
“Over ensuing years we spent even more time together, speaking every day, texting, and messaging throughout the day. She called around weekly and we did lots of things together, including going away for long weekends, just the two of us. We were so happy together - no one else came close to what we had between us".
“We often spoke about how she was, and there was no indication that she was not happy or not coping with things. Then, in May 2022, Lyndon and I were away in Wales on holiday. I had spoken to Janet throughout the week as usual and I had plans in place to have a spa day with lots of lovely, relaxing treatments on my return".
“I messaged her the day before we were due to return home, but she hadn’t read it. I continued to check my phone throughout the evening and into the early hours, but she still hadn’t read it. I knew something was wrong. As we journeyed home, I was unable to get any answer from her mobile phone or landline. I felt sick with worry".
“On arrival at her house we had to break in and we found her at the bottom of the stairs. She had hanged herself. I was hysterical. I couldn’t believe that she would have done this to herself and me".
“After two nights of no sleep and lots of crying with a variety of mixed emotions and disbelief that this was real, I became very unstable. I was not sure what I was supposed to do now. Was I supposed to join her? I was displaying concerning behaviour to my family and thinking of ways to end my life, or at least harm myself".
“My son had made me promise that I wouldn’t do anything like Janet had done. I said I needed to see a doctor - I needed them to put me somewhere safe so I couldn’t harm myself, as I didn’t want to break my promise to my son. We went to see the GP and she said she couldn’t do that but did prescribe antidepressants and some tablets to help me sleep. She also referred me for counselling.”
Despite a limited number of follow-up appointments with the GP, coming off the sleeping tablets and half a dozen counselling sessions, Julie’s situation remained deeply challenging and 18 months later a different GP changed her antidepressants.
“By this time, my son had mentioned to me on a few occasions that Lyndon seemed to be struggling with his emotions,” said Julie. “He seemed to be very angry about things, but mainly about the upset that Janet had caused our family, and in particular me. When I asked him about it, he said he was ok".
“On a trip out, Lyndon lost his temper and had an irrational outburst, which was most out of character. Back home we discussed it, he started to cry and it became obvious that he needed some help. Fortunately, I had seen on Facebook that a 'Stay Mentally Healthy' service was up and running and just around the corner from us.
“I sent an email to request help and we received a reply the same day offering an appointment the following week - I was happy he could be seen so quickly. Just a few days after that first meeting with Mary, Lyndon realised his anger had gone".
“He returned for his second session where he agreed he was feeling much lighter and didn’t need to continue. Mary made it clear he could return if he felt he needed to. A few weeks went by, and I was struggling. I didn’t seem to be getting over my loss and grief – it was in me every minute and in every thought".
“Every morning, I thought I needed to re-live the scenario in which we found my sister in order for me to believe that this was ‘real life,’ as it seemed that it must have been something I had watched on TV the night before - that Janet was still here with me and I had just had a nightmare".
“I realised that I needed to see Mary, emailed the centre and saw her within a few days. I told her my story and explained how low I felt at times and that I felt I hadn’t received the right kind of counselling the first time. Mary listened to me and then helped me using the Self Empowerment Journey (SEJ) Process".
“She said she could help me and for most people, even those navigating the most overwhelming emotional low points, it often only takes two to three sessions. I was amazed that she thought I would find relief in this short time. I went for a second session which made me realise things I hadn’t considered, and it unearthed emotions that must have been buried within me".
“We arranged a further session the following week. By this time, I was feeling much better, much lighter and when I arrived for my third session, I declared to Mary that I thought the process had completely unlocked my heavy feelings. My waking thoughts had changed from something that had been horrific to something far more positive".
“I only stayed for half an hour as there was nothing more needed. Mary’s process had completely turned things around for me in two-and-a-half sessions. It has made a huge difference to my life. I have changed how I view things in my work, life, and family. It has encouraged me to build on my self-esteem and confidence, and I now feel in control again.
Lyndon and I are eternally grateful to Mary and the work she has provided through the Stay Mentally Healthy initiative. Mary is also helping my friend who was desperately in need as she was struggling".
“I talked to her about the help Mary offered, she agreed for me to email Mary and within a day Mary had contacted my friend and an appointment was quickly arranged.”
Mary Phillips, founder of the Stay Mentally Healthy initiative, said: “Julie had been carrying deep emotional distress since 2022 following a family bereavement. After just two-and-a-half sessions and now still months later, she is in a wonderful space, experiencing a productive and joyful life. The family are so grateful for the accessible support we provide. It is so rewarding to help people build their inner resilience in this way—especially when they are at a very low point. The SMH initiative is truly transforming lives. Our SEJ Process events and services can offer support through your grief. Whatever the reason for your grief, if you are grieving we’re here to share with you how you can find the tools to navigate it and begin to live forward again.”
For more information visit https://www.thesej-centre.co.uk or email enquiries@thesej.co.uk
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