I don’t think I would be alive writing this paragraph if it wasn’t for Dom. During some of the worst of my panic attacks and self-harm incidents, Dom was there tending to my physical injuries whilst listening to me as I voiced my struggles. For months, I dealt with the conflict between recovery and maintaining my illnesses, and he listened to me and helped me explore my thoughts - he didn’t make my decision for me or push his thoughts but helped me find my own path. During the first year and half with CAMHS, I had never opened up or trusted a medical professional - but Dom showed me that I could talk about my trauma and I could trust someone. He was always there for me and he personalised DBT for me in 1-1 sessions. I had a complex case with different mental illnesses and undiagnosed ASD - My mother was severely mentally ill with schizophrenia and my father evidently was overburdened and anxious. I felt that Dom went over and beyond to be exceedingly caring and understanding for my situation and also helped my father deal with worries about my care during my admission at hospital. I still remember our conversation before my CPA where I was distraught and had to make my decision of staying in hospital or discharging myself - I was severely ill but my team did not want to section me against my will. I walked off sensing an anxiety attack coming on but after giving me some time alone, he came after me and provided me reassurance as he talked through my options with honestly and conciseness. He advocated for me and respected my wishes - I felt understood, but most of all, he made me realise I had people fighting to help me and that this was the time I needed to take action and engage in treatment. He was caring, hard-working, and obviously showed a great passion for mental health nursing. We built a great patient-nurse relationship which I will never forget since he was a huge part of my story and my journey of finding reasons to live a fulfilling and healthy life.