Claire's story began with her decision to move to Hong Kong, eagerly embracing a new chapter in her life filled with excitement and possibilities. Over the course of a year, she settled into the vibrant city, forged friendships, and started to find her place in the bustling metropolis.

However, the night of her 30th birthday took an unexpected turn when a fire erupted in her apartment, thrusting her into a battle for survival. As the flames intensified, Claire confronted the grim reality of her situation, fearing that escape might be impossible. Yet, fuelled by sheer determination, she managed to force open a door and miraculously escaped the engulfing inferno.

Claire relocated back to the UK, but soon discovered that the scars left by the fire extended beyond the physical realm. She began to feel detached from the world, experiencing a deep sense of disconnection and descending further into depression. Initially, she believed she could simply pick up where she left off, but the reality proved far more complex and challenging. The turning point came when Claire experienced a breakdown during a family function. Sensing her distress, her mother and sister urged her to seek professional help.

Following a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Claire embarked on a profound journey of recovery. With the support of therapy, she began to confront her trauma, process her emotions, and rebuild her life from the ground up, including rediscovering her love of running. Through therapy, Claire learned coping mechanisms and developed resilience, gradually reclaiming her sense of self and finding hope for the future.

This episode explores the complexities of recovery from a traumatic event, highlighting the importance of seeking professional help and the transformative power of therapy. Claire's story serves as a testament to the strength of acknowledging one's struggles, seeking help, and embarking on the profound work of healing and recovery.

If you're struggling with the symptoms of PTSD, you can find support here.

Content/trigger warnings: house fire, depression PTSD, description of physical injury, explicit language.

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