Tegan’s Story
With Beverly's wealth of knowledge and understanding, I have been able to make improvements to my home life, work life and social life. My understanding of the effects my condition has on me is greatly improved. One of the most worthwhile endeavours I've undertaken. Honestly life changing.
After a mysterious illness that resulted in me being hospitalised for a week and symptoms not getting better I was diagnosed with CFS in 2008. I tried my best to manage symptoms and use the minimal advice I was provided to try and live a 'normal' life. This resulted in ‘boom and bust cycles galore, leading to me being medically retired at one point. However, I wasn't ready for retirement at 23 so tried to remain in full time employment (after a 2-year hiatus to try and get 'better').
A few years later I find myself with my current employer, unable to work full-time with a constant stream of sick notes. Through their insurance I was referred to Vitality360 and was fortunate enough to work with Beverly. At the time of meeting her I was unable to walk further than a few metres, unable to cook or prepare meals, had non-existent personal hygiene, was not working, and not seeing friends and family. Symptoms of no energy, pain throughout the body, swelling of joints, brain fog, headaches, insomnia (to name just a few), were taking over my life. I felt defeated and unable to claw back any inch of life.
Through my meetings with Beverly I was given insight about my mentality surrounding myself and my condition. I was ‘all or nothing’ in every aspect of my life, which just wasn't possible to achieve or maintain. With Beverly's help and guidance I was able to use strategies to make small changes. This meant I was able to start doing things for myself and slowly return to work in a more manageable way for my health. Beverly didn't shy away from the difficult conversation about me potentially reducing hours at work and scaling back so I can manage to actually live life.
After many gentle conversations around work and my responsibilities Beverly created a personalised return to work plan. She then arranged and chaired a meeting with work ensuring my needs were at the forefront of the conversation, advocating for me and giving me space to advocate for myself. This resulted in a slow return to work - much slower than I ever had before. It included more frequent breaks for longer periods than I was taking. Beverly supported me though my return to work and life.
I end my journey in a completely different, far healthier mindset. My health is in a far better place than when I started. I will be forever grateful to Beverly and Vitality360 for the new lease of life I now have.
I truly am such an advocate for the services here. Anyone and everyone I talk to I tell about my journey here. It is truly the best thing I have ever done with my time. Thank you Beverly and Vitality360.
I cannot say thank you enough for your time Beverly. You truly are phenomenal at what you do and I am so fortunate life let me experience your wealth of knowledge and kindness. Thank you for being you!
“Tegan’s story beautifully illustrates the benefits of addressing her tendency to ‘boom and bust’ behaviour (where she experienced some terrible crashes) and moving towards a more balanced lifestyle. Tegan is very keen to share her story to inspire others that change is possible ”