Sarah's Hope Story

Sarah was diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) 20 years ago. She found very little help or support was available at the time, either from the medical professions or voluntary sector. With the only treatment that she was offered causing Sarah highly unpleasant side-effects, she couldn’t find any support groups.

“I felt like a freak” she remembers “I was told I’d got this, I had all these things wrong with me. I felt like I was the only person in the UK with it.”  However, things did start to improve for Sarah when she found Verity, a self-help group for people with PCOS. It was through Verity that she heard about the Hope Programme and Sarah enrolled to join a PCOS course. 

The online format, with content released every week, worked very well for Sarah as it allowed her to go through the course at her own pace. “That was so good – it doesn’t put pressure on you. Some weeks I’d only done half of it when the new stuff was made available. But it didn’t matter, you don’t have to rush through it!” Sarah found that she felt guided through the course by the online facilitators, but never pressured. “You don’t have to keep going in to monitor it, just when you’ve got time. The facilitators were very supportive.” 

So, how did Sarah find the Hope for PCOS course? She admits that she wasn’t really sure what to expect and based on past experience, thought it might be “a bit ‘preachy’. You know ‘just go away and lose weight’.” And was it? “Not at all - I loved it! It took into account things like self-confidence that PCOS really badly affects. Really good, practical, information about the individual struggles that we go through daily.” Sarah also liked the factual information, that wasn’t too medical.  She continues “And self-love – learning how to like yourself. I’m so pleased that was included. I’ve never had anyone in the medical profession talk to me about that, it was a pleasant surprise!”  

And what about a favourite part? Sarah admits that many years ago when she first tried Mindfulness, she really disliked it. So she’s surprised herself by finding that the relaxation and Mindfulness elements of the Hope course have made a real difference to her now. And again, it’s the practical nature of the Hope Programme that appealed to Sarah. “I used to think that you had to get down on the floor for an hour and cross your legs. I’d think, well there’s no way I can get down there. And if I did, I’d never get back up again!” Sarah has found that even 10 minutes of Mindfulness, or simply listening to relaxing music or the sound of waves has made a positive impact on her life. “I do that between working from home and finishing work. And before bed” Sarah explains. “I do it to make that break between day and evening. Evening and sleep”.  

In summary, Sarah says, “Hope is really good. I’m more relaxed, not so wound up about things. I’m still setting goals and using the Mindfulness techniques. And it’s not preachy!”