I have PTSD and Anxiety and for this reason I have an Assistance Dog named Hunter. Hunter helps minimise my anxiety and work with me to lower my PTSD triggers. When you have PTSD it can be misunderstood, come on suddenly and can feel terrifying in the middle of it all. I tend to stay”safe” to minimise the worst happening.

New experiences can be very difficult for me and Hunter will have to work quite hard. If the event gets more challenging it can be quite stressful.

I read some amazing stories about Cérge and saw the Adelaide Hill Recreation Centre just adopted Cérge. This is exciting and kind of scary to be honest. I want so badly to get into a yoga class or body balance not only for my physical body but for my mind. The idea of going to recreation centre I’ve never been to is terrifying. They are usually big and loud and everyone seems to know what to do but me. I never know if I’m in the right place the right clothes and there are always too many mirrors.

Before I decided to attend Adelaide Hills Recreation I looked on the Cérge website and went through their Visual story. I was able to see each room, the equipment, entrances and toilets. I also read through the noises that may be heard, I need this for myself but also for Hunter. Along with smells, for obvious reasons. This relieved so so much anxiety. Just knowing what I would see and what the venue looked like reduce my anxiety and made me enthusiastic to visit.

When I arrived I was greeted so openly and warmly by Nathan. I had already sent a notification so I knew, they knew I was coming and that was great. I didn’t have to feel awkward and on edge about Hunter which triggers anxiety which makes Hunter work harder which gives anxiety and around and around we go.

I had a look around the facilities and I have picked the 8am Yoga class and I am excited for this to begin in my life! I am so pumped! It’s been a while since I felt like this was achievable for me!

I would love to see Cérge in places like all small businesses, shopping centres and hospitals this would help me reintegrate into society so much easier.