We are delighted that Patricia Darvill is taking on the role of Chair at Rebound as Lynn is taking a well-deserved retirement. Please read how Rebound has impacted Pat’s life over the years.
My early adult working years were spent in Customer Service until I left to have my family. Then followed many years of freelance Market Research interviewing (one of those annoying people with a clipboard!) which I could work around my family responsibilities.
From a very young age I realised that my youngest son showed different characteristics to his two elder brothers. It took years of numerous appointments with many various professional bodies, before he was finally diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Oppositional Conduct Disorder now known as Oppositional Defiance Disorder. These were not easily diagnosed nearly 40 years ago. This did explain his extreme behaviour, often disruptive, unruly and sometimes aggressive and with massive mood swings. He was prescribed medication during his school years and his behaviour noticeably improved, though still erratic.
It is very common for people with ADHD to self-medicate and sadly my son was no different. He started dabbling with substance misuse in his teens, then followed a downward spiral path culminating in addiction to heroin and crack cocaine in his twenties and topping up with many other substances. His young adult life was a hamster wheel of addiction, petty crime and prison. There he often got clean only to be drawn back into the self-destructive lifestyle as before and so it began again…
I spent many years trying to help my son, which I now realise was enabling. His addiction and behaviour had a massive impact on the family and left me drained and continually anxious. I was always walking on eggshells, never knowing what new drama would materialise.
I don’t remember how I found Rebound, but I know it proved to be an absolute lifeline for me. I was at my wit’s end with my son’s behaviour, which had gradually got more aggressive. From my very first meeting I felt a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. To finally be in a safe and welcoming environment, where everyone understood exactly what I was feeling and to know I was not alone was such a massive relief. Sometimes I would cry, sometimes I would vent the frustration and anger I felt for my son’s situation but always I felt better after being there. I am so grateful for all the support and understanding offered over the years and feel sure that Rebound saved my sanity. I have been attending the group since its conception and gradually I accepted that there was nothing I could do to alter my son’s life and only he could make the changes.
Sadly, my son lost his battle with addiction and passed away nearly 4 years ago. I have still carried on attending Rebound hoping my experiences may help others. In 2024 Lynn decided to step down from Chairing Rebound and take a much-deserved retirement. It was suggested I take over the role, which I agreed to do and I hope to carry on helping other families and I like to think of it as a fitting legacy for my late son…
