This is an account of my experiences becoming unwell and accessing general and mental health services in Ireland. It traces this experience from initial contact with my general practitioner, to admission to a secure psychiatric ward where recovery slowly began. It is hoped that this lived narrative of my recovery will shed light on accessing mental health services from a dual lens; that of service user and social worker. To read the full article, choose Open Athens “Institutional Login” and search for “Midlands Partnership”.