My name is Hannah*, I’m 46, from Tipperary*, and earlier this year I went through one of the most devastating experiences of my life. I was engaged to a man I truly thought I would spend the rest of my life with. We had picked out a venue, sent the save-the-dates, and I had even found my wedding dress. Everything felt like it was finally falling into place.
Then, one night, everything came crashing down. I found out—completely by accident—that he had been unfaithful. It wasn’t just a one-off mistake. There were messages, meet-ups, and lies I didn’t want to believe. The betrayal shattered something inside me. It wasn’t just the end of a relationship—it was the loss of a future I had spent years building in my head and heart.
Calling off the wedding was excruciating. I had to let go of dreams, plans, and the person I thought I knew. But more than anything, I had to let go of the trust I had so freely given. In the weeks that followed, I barely slept. I swung between heartbreak and rage. My confidence hit rock bottom. I felt so, so, humiliated and broken. Even the smallest interactions felt difficult—I couldn’t bear the idea of trusting anyone again.
A friend of mine gently suggested Turn2Me. I was hesitant at first. I didn’t think talking about it would help—I thought I’d just cry through the whole thing. But the fact that it was online and free made it easier to take that first step. I signed up for counselling, telling myself I’d just try one session.
That one session turned into four. My counsellor listened without judgement and helped me make sense of what I was feeling. She didn’t rush me or try to push me past the pain too quickly. We talked about betrayal, grief, and self-worth. I realised how much I had internalised the blame. With her support, I started to challenge those thoughts. I began to see that his actions were not a reflection of my value.
I also started attending the Turn2Me support groups. At first, I just listened. It was comforting to hear others share experiences that mirrored mine in different ways—betrayal, heartbreak, self-doubt. Slowly, I began to speak up. And when I did, I was met with kindness, empathy, and understanding. There was something profoundly healing about being surrounded—virtually—by people who simply got it.
Now, a few months on, I can say with honesty that I’m doing better. I still have bad days, but they’re fewer and farther between. I’m starting to feel like myself again. I’m even open to the idea that I might trust again, in time.
Turn2Me gave me a lifeline when I was drowning. I’m so grateful for their support. My therapist helped me pick up the pieces of my life, gently and without pressure, and begin putting them back together in my own time.
*Case study’s name and location have been changed to protect anonymity