Reaching out to others

So, you’ve found yourself a counsellor and you’ve booked your first “assessment” appointment, but you really don’t know what to expect. I know that fear only too well, so wanted to share my experiences.

I started to get really anxious between making the appointment and the actual appointment date which was just over two weeks away. I was worried about finding the building, so I went on a recce when I had a spare moment with a parent in tow.

I then worried about what ...

Suddenly it hits you. For whatever reason, you acknowledge that you’re not coping and that you need help. You’ve heard about counselling and think it sounds like an option, but how do you go about accessing the service when you need it and at a time and place to suit you? I’ve certainly found it a minefield so here’s my personal story: the barriers I faced to finding a counsellor and how I overcame them.

Finding a counsellor was hard going when I wasn’t feeling very resilient. I knew ...

I have been off work a number of times for prolonged periods due to mental illness and always find it difficult because concerns about my employer’s views are always prevalent, which mixed with my own doubts about my confidence, ability and my readiness to return to work, makes things confusing and I often find myself wondering if it’s worth all the aggro.

There are no easy answers but here’s my personal story: the thoughts that go through my mind and what I’ve found useful.
...