"It is up to me now to continue to be positive and happy."

I have had anxiety for as long as I remember but a few years ago it got worse and was having an impact on my day to day life. I attended my doctor in September last year who listened to me and knew I was struggling. She referred me to the psychological service, but said there was a waiting list. The doctor continued to see me every few weeks to make sure I was ok.

I received, through the post, a first appointment with the psychologist service in January this year.

This appointment was through video consultation which I hadn’t had before and was nervous about.

There was no need. Tracey, a wellbeing worker from the service, was simply the nicest person that I have ever had the pleasure of speaking to. She listened to me for well over an hour about how my life had been from childhood until now and how certain situations had made me feel about myself, none of them good. I believe that constantly blaming myself and putting myself down has resulted in me requiring to seek help.

In Tracey, I received that help, from showing me how to look at situations differently, to treating myself much better because I’m just as good as the next person. But I think for me the biggest thing was the caring attitude she showed, no one has ever said the kind positive words which she said to me.

I am truly grateful and indebted to Tracey. I do not need to see her anymore, but I think of her and all her wise words and use her very helpful tools when in a situation I find difficult. It is up to me now to continue to be positive and happy.

Everyone should have a Tracey in their lives and she is an absolute credit to the psychological service.