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Unable to work because of Brain Fog and Anxiety

Posted By Chiara

"Unable to work because of Brain Fog and Anxiety"

About: Adult Services / Condition Management Programme

(as a service user),

I just turned 50 last year and within a few months I started to experience severe brain fog. I was unable to work effectively and this created a huge problem for me in the form of anxiety. 

The brain fog coupled with anxiety prohibited me from working and this brought about an extra layer of problems as I was unable to earn an income to pay my necessary day to day bills. As a result, I found myself in a very dark place and I honestly could not see how I was ever going to get out of this.

It was only when I shared what I was going through with a friend that I learned about the Conditioning Management Programme offered by the Western Health and Social Care Trust. My friend had personal experience of the programme and she couldn't recommend it highly enough. I was desperate to get help; I was in a really bad place and, only for my friend telling me about this programme, I was unsure as to where to turn.

I attended the CMP programme, both face to face and on zoom. Each time I met with Liz who I can only describe as a God-send! Liz helped me frame my thoughts and to see clearer. She gave me hope and after each session I found myself getting that little bit better and mentally stronger. Liz helped me break down my thoughts and provided alternative suggestions; this helped me immensely and enabled me to finally pull the dark veil I had over my eyes so that I could see a positive future ahead of me.

I am now back at work over two months now and thriving. I love being busy and having structure again in my life; because of the CMP programme my whole thought process is much clearer and more positive - my biggest take away is 'is this a fact or just my opinion'.

I am deeply grateful for this programme, I am disappointed that I suffered so long before getting to know about it. 

I want to say a personal thank you to Liz, who has the most calming personality and is perfect for her role! I never once felt judged and that meant the world to me since I was already judging myself!

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Responses

Response from Natalie McCrea, Team Leader, Condition Management Programme, WHSCT 7 months ago
Natalie McCrea
Team Leader, Condition Management Programme,
WHSCT

Submitted on 15/11/2024 at 12:24
Published on Care Opinion at 12:24

Dear Chiara,

Thank-you very much for taking the time to provide such a comprehensive review of your experience on the Condition Management Programme (CMP). Your feedback is invaluable in helping us ensure that more people hear about the programme and are able to access it as early as possible in order to prevent them having to give up their work role. I am sorry to hear that you had to suffer for so long before finding out about the support available for yourself. This is something we are constantly working on through marketing and promotion of the programme.

I am very glad to hear, however that you are now back at work and thriving, putting into good practice the information you have gained through your time with CMP. I know Liz will appreciate the compliments you have paid her in terms of her skills and practice and in providing you with hope and a way forward. Liz is an highly skilled and experienced occupational therapist and all of the staff in CMP count ourselves as extremely fortunate to work with her. She is also the acting co-ordinator of the programme, so ensures the programme continues to be available to support as many people as we can.

Thank-you again for your feedback and I wish you all the best for the future

Kind regards

Natalie McCrea

Occupational Therapist/Acting Team Lead

Condition Management Programme

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