"Dealing with grief"

I contacted my local GP in January, following a bereavement four years ago, and having thought that I was coping well, I realised that I’d hit a rough patch. I wasn’t sleeping, my anxiety levels were out of balance, and I didn’t have a positive outlook for the year ahead. I'd booked a big trip at Easter and didn’t feel confident that I would enjoy it as much as I’d expected, which made me more anxious. I was feeling tired and wasn’t feeling optimistic.

My visit to the GP was transformative. I walked out of the clinic feeling like I’d turned a corner. I think it was the simple act of shedding a few tears and being able to tell someone that I wasn’t coping. My GP made me feel heard and also reminded me that I was coping very well. She recommended a course of action which involved talking to the Wellbeing Advisor.

Just knowing that there was help and support was what I’d been missing. Up until then, I’d been relying on my own resources and I think I just hit rock bottom. I’ve been talking to the Wellbeing Advisor since then and visiting my GP. I feel so much more optimistic and I was able to take my trip and get the most out of it.

I’m so glad I decided to ask for some help. My GP and the Wellbeing Advisor are fantastic and I’ve shared my experience with other friends and neighbhours who I think might benefit from their help.

To be honest I’d no idea that the NHS even had a Wellbeing Advisor so that was a bit surprise, gratefully received.