"I feel stronger and looking forward the future"

I was experiencing panic attacks and was feeing isolated and alone. I did not have a support system of friends and family. I was also unemployed which meant that I was even more isolated. I was struggling to find support groups but was excluded from some because I didn't live the right area or some groups were so busy that they didn't have any appointments for months.  I struggled with self esteem and thinking that I had a future.

I referred myself to talking therapies and after an initial call I managed to get an appointment within several weeks. While it was hard to wait I also felt encouraged because I knew help was coming.

When I started the talking therapy sessions with Shirley, I felt listened to and seen for the first time in a long time. I did have a lot of obstacles and barriers to attending sessions. For example I am scared of dogs, I felt panicked by the humidity and hot weather thinking I might not be able to breathe on the tube or sitting in an office. On one occasion I didn't have the money to travel to my appointment. 

I would not have been able to continue the sessions if the therapist had not been flexible and supported me. People started to notice the change in me and I felt it in myself. I not only learned new ways to become stronger but also what to do and where to find support.

Early in the sessions I was signposted by the therapist to the connect to work programme that supports people with health conditions looking for work. This opened up further community support for me of which I am very grateful.  For the first time in 30 years I am eating healthier and losing weight and I feel much better. I have also learned to challenge my own negative beliefs about myself. My breathing is much better, I feel stronger and looking forward the future.