"Severe anxiety and feeling overwhelmed"

I came to the service because I had been in crisis last year with my mental health and was spending every day in a high state of anxiety and having multiple panic attacks throughout the day and night.

I could not find a way to stop the cycle of worry, fear and panic and was exhausted and miserable.

I was so glad when I received my appointment for CBT, it was a small bit of hope that somehow things might get easier and I might feel a bit better.

The assessment was difficult because it involved recounting all that I had been through but it was good to get it all out too.

When Katie said she could offer me weekly CBT sessions I was delighted, but also scared of the commitment up to 12 weeks. Then I thought 'what's the alternative keep living as I am now' and that was enough to spur me on.

Katie slowly and reassuringly explained to me that I have an anxiety disorder and that is what is causing these feelings and problems not a weakness or flaw in me.

Gradually over the weeks I have learnt more and more and pushed myself to fully commit and found the routine and calmness of my appointments with Katie to be an anchor throughout.

Finishing up recently, I feel so calm, relaxed and can actually stop thinking for periods of time which I couldn't have dreamt of when I first started CBT. I am very aware that anxiety and stressful situations will pop up in life but I feel not I have the tools to cope.

I can't thank Katie enough and I feel better than I have in years and so proud of myself for completing all 10 CBT sessions.