"Counselling at Ealing IAPT service after below knee amputation"

I became very depressed a couple of months after having an accident which resulted in my leg being amputated. As the survivor's glow wore off, I became less and less motivated and just sad without understanding why to the point that I just didn't want to get out of bed. I think that no matter who you are or what your background sometimes your brain just can't cope anymore and I really just needed somewhere to vent my sadness and frustration. I felt that I didn't want to worry my family by breaking down in front of them and just needed someone else to talk to.

What can I say except that after just one hour with my fabulous counsellor I felt so much better. Every week I knew I had that one hour to completely let go and share whatever had happened during the week or how I felt. I now feel ready after 12 sessions to properly go back to work and my old life. I accept that I will always have this grief but I feel like I can handle my emotions now. Thank you so much for all of the wonderful work you have done!

The Ealing Home ward were brilliant for adopting my home so that I could use my home to the maximum and regain some independence especially when I was in the wheelchair. My occupational therapist was constantly in touch with me for the 6 weeks I had help, arranging everything and just making sure that I was coping ok. Can't recommend them highly enough!

The only thing I would improve is that it would have been really unbelievably helpful to have someone tell you what forms to apply for (e. g. PIP, ESA, blue badge, etc) and help filling them in. I found all the forms very stressful to fill in when my head was in such a state.