"Generalised Anxiety Disorder Course"

Last year I rung the Inclusion Thurrock number (which I was recommended by my mum and doctor) to get some help with my mental health. I was experiencing a serious level of worry (what I didn’t realise was anxiety at the time and bouts of depression) and I just felt like I couldn’t cope any longer suffering on my own. I needed help managing the worry. I was screened by an introduction call a little while later who gave me options as to which route I would like to take. I had already experienced counselling before, so decided to enrol on the worry management course. 5 months later I was finally given a slot to begin my course. I recently completed the course.  

My worry counsellor and coach, Pat, was just amazing. Right from the start we established that I suffered from something called Generalised Anxiety Disorder which meant that I worry a hell of a lot, about all sorts of things, and particularly worry about things that haven’t happened yet (‘forecast worry’). Since establishing the worry, the past year Pat has helped me to learn worry management techniques that can help me manage the worry to a healthier level.  I understand that the worry may never leave me completely and it is something that I have to manage for the rest of my life. I’m particular we focused on Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) and CBRT techniques such as mindfulness that can help me remember and focus on being in the PRESENT and not forecasting my worry. 

The year has been absolutely phenomenal, all thanks to Pat. I throughly enjoyed every single session and I feel like I’ve had fantastic support from Pat the whole way through. She really understood the workings of my brain and how I felt by listening and really understanding what causes my worry. So I really felt like I had a tailored experience and something that was sustainable for me. However, a lot of my success has come from doing the homework that I was set and agreed with Pat - they’re right when they say you can’t get out what you don’t put in. So make sure you do your homework! 

Now I feel like I have a different outlook on life completely- I understand and recognise the triggers to my anxiety, and know when I feel it, how to cope with it. Some days are brilliant, and still some days are poo- but now I don’t feel totally lost when I do feel rubbish, and understand that A LOT of people are going through the same thing. It’s ok to not feel and be ok sometimes. 

Going forward I’m really into taking things slowly, and slowing down altogether. Which means not rushing unnecessarily on my commute to work, really taking the time to enjoy conversations with my peers and work and family, and fully being aware of everything going on around me without judging. I really want to learn and practice more of mindfulness and mediation, as I think we all can benefit from that (and that it should be a common life practice) as well as all things yoga and PMR. Thanks to Pat I feel like I’ve opened Pandora’s box to another way of living, and I’m really excited about life going forward (which I wouldn’t have said a year ago). 

Pat was a phenomenal coach and counsellor and I will really miss her. Thank you Pat.