"Talking Therapy"

I have had clinical depression for many years and I take Fluoxetine for it.

I felt I was in a cycle of repeatedly going back to my Drs and getting no where .

I was twice referred to a phycologist ( after a very long wait ) where I felt I got no help and to be told to keep taking the pills. ( very disappointing ). I saw a NHS councillor ( after a very long wait ) which was also very disappointing.

The only real progress I made was when I contacted Thurrock Mind and began receiving help - at last ! Someone who actually listened and understood how I was feeling. This was a major breakthrough for me, I also met other people who were similar to me. I no longer felt so alone and isolated, it felt so good to regularly pop in and have a friendly chat and cup of Tea at Bridge Road Thurrock Mind, Bridge Rode, Grays.  Just knowing I could pop in when I needed company was a great support to me in my times of need. Unfortunately this drop-in service stopped a while ago, such a shame, I really hope this service returns one day. Just a simple cup of Tea and Chat amongst friends in a friendly place can be the most simplest way to maintain people’s well-being.

  I discovered Recovery College in Grays a few years ago , I met staff members who were great, attending here was fantastic, I learned a lot about my illness and it felt good to be amongst people who truly understood depression, once more I had hope in my life. I have since attended lots of courses and made lots of new friends.

I now attend regular Mindfulness sessions, the staff are great listeners and there are a regular group of friendly people here. 

 Recently I have attended Talking Therapy at Inclusion Thurrock. To be honest I was expecting to be disappointed again with my past experiences with the NHS .

I was surprised though from my first session. I felt someone was patiently listening and understanding the pain and grief I was feeling inside . I had waited a very long time for something like this , it felt so good that I didn’t feel rushed and under time pressure like at the Drs. At long last I felt was getting somewhere. 

 Talking about emotional issues brought up many feeling and memories that I had suppressed for decades , talking about them brought back many emotions and feelings. Sometimes I would go home feeling happy , sometimes I would  feel sad and tired. I knew though that this journey would be painful at times , but it was the right time for me to take this journey. After a few weeks I started to see why I behave in certain ways in certain circumstances because of past traumas.

I really feel I have achieved everything I could of hoped for and so much more in these few months , I feel I have changed in the way I look at myself, other people and the world. I will always be so very grateful for the patience, understanding and advice. Thank you for everything.