"More people should know about CBT"

Following the death of my grandmother in 2004, it took me the best part of 3years to overcome depression. I was 14 and it wasn't till I was 17 that I felt I could put my demons behind me.

Following a successful A Level results, I started a degree in social work in 2008. The first year went by stress free but by the time I moved in to second year, it became clear something was wrong. I didn't feel depressed but I was always worrying about everyone and everything. I would worry when there was nothing to worry about and that was just plain annoying. I began to develop nervous habits such as chewing the skin off my fingers , making them sore, I even developed IBS.

I decided to visit my GP who was sympathetic but suggested we try other routes before medication. He advised me of Cognitive behavioural therapy delivered via the surgery by a mental health worker. I was skeptical at first as I pictured lying on a sofa, going on about my woes. Thankfully, it wasn't like that, the session enabled me to put my worries into perspective and workout what triggers them, thus forming a plan to help me.

Now following discharge, I am on the way to completing my degree and have stuck with CBT resources such as workbooks that I regularly consult. Of course I still have the odd bad day but I believe this service has got me on the path to recovery.

The only suggestion I would make is better awareness of such services. Until my Gp recommended it, I didn't realise the service existed and I think many people will benefit from it.