"Beating negative thoughts and anxiety."

I had a sudden change in my eyesight in 2013 due to retinopathy. The condition had an adverse effect on my career and personal life.

I became more anxious and excessive worry finally made me very ill. I did not wish to leave my home and started feeling very low and isolated. I was angry mainly at myself and why it should happen to me. What will be happening in future, and how can I cope?

I finally decided to speak with my GP in January. I was very lucky, I had a very good GP. He was amazing. He listened to me with care and referred me to CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy).

I attend West London MH centre based at Ealing for 5 months , one hour a week.

I found the sessions very helpful, and educational.

It helped me a lot to look at myself and the source of my problems.

My god everything were told about me was true. Although you can not change reality and factual parts of your life, but CBT helped me to switch off from negative thoughts and start problem solving.

Without my GP's help and the NHS, I would not be able to afford this kind of treatment. 

Even if my employers or other organisations would have offered me privately, I would not be attending as is not something i wanted to share with my employer, or other individuals.

I just wish CBT sessions were more condensed rather than having once a week. It would have also helped to have a group session, so you can experience from other people experiences and problem solvings.