Whan I was a teenager I was bullied at school, suffered periods of low self-esteem and was withdrawn. This was 40 odd years ago (I’m now 56), and depression wasn’t widely recognised so the standard reaction was ‘Stop being miserable’.This was followed by long periods of anxiety and suicidal thoughts that resulted in me being referred for counselling in 2004 and being prescribed anti-depressants.
Being able to speak to someone who doesn’t know me and wouldn’t judge me was a big comfort and it helped me focus on positive aspects of my life while recognising difficult periods in my past.“All I wanted was to feel I wasn’t alone and, that help was available and that I deserved to have a happy life.”In 2020 during lockdown, I hit another low which was recognised by colleagues who encouraged me to talk to a counsellor.
Although I had benefited from counselling previously, I resisted, despite knowing it was the right thing to do. Thankfully, my colleagues persisted, and I took their advice.
Read more on mind.org.uk