"CBT Therapy / Mental Health"

I was referred to CBT through the Condition Management Programme because I suffered with severe Anxiety/Depression most of my life which became chronic for me to the point of having suicidal thoughts, crying almost everyday, not wanting to leave the house and dreading wakening up everyday.

It started to get worse when I came out of work in November 2022 (I sadly lost my job for something that wasn't my fault) at that time I felt mentally unwell when I was working however my mental health really deteriated in Febuary 2023 when I started to experience severe symptoms of as Anxiety such as panic, fear, paranoia, heart pulpitations, mood swings, not wanting to leave the house, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem. Loosing my job set me back even further of breaking point. I have always suffered with my mental most of my life however not to this extent. I actually thought I was loosing my mind; to the point of my family and I being ashamed of me. I knew what was I was feeling but it was hard to explain what I was going through. I knew deep down something had to be done to get to the root cause of this all.

Before being referred to the Condition Management Programme I did different types of talking therapies; I was always open with how much I was suffering however I never felt I was getting anywhere. My previous keyworker referred me to DBT I completed that online which gave me some tools how to manage my emotions and routine. It is a brilliant service however my anxiety wasn't improving in fact I was getting worse to the point of feeling I needed hospitalised, and not being able to stand on my own two feet. Thinking back my mental/physical health has affected most of my life such as relationships, socialising, confidence, making my own decisions, in and out of jobs for different reasons, my education. I felt like I was having a nervous breakdown that not only impacted my life but also the people around me that care about me.

In January 2024 I was introduced to Kathy within the Condition Management Programme, who then referred me to CBT because I needed to do further inner work for myself. In Febuary 2024 I started working Emma  (CMP) until July 2024. Emma worked with me each week with no judgement who provided me with different CBT tasks to complete each week. I felt comfortable I could tell Emma anything including any tasks I struggled with. Throughout the CBT course of working with Emma she advised I would benefit from a service called 'Action Mental Health' to build my confidence, to get my life back on Track for when I return to work. I Joined Action Mental Health in May this year which was the best decision I made. Without Emma this wouldn't have been possible; as well as attending CBT weekly in Lagan Valley. The more I pushed myself out of my comfort zone I felt stronger and happier within myself. I am grateful I was able to attend these services. Whether it was a Zoom Call or a Face-to-Face appointment Emma kindly worked around me and also she has changed my life in so many ways I didn't think was possible. Because of the Condition Management Programme  (Kathy) and CBT (Emma) I now have a new lease of life that I can now manage my mental health with the tools I got from Therapy. I can't thank them enough especially Emma for all of her support, time, and enjoyable sessions. I highly recommend the programme to anyone who is suffering with their Mental Health.