"I am now living and not just existing!"

Many years ago as a teenager a traumatic event had taken place which had changed my life for a long time whereby as a result I became a parent at a young age. Following this incident I found myself in a pattern of relationships which were bad physically and mentally. I had found myself sexually attacked by someone I knew. I had numerous amounts of therapy and have been taking anti depressants from a young age this into adulthood.

From then I found myself taking dangerous risks, in unhealthy relationships and drinking whilst parenting. I was studying at university and was in a long term relationship which has broken down due to my mental health and erratic behaviour and thought patterns.

Following holding a good career for a few years everything became too much and I realised I needed help. I was no longer sleeping, struggling to go out, couldn't focus at work, even doing basic daily things became tough.

The loud negative thoughts became very very loud and I believed everything it thought of myself to be true. I eventually sought and received some tough mental health diagnosis and support. That's when I referred into the service.

I met Rebecca and had EMDR therapy with her which all I can say has changed my life in such a positive way. My first meeting with Rebecca I was honest and told her I didn't want to be there but I also did I want a better future. I had my doubts on therapy working due to having so many failed attempts but this truly did work!

This was all through the time and commitment to therapy and having a positive therapist who allowed me the space to be open and honest to really and truly focus on what I needed to and helping me validate that feeling to reprocess.

I am now doing things I never thought I would like, I joined a gym and go frequently, I have lost weight, changed my lifestyle and took up burlesque, I have also rekindled a positive old relationship with a partner! Which If you knew me and even mentioned the slightest thing about a gym and weight loss I would of gone into meltdown mode and not been able to function nor continue the conversation rationally.

Please if you doubt yourself and find yourself in that dark place where nothing feels it will change and you're just existing, persevere through to this process, you will surprise yourself and become proud in so many ways.

My confidence is growing still, but so far 6 months later, I have a whole new outlook on life which I'm now very much looking forward to. I am now living and not just existing!