John’s story
From an early age I have always struggled with anxiety and depression and found it hard to work under pressure. My mother died when I was twelve years old and I found it difficult to cope with the stress of school.
After school, I started a driving job but again I found it hard to cope. The delivery demands, driving pressures, coping with long hours, all took its toll and I had a major road accident.
I was traumatised after the event and my head felt like a washing machine, with my thoughts all over the place. I didn't know what I was doing or where I was going too.
After my initial assessment with the Wellbeing Service I was offered six sessions of guided self-help with a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP) named Richard.
Without any pressure we put together a few simple goals that I felt I would be able to manage. From the start I felt anxious and worried that I couldn't achieve the goals that were set. Throughout the sessions we worked around these feeling by completing the weekly diary together and I was guided through the process.
Richard listened to me, and I was allowed to work at my own pace with no pressure. This meant I could achieve what I set out to do. I was offered encouragement to reach my aims without feeling it was hard work. Since getting this help I have gone onto to put my life back on track.