Posted: Thursday 15 December 2011
I was asked by Mind if I would put together a few words regarding my experience of using their services.
After becoming the victim of rape, I thought I could cope. I tried to carry on with life, with a traditional British stiff upper lip, determined that it would not affect me.
After some months it was clear I was not coping and I had to seek help. The road between finally admitting I needed help, and getting help was a long one, but I did finally get there.
I was referred for CBT(cognitive behaviour therapy) counselling with Mind. It was a life saving experience, it taught me how to start living again, and provided me with all the tools I needed.
I learnt why flashbacks happened, and how to change the way I deal with them.
I learnt that anxiety is not a sign of your impending death, but a condition that is temporary and can be beaten. Counselling alone won't work unless you are willing to do your part though, I would leave the sessions and continue with my own work at home in-between.
I found writing really helped me, it was releasing what I had stored inside for so long. I started to feel less alone, and my counsellor encouraged me so much, without her support I would never have had the confidence to get over such a traumatic period.
Every time I went for my therapy I found the people there warm, kind, and most importantly non-judgemental, which was the most important part.
I have written a book expanding on my experience, and will be donating half the proceeds to Mind, as a gesture of thanks for helping me to get back on the right track and to promote the fantastic work they do.
I was at my own ground zero before their help, and I dread to think what would have become of me if they had not come along.
Get in touch with your local Mind.
brilliant! had help from a Gateway Worker, Worcestershire Primary Care Mental Health Team 3 years ago, myself! Introduced me to Melanie Fennell's book: Overcoming Low Self Esteem........never looked back! Just finished theory part of Level 5, Advanced Applications of CBT, doing 50 hours placement after Christmas.....hopefully leading to work? Like yourself, help from The Gateway Worker was a life-changing experience; now equipped with so many self-help tools. Want to be the one helping others now......... Hope to go to Univ Wales Sept. 2012 PG cert, then PG Diploma in CBT. So looking forward to your book....pls let me know when published....contact via facebook: Norma Parsons. Well done.....inspiring story! x
The very best of luck with that.
The book is doing okay, and you can see it here https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006M3EWPS
Sharon, your story is inspiring. I have suffered with similar issues and have also written my story as a book. I am trying to find a suitable publisher. If you don't mind me asking, who published your book? I would be very grateful for any tips or advice! x
Hi, I self published it as an ebook because for personal reasons I needed it out there before the end of the year. Best of luck with yours, I hope you get the same closure I got, writing is an amazing form of self therapy. X
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