A big reason why I value this job is because I know how it feels to quietly struggle 

I am no stranger to struggling with my mental health. In the past, I had significant periods of well-hidden depression. During these times I could have overwhelming self-doubt, high levels of anxiety, and chronic feelings of emptiness. Ironically for some of this time I was an enthusiastic young therapist who was getting great reviews from clients and managers alike. I was becoming skilled at helping others with their pain, but was also stuck in a cycle of holding on to my own. I had feelings of shame and longstanding beliefs that ‘my problems didn’t deserve help’ and these were big factors keeping me stuck in a cycle.

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Since attending various forms of therapy myself, I have developed a different approach to understanding and managing my mind. I have a greater understanding of previously hidden parts of myself and have felt the value of being open about my difficulties. I have seen that there are many elements of my inner experiences I cannot change and which simply make me human. I have learned that I can change how I relate to these experiences and that I can commit to decisions which enrich my life and give me a sense of meaning and purpose. Since learning these lessons, the feelings which previously manifested as depression or anxiety, no longer get to dictate to me about how I live my life. 

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​It took me many years on and off to figure out how to get the most from therapy, and to learn that I couldn't take it all on myself, (like a younger me firmly believed). These experiences of therapy (good and bad), give me a deep sense of empathy for anyone needing help who might be struggling to reach out. It can be hard to take that first step, for so many reasons, but for anyone thinking about it, the potentially life changing effects make it well worth the effort.