A mental health peer support worker from Dorset is urging people not to suffer in silence after opening up about her own struggles with anxiety and loneliness.
This year’s Mental Health Awareness week (May 9-May 15) will highlight the ever-increasing problem of loneliness. More people than ever in the UK are experiencing loneliness and isolation.
Steps2Wellbeing peer support worker Louise Deeprose felt she had no one to turn to when struggling with her mental health. But after a family member recommended Steps2Wellbeing, she was able to take control of her feelings and get the help she needed.
Louise said: “Growing up, I had times where I felt so down and had thoughts that I didn’t want to be alive anymore. I tried to tell adults that I was struggling and wanted help. Some didn’t know how to get me help or told me that they didn’t want to hear any more of it. I felt alone, like I was being dramatic, and that my feelings weren’t real.”
Louise kept her problems to herself and began to experience the physical symptoms of anxiety. She said: “I began to experience shortness of breath, racing heart and severe sweating. I withdrew from friends and family. Negative thoughts about myself and what others thought of me were becoming more intense.
“Sometime later, a family member suggested that I make a referral to Steps2Wellbeing. I never thought I was ‘bad enough’ or that my problems were worthy of a professional’s time.
“But finally, someone listened. My feelings were validated, and I was relieved to know that they were real.”
After completing a quick and easy Steps2Wellbeing referral form online, Louise was able to explore her feelings with a professional therapist and learn strategies to manage her feelings.
She said: “The service has helped me change my life; I spoke about my experiences, and everything just began to make more sense – I felt like I could begin to understand myself better.”
A video clip of Louise sharing her story can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/4ruLT1d3T3s
To find out more about Steps2Wellbeing and access the support it offers, go to www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk
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