Published on: 25th April 2023
Following Healthy Minds being renamed Talking Therapies, we caught up with Hannah who says her life was changed by Talking Therapies. Hannah, from Stockport, is a carer who wanted to share her story to let others in similar situations know they are not alone:
"I was referred to Talking Therapies because of a very complex and distressing situation at home. After speaking to my therapist Meredith, it became apparent I was experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.
"For over a decade I’d been trying to hold it together. I’d always bat it off as just being a worrier and think it was something I couldn’t solve on my own, nobody at work or outside the home realised as I would always put on a brave face and carry on. It was a lonely place.
"Once I started therapy I nearly cried when I realised how hard I’d been on myself. I’d always thought of post-traumatic stress disorder as being something to do with war or a car accident, I didn’t realise some of the things I have been through are classed as types of trauma.
"Meeting with Meredith changed everything. I felt I could trust her immediately and really opened up. We talked through my whole story, and she went out her way to really listen and understand – it was very powerful.
"She was clear how hard the talking therapy would be, but reassured me we’d work together on exercises such as life maps to break down unhelpful patterns, journals and more.
"The time, information, and work we did to construct a safe space in my head were invaluable. Some sessions were emotionally distressing, but they prepared me well for dealing with that.
"Understanding that I’m not healed, but in the process of recovery has given me greater control during period of high anxiety or distress.
"The journey isn’t over and one of my fears was how I’d cope when the sessions ended. But Meredith helped me build strategies that I can lean on when things get tough.
"Everything was non-invasive, with no medication or anything else involved. It was just two people working together – and it was life changing."
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People are encouraged to self-refer to NHS Stockport Talking Therapies (Pennine Care) using a quick and easy online form at: www.penninecare.nhs.uk/stockporttalk
They can also phone 0161 716 5640 or ask their GP or another professional to refer them.