Name – Helen
Age – 23
Bio- I plan to become a midwife within the next couple of years.
Trying different therapies
A few years ago, when I was 13 or 14 a social worker said I should get help.
Therapies seem to be really talk based and I don’t like talking about things, ever.
I did some art therapy first and then I tried remote (online) support, but I didn’t like it. The help was all on the phone, so if I didn’t want to talk, I just didn’t. I didn’t get anywhere with it.
I used a couple of different apps, but only for a day or two then never again. I definitely need face to face.
Things that I did to help
Everybody is so different. I’d try and find something that you enjoy and that can distract or relax you.
With art therapy, there was no talking or anything. It was always just drawing. I don’t mind art, and I’ll do it to relax. I would colour in quite a lot and relax and de-stress.
I like watching TV, it can be relaxing.
Because I don’t talk much, I used to write letters (on my phone). It’s different. I wrote them to people, and it helped get the thoughts out of my head.
I like distraction whilst I talk. The best conversations come naturally when I’m not fully focussed on sitting and talking. Doing something like going for a walk or driving.
If there was a way to do therapy where you could just write or something, that would help.
Therapy for me needs to be person to person and have different options. There are days when you want to talk and days when you don’t. You might want to walk or do an activity with the person.
Advice for when you are on the waiting list
I would say look at other things (services) that are similar. Other places might have a shorter waiting list.
Try to continue to do your normal day to day stuff.
Talk to your parent or guardian and maybe get someone else to do your research for you and help.