Laya had been struggling for years. Panic attacks, constant anxiety, and sleepless nights left her unable to leave the house or find motivation for anything.
“I basically decided I’d had enough of feeling like that,” she recalls. Grief over losing a family member, a traumatic experience at the beach, and the isolation of COVID deepened her anxiety, affecting her ability to socialise or even feel safe in daily life.
After searching for help and realising most services required payment she couldn’t afford, Laya was referred to Inspire’s Wellbeing Service through her Job Centre Plus worker.
“I didn’t actually know that there were free options out there,” she says. Reaching out was daunting, but she knew she needed support.
Her sessions with counsellor Sharon were transformative.
“Sharon helped me identify where these feelings had started, begin to break down my emotions, explore my thoughts, and shine some light on why I may react in certain ways due to my past,” Laya said.
Small strategies like focusing on five objects around her to ground herself helped her manage daily stress and intrusive thoughts.
Laya share’s a moment that stood out for her, a counselling session triggered by a minor accident that reminded her of her trauma.
Sharon shared her own struggles, showing Laya she wasn’t alone. “It helped so much to know I wasn’t the only one who has these anxieties over ‘silly’ things,” she said.
Today, Laya hasn’t had a panic attack since starting therapy. “I can push myself through the hard times and still be okay coming out the other side,” she said.
She added therapy helped her reconnect with life and discover new hobbies. Laya has since started sewing, something that seemed too daunting before, and is exploring opportunities around starting her own business.
Laya hopes her story encourages others to reach out. “No matter how minor or how big your issues are, it should never stop you from asking for help.
“It’s okay to feel helpless at times, but support can help you find your way back.”
Find out more about Inspire’s Wellbeing Service here.
Also read: ‘Inspire’s Wellbeing service gave me my son back’ – Kian’s story
