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“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Basildon Mind”
I contacted Basildon Mind’s counselling service due to the long waiting time for NHS counselling. I needed help and had heard good reviews about Basildon Mind. I called Basildon Mind’s ‘Helpline’. They were ‘mind-blowingly’ nice! I’m convinced that the Helpline is saving people’s lives. I didn’t find it hard to call the Helpline because I wanted to get help.
I spent 3 months on the waiting list. During this time a Helpliner actually called me to ask if I was ok and let me know that I’ve not bene forgotten about. They really do care – I got the feeling that it was much more than just doing their job.
I started 1:1 counselling in November 2023 and completed my 12 weeks in April 2024.
My goal was to achieve a sense of normality again. I wanted someone to listen to me and make me feel like I’m as normal as I can be. The Whitmore Way venue is a lovely, warm and friendly place. I was welcomed into the waiting room every week, the staff always said hello, had a chat and offered a cup of tea, which all relaxed me ready for my counselling. It was all so nice and full of kindness.
My counsellor was excellent. I felt he totally listened to me and didn’t judge me. It felt like someone was on my side. He made me realise that my strange (paranoid) thoughts are not due to me or my condition. He said it’s normal to feel how I feel sometimes.
I achieved my counselling goal: I came out feeling understood and now have ways of coping with my life. It’s not a miracle cure, rather learning how to cope and live with my feelings. I came out feeling better, feeling listened to and understood. The effect of my counselling is that my life has improved. I have relapses but I can cope with them better. This has had a positive effect on me and on those around me: close ones tell me I’m more relaxed and not so jumpy.
After finishing, my counsellor said “we’re always here to help you – just call”. I’ve done this and they really helped me. Then they called back 2 days later to check I was ok! Basildon Mind is saving people’s lives. I’m sure that wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Basildon Mind!
My advice to others is don’t think of counselling as a cure – it’s a coping mechanism – knowing how to cope and knowing that you’re not alone. It’s all about recognising the triggers and having a coping mechanism available. I would you recommend others suffering with mental health issues get help: it can only help you feel better.
I’ve maintained contacted with Basildon Mind since my counselling. I’ve been coming to Basildon Mind’s Allotment project for 3 years and will continue to do so.