Breaking Free from Anxiety and Depression
A Personal Journey
I hit rock bottom in the summer of 2020. I was struggling to get out of bed, surviving on sour gummy bears, and neglecting my personal hygiene. My full-time job and multiple freelancing gigs weren’t enough to make ends meet, and my husband’s unemployment added to the stress. The only thing I looked forward to was my weekly McDonald’s delivery. My relationship with my husband was strained, and even intimacy felt like a distant memory.
Seeking Help
I knew I needed professional help, so I signed up for online therapy. However, my experience with the first therapist was disappointing. She would end sessions early, and booking a weekly appointment was a challenge. I tried another therapist, but she asked me about my hobbies after I confided in her about my overwhelming workload and exhaustion. It was the final straw. I canceled my subscription and tried to manage on my own.
Finding the Right Fit
For a while, things improved. My husband got a new job, our relationship healed, and I started taking care of myself again. But eventually, my anxiety and depression resurfaced. I realized I needed to try therapy again, this time with a different approach. I signed up for 7 Cups, an online therapy service that offers group support chats, one-on-one chats with volunteers, and anonymity. The $150 monthly fee was more manageable for me.
A New Perspective
With 7 Cups, I felt heard and supported. I could check in with my therapist daily, and the group support chats were helpful in seeing how others coped with similar issues. The one-on-one chats were particularly cathartic, like venting to a friend without feeling guilty. I also decided to invest in a career coach, Jazmine Reed-Clark, who specializes in creative and career wellness coaching. Her guidance and empathy helped me address my career anxieties and develop a plan for the future.
Lessons Learned
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may take trying different approaches and services to find what works for you. Investing in a career coach was a game-changer for me, as it helped me identify areas that needed improvement and develop a plan to tackle them. I still experience anxiety and sadness, but I’m hopeful because I’ve built a support system that works for me. I’m someone with a plan and a future.
The Power of Self-Care
My journey has taught me the importance of prioritizing my mental health and investing in myself. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary. I’m grateful for the resources I’ve found, and I hope my story can inspire others to take control of their mental well-being.
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