Richard shares his gratitude to TALKWORKS for getting his life back on track

Richard reached out to TALKWORKS when he experienced feelings of hopeless and anxiety, following the loss of his wife. Through being listened to and support by our therapists, Richard was able to start over and get his life back on track:

“At the age of 64, TALKWORKS has helped me to build a new life. I hope my story encourages anyone who is running out of hope to seek support from them; what they offer is truly transformational.

I learned the traits of anxiety, social phobia and OCD from my mother: modelled by her, this was all I knew in my childhood. I thought these behaviours were normal, I learned to live by them. Panic attacks at childhood birthday parties, school refusal, never going out with my friends (there weren’t many) - this was my early life and so it continued into adulthood.

After 38 years of marriage, I gave up work to be carer for my wife. Two years later, in the spring of 2021, she died. I coped, just, with the help of a family member. I was stressed and scared. I couldn’t face the prospect of spending the rest of my life at home alone, but had no idea how to find the courage to go out, meet people, return to work, build a new life. I catastrophised so much that I destroyed the bond with the one person who had supported me. I was in pieces, I had no hope.

I finally consulted my GP and she suggested TALKWORKS. From my very first conversation with Gary (my therapist) I was engaged. He listened, he talked to me in a very friendly, professional and supportive manner. He understood how I was and explained how the thinking styles I had learnt as a child were driving my feelings. Over the next four months or so, we had great conversations; I felt like we were a team working towards a common positive goal. He talked me through approaches to my issues, explained strategies and set me homework. The sense of achievement made the effort worthwhile.

Six months later and it has all worked wonderfully for me. I have a new life in many different ways and I am no longer scared, shaking and unable to speak in those once so challenging social situations. I could have achieved so much more in my professional and family life if I’d sought help sooner. I recommend TALKWORKS without hesitation, they are truly agents of personal transformation.“

If you are experiencing low mood, feeling overwhelmed, stressed or anxious, and are in need of support, you can talk to TALKWORKS. We are a team of qualified psychological wellbeing practitioners and psychological therapists, offering both face to face and remote appointments across Devon (excluding Plymouth - if you live in Plymouth, please contact Plymouth Options), to help you feel more like yourself again.

We are an inclusive service and we welcome referrals from people aged 18+, no matter their race, gender, sexuality or religion. You can refer yourself to TALKWORKS without needing to see a GP first, either by calling us on 0300 555 3344, or filling in the self-referral form here.