80 year old TW thanks TALKWORKS for helping her recovery

We spoke to TW who opened up about her recovery from a heart attack and what made her reach out to TALKWORKS. In the passage below, she talks about how accessing therapy has helped her to feel motivated again:

“I turned 80 in January and 3 weeks later had a heart attack! Before I left hospital, the cardio department gave me a leaflet about TALKWORKS, which I hadn’t heard of before. I was surprised and impressed that it was available through the NHS, although initially I didn’t think it would be something I needed to look into.

It took me a while to get used to the medication I was required to take every day, and to realise that a very low mood had descended on me. My motivation to do anything had completely disappeared. I felt as if I had lost myself and my joy in living. 

I eventually phoned that number on the TALKWORKS leaflet.  I felt guilty about asking for help, I knew the NHS was under great pressure and that many people would be far more in need than me. However I was treated with understanding and kindness when I rang and a telephone appointment was arranged for an assessment with an advisor.  

I opted for an online course with check-in phone calls from my therapist.  It took me a little while to get in to it, but once I did, I realised I was beginning to feel more like my old self again. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) encouraged me to take action instead of waiting for some miraculous sense of motivation to return on its own. I would encourage anyone of my generation who feels as I did to contact TALKWORKS. I am enormously grateful to have had the opportunity to rethink my thinking.”

Reaching out for support when you are struggling can be hard, but it can make such a difference. This could be through talking to a friend or family member, or opening up to someone external, like a therapist.

Here at TALKWORKS, all of our therapists are compassionate and kind. We are here to listen to you and give you the tools and techniques needed to help get you back to feeling like yourself again. You can self-refer our NHS service through our online referral form, or by calling 0300 555 3344.