“I realised my self-worth. When I realised this, my whole outlook on things changed”

Diagnosed during the lockdown, Tanya turned to MS-UK for multiple sclerosis mental health support

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in April 2020 at the beginning of the lockdown. Although I had symptoms for years, I was taken by surprise as it had never occurred to me it might be MS. I knew after some time that mentally I wasn’t in a good place, being a mum, partner and running a house along with working was taking its toll and I felt like I had no one I could turn to. I knew I didn’t want to suffer further so when I saw on Instagram a piece about counselling and how it helped, I thought, why not?

I didn’t know what to expect from counselling, I just knew it would help. I hoped someone would listen to me and give me advice if and when needed. And this is exactly what happened.

I was going through a lot at home. Halfway through the course, my partner and I were at loggerheads. I was feeling exhausted and not getting the help I needed indoors and my partner felt emotionally neglected. There was a lot of tension in the house. My counsellor Claire listened to me vent, and cry, and gave subtle advice which helped massively, and I realised my self-worth. When I realised this, my whole outlook on things changed. And now, to this day, my home is back to being happy.

I believed in myself and realised that I do matter. Once this happened, I made changes around the house, and this has helped me massively. I also came to realise I can catastrophise insignificant things that are out of my control, and once I changed my outlook on this, I became less stressed and worked up which helped my mental health massively. My family noticed the change in me and for the better.

I absolutely would recommend counselling. We have a lot to deal with emotionally. I felt like I had no one I could turn to, and just having someone at the end of the phone listening went a long way. I honestly am so grateful to Claire.

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