I came for counselling after struggling with low mood, for many months. I had moved from Spain leaving my family behind, to work and study in Scotland. I struggled to fully connect with others, as I missed the close relationships I had with colleagues and friends back home. Sharon helped me understand that my thoughts, moods, behaviours and physiology, are all inextricably linked, and I began to understand what was keeping my low mood going. I realised that to break the cycle I was in, which involved focussing on negative thoughts about myself, being exhausted and lacking motivation, and withdrawing socially, I had some work to do. I was encouraged to take up physical exercise and plan at least one activity per day, which offered me a sense of achievement, enjoyment and closeness to others. I have ‘grown into’ talking to myself positively, which I find much easier to do now than before, and regularly practise mindfulness techniques, when I feel even mildly stressed. Together, Sharon and I completed some self-compassion exercises, and this has helped me be kinder and less judgemental towards myself. I have benefitted from the time spent in counselling and would recommend anyone, battling low mood or depression to go for it!
Joe, 20 years, Artist and Student