17th January 2022
Vicky, 30, had struggled with anxiety and depression which worsened when she became pregnant. Confused about her negative thoughts and feelings to the news, she discussed this with her with her midwife, who then referred her to the IAPT service.
Talking Therapies (IAPT) can help with common mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s open to anyone aged 16 or over, registered with a GP practice in York and Selby, who is experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Vicky said: “Soon after falling pregnant in July 2021, I struggled with low mood and was having negative thoughts. I couldn’t understand why this was because I have always wanted a baby since I was about 18.
“After my first appointment with my midwife, she told me to refer myself to the York and Selby IAPT service, so I did. Because I was pregnant, I didn’t have to wait too long before accessing the service.”
Vicky used the service for six weeks and was referred to a trainee psychological wellbeing therapist.
She comments: “My therapist worked with me on challenging my negative thoughts. The first session was very difficult, and I constantly cried due to the frightening thoughts I was having. She was non-judgmental and gave me time and space to get my words out.
“As each session went on, I found it easier to talk about my thoughts and do some of the thought-challenging exercises set as ‘homework’.
“After being discharged from the service, I continue to use the negative thought challenging techniques recommended to me. I sometimes still struggle with my low mood, but not nearly as much as I did before accessing the IAPT service.”
Vicky previously became a Time to Change Champion in 2019, with a goal to end stigma in the workplace around mental health in York, after previously working with an unsupportive employer. As a result, Vicky has openly talked about her battle with anxiety and depression through many communicative channels to raise awareness. Time to Change aims to change attitudes and beliefs towards people with experience of mental illness. The volunteers and champions do this through projects on stigmatising language, the use of creativity (poetry, videos, blogs), radio interviews and more.
IAPT is provided by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV), who provide mental health and learning disability services in York and Selby.
Treatments and therapies vary according to individual needs but may include face to face virtual wellbeing sessions or computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT).
If you would like to receive IAPT support, please call our local helpline on 01904 556820 or visit www.yorkandselbyiapt.co.uk.
