Nicole’s story

“The more people know about the great support network that’s out there to assist, especially from TASC, the better.”

Nicole, London

After being signed off work due to her mental health, Nicole contacted TASC and we arranged for her to receive counselling from a local therapist. Here’s Nicole’s story:

‘‘I’ve worked for the ambulance service for 21 years. It can be a stressful job for anyone but this year, I found it particularly tough. I was coming in to work every single shift feeling so low I would cry at anything; I didn’t want to speak out or admit I wasn’t coping. In February, I broke down very publicly while at work. I was signed off work by my GP, and for the next month I hid away from the world. A few weeks later, I had to attend my first long term sick review at work. I met my union rep outside of work and burst into tears. He was amazing and asked if I had thought about counselling -and this is when he introduced me to TASC.

When I got home, I plucked up the courage to fill in TASC’s contact form and within a few days I received a phone call from a lovely lady called Sue, who became my counsellor. I arrived for my first session not wanting to talk, but Sue was amazing; within the hour I had told her everything, all through lots of tears. We worked together for six sessions and dealt with my ongoing issues, as well as some I had kept buried inside for too long, not knowing they were affecting me.

I was surprised at how well the counselling helped, and how it continues to help me now. I was taught some relaxation techniques and how to take my thoughts to a safe and happy place, relax mentally and get rid of the negativity. I still use this now.

I am now on the road to recovery. I’m still not 100% but I’m in a much better place. I now know how to deal with my negative thoughts and keep myself in a good place. I learnt valuable skills to assist with my mental health and I pass these on to my colleagues and friends. The more people know about the great support network that’s out there to assist, especially from TASC, the better.’’

Nicole, London