Sometimes feelings of stress, anxiety, low mood or depression become too hard to manage and they start affecting our day-to-day life. We start feeling overwhelmed, out of control and relationships with family and friends become tense. Sometimes we don't even want to talk with anyone and just want to be left alone.

When this happens it's worth talking to a GP or calling a counsellor.

It's well proven through many years of research that talking therapies such as counselling can help to find causes of distress, anxiety and other mental pain. It can also help you to discover your inner-strength and to build your capacity to cope, so you can begin to enjoy your life again.

​Counselling can help you explore what you can do about the things that are distressing you and to identify and expand on your resources. It is also an opportunity to be genuine with your feelings and thoughts and to address things at their real depth.

Although it can be tough to take the first step and ask for help, you'll be relieved to know that you have already taken it... 

you've recognised your struggle and you've read this page.

What you do next is of course up to you. But if you'd like to talk about what's troubling you and see whether counselling might be right for you, I offer a completely free and confidential 15 minutes introduction over the phone.

I work effectively with most common psychological and emotional difficulties.

Visit your GP

There could be underlying reasons for the way you feel. Check with your GP if you need some tests done or could benefit from medication.

Go for a walk

Being outdoors as well as exercising always makes us feel better. It's a good opportunity to think about your feelings too.

Circle of support

Do you have someone you can share your feelings with? If so, talk to them. Be brave, tell them you are having a tough time.

Understanding, Congruence, Support 

If you're not ready to talk to a counsellor...

Depression

"Some people have two or more episodes of depression at various times in their life...Treatments include psychological (talking) treatments and antidepressant medicines"

Patient.co.uk

The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) provides guidelines relating to which treatment is proven to be most effective for certain conditions.

Anxiety

"Nearly half of adults feel stressed every day or every other day."

​Mental Health Foundation, 2013

​NHS choices website shares general advice on how to manage  stress in daily life.

Stress

Julia R Lofts

Counselling

&

Psychotherapy ​

07787 180 256