Monika shares her story

Monika contacted TALKWORKS after experiencing anxious thoughts which were having a big impact on her life. Through completing sessions with a therapist, she was able to understand more about how she was feeling and develop strategies for managing anxiety.

“My name is Monika, and I am 36 years old. I have been struggling with anxiety for a decade since having my first child. At the beginning it wasn’t so bad, because I did not really understand what is happening with me. When I got pregnant with my second child in 2021, I was struggling a lot with my anxiety, because one of my friends passed away because of heart attack and I started to think that the same will happen to me. I reached out to TALKWORKS as one of my friends has recommend it. I had my therapy for six months and it really helped me.

“After that I was feeling better for a couple of years, but in 2024 I started to feel bad again. I used to have panic attacks nearly every day and felt anxious about my health. I used to think that I would have a heart attack and die suddenly, leaving my kids behind me. I reached out to TALKWORKS myself, because they helped me before and I knew that I will not be able to cope with my anxiety without their help.

“I started my therapy in January 2025, and my therapist was Rebecca. From day one I was felt relaxed and listened to. She was very friendly and very welcoming. I was able to open myself up to her from the start and she was able to understand me. We were talking about so many things, and she helped me to understand why I was feeling this way and why I was so scared of death. I cried so many times during my sessions, and she was very supportive and comforting.  She explained to me how to face my fears and some techniques on how to cope during my anxiety and panic attacks.

“Since finishing therapy, I am feeling so much better. I know that anxiety won’t go anywhere and I will probably live with that for the rest of my life, but at least now I know how to cope with it and how to not let my brain control me. I know that if you have anxiety it doesn’t mean that you are weak. I can enjoy my life more now without being scared to leave my home due of fear of having panic attacks.”

If you are experiencing anxiety, stress or uncontrollable worrying, help is available. TALKWORKS is an NHS talking therapies service and is open to adults, age 18+, living in Devon (outside Plymouth which is covered by Plymouth Options). Our NHS therapists can work with you if you are struggling to help you to feel better. Our service is free and confidential. Self-refer without needing to see a GP by completing our online self-referral form or by calling the team on 0300 555 3344 (phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am – 4:45pm).