My story to becoming a counsellor
You may laugh at the thought of therapy, many people do! People are becoming more accepting of mental health problems and more supportive of the people with them. People are more aware of common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety and are more willing to talk to health professionals and seek treatment. But several years ago, this wasn’t the case! Attitudes towards mental health issues could include “Man up” & get a grip” and you may be surprised to know that … this was my view too!
My Story
Nearly three decades ago my life was completely different than it is today. I lived a fast-paced life. With no responsibilities or ties, I had very little care for anyone or anything. Nothing in my life was permanent. Like most 20-year-old men I was living life in the moment with no cares, and when it went wrong, I always managed to land on my feet.
My personality was unrecognizable to what it is today, I reveled in other misfortunes. My friends and I did not care how our words or actions affected people. It was nothing but a laddish culture. As I look back at it now, I was inwardly angry and found no way to distract myself apart from judging others and taking my frustrations out on them.
What changed for me? I can safely say that there was no epiphany or eureka moment. It was simply a moment in time when I had a change of mindset.
I realized that the things I used to find funny, or entertaining were no longer enjoyable, they actually made me cringe. I found myself alone in my thoughts, questioning if I even recognized myself. I had hit a turning point, a fork in the road and I knew I needed to change. I realized that I was trying to be someone I wasn’t, I was trying it fit into a group of people that, on reflection weren’t my crowd. I made a change and distanced myself from that group of friends, I made new friends and continued to make changes for the better.
I have learnt so much more from being wrong in my life as opposed to being right. It’s true you learn and grow from your mistakes. My message from this story is that one tiny positive change can spark a continuous line of growth and new opportunities. Do not be afraid to break new ground and make changes in your life.
Even if that small change is to book the first session with a counsellor. Your mind is to be explored, challenged and nurtured so if you have been thinking about taking the first step please get in touch!