Dear Rose # 4 - The Counsellor

Rose is an amalgam of us - women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond who are looking for somewhere they are seen, heard and listened to.

Dear Rose,

I saw my counsellor today. I booked the session a couple of weeks ago when my anxiety was at its worst—I was jittery, crying before work, and just couldn't settle. It was a really rough time, and I just wanted to fix it.

We talked about what had triggered the anxiety. I realised that the residual grief from last year was a huge factor, and my resilience isn’t as high as it used to be. But there have been other things happening, too—things that have made me feel really stressed (sorry to be so vague, but you know Albany is a small town and I need to protect people’s privacy).

The surprising thing was when my counsellor said, “Well, that’s a pretty normal response to what you’ve been experiencing.”

My jaw was on the floor.

I think I’m still deprogramming myself from the last ten years of "Self-Help." I’ve read so many books and articles that convinced me I should be able to fix myself—and that if I can’t, I’m doing something wrong.

But sometimes, things happen that deserve anxiety, or fight-or-flight, or a big emotional reaction. It’s not pleasant, but it is life.

I just wanted to let you know, in case it’s something you needed to hear, too.

Love,

Em xx

(This is my personal experience - if you are experiencing mental health issues, please reach out to a professional for help)