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NHS Talking Therapies patient shares experiences to inspire others

Harmeet stands in front of the NHS Talking Therapies public display in Black Park

Harmeet, from Slough, has shared her experiences of accessing NHS Talking Therapies support in a new public display designed to inspire others to come forward for mental health help when they need it.

Words of encouragement about accessing the service, from Harmeet, have been used on a powerful ‘Note to self’ mural which has gone on display in Slough’s Black Park from today, 15th January.

Harmeet says her mental health is “better than ever before” after her treatment with NHS Talking Therapies. After experiencing several family bereavements, postnatal depression and pregnancy loss, Harmeet’s mental health deteriorated and she was feeling depressed and anxious. She referred herself for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with NHS Talking Therapies, which put her on the path to getting better.

Harmeet recalls: “Talking Therapies helped pull me out of the dark hole I found myself in. By reaching out for help, especially to someone who is independent and totally non-judgemental, I was able to share what felt heavy and release the weight I had been carrying. I can’t shout about it enough – my mental health is better than ever before”.

Slough is one of just three areas in England, alongside Manchester and Birmingham, to host a mural of this kind, featuring the experiences of those who have accessed NHS treatment locally, and the ‘moment they knew’ they needed professional mental health support.

It’s hoped that highlighting these crucial moments will inform people that common problems like anxiety and depression can get better and encourage more people to ask for help when they are finding it hard to cope.

Dr Alison Salvadori, Head of Service for NHS Berkshire Talking Therapies, said: "We all need help sometimes and it's really important that we break the silence around mental health and ask for help when we need it. There is nothing more powerful than hearing our patients' share their positive experiences in their own words. I hope it helps Berkshire residents who are feeling low, worried or stressed, understand that we're here to help and that you can feel better with treatment from NHS Talking Therapies."

About NHS Talking Therapies

The NHS is encouraging anyone struggling with feelings of depression, or anxiety such as worrying too much, panic attacks, social anxiety, post-traumatic stress, or obsessions and compulsions, to seek help through NHS Talking Therapies.

These are effective, confidential and free treatments delivered by trained clinicians, online, on the phone, or in person. Seeking help through an NHS Talking Therapies service can be one of the best steps you can take to start feeling better. You do not need to have a diagnosed mental health problem to refer yourself.

Getting support as soon as you start having difficulties can help to reduce their impact. You can be referred by a GP or you can refer yourself online if you prefer. For those whose first language is not English, talking therapies can be delivered through multi-lingual therapists or through confidential interpreters, and in British Sign Language (BSL) through SignHealth’s NHS Therapies for Deaf People service.

Find out more