Brett's story: 'I’d always been reasonably confident, but in my 40s anxiety arrived. '

I’d always been reasonably confident, but in my 40s anxiety arrived. I had a stigma that getting mental health support was a sign of weakness. Many friends were on anxiety/depression medication, and I never wanted to rely on this.

A few years ago, I was under severe pressure at work, and Mum was diagnosed with cancer. I was struggling to sleep, concentrate, eat, and had severe panic attacks. This culminated in me collapsing at home and being hospitalised.

I had to do something, so I contacted MIND. I was finally speaking to someone who understood what I was going through and offered gentle advice. A doctor subsequently prescribed the necessary tablets and signed me off from work for a few weeks.

After the medication kicked in, stepping away from everything enabled me to clear my mind and plan ahead. I undertook a Reiki qualification to try and help my mother. The tablets really helped. I just wished I’d done this sooner.

Essentially, one phone call changed everything.

Recently, I’ve helped my father. Knowing the difference a phone call can make, I contacted BHF (British Heart Foundation) and Age UK to get advice on how to support him best following open-heart surgery.

My experiences have inspired me with a new direction in life. I want to help others going through difficult times. I undertook another Reiki qualification (Level 2) and was recently awarded a diploma in Quantum Healing Therapy. My thesis was about helping my father. I’m about to launch my business, be-inspired, to support others.