Josie’s Story - Talking through her worries

Josie received a visit from one of our Client Support Workers after applying for a grant for new beds. During the assessment, it seemed like Josie was struggling and after some time, she admitted that she felt down and sad most of the time and was making an effort to hide this from her children.

During the financial assessment with her Client Support Worker, it was noted that she spent a lot of money on takeaway food and she admitted that she didn’t have the energy to cook from scratch or do much at all.

Together they discussed a visit to her GP, though Josie was reluctant. Josie stated that she had tried medication in the past, but it made her feel much worse. Her doctor had referred her for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but there was an 18-month waiting list and she had heard that CBT was not effective for everyone, so was wary.

Her Client Support Worker discussed the psychotherapy that ScotsCare could offer, through our partners, noting it was long term and had a very short waiting list. Josie wanted some time to think about it, so the beds were ordered, and her Client Support Worker said she would call her in a week to discuss if we should go ahead with the referral. Two days later, Josie called and said she wanted to be referred.

Nine months on, Josie is very much engaged in her therapy and says it has made such a difference to her life. She feels much more enthusiastic about life and is finally back to cooking meals for her children.