Life is full of surprises, both good and bad. However, some incidents change the trajectory of our lives forever. One such event happened to me three years ago. My life took a sharp turn, and I found myself lost in the darkness of depression.

That’s when Embrace came into my life and became my savior.

The Incident

Three years ago, I lost my mother to a sudden cardiac arrest. She was the center of my world, and her sudden demise left me devastated. It felt like a part of me died with her.

For the first few days, I cried endlessly, unable to accept the harsh reality of my life.

But as days turned into weeks, I started feeling numb. I lost interest in everyday activities and found it hard to concentrate on work or studies. I stopped meeting my friends and stopped venturing out of my room.

I tried to tell myself that this phase would pass, but it didn’t. I found myself drowning in the quicksand of depression and anxiety.

Seeking Help

It was at this time that my roommate noticed a significant change in me. She urged me to seek professional help, but I kept dismissing her concerns, thinking that I would get better on my own.

It was not until I broke down in front of my boss that I realized the gravity of my situation. My boss, who also suffered from depression, advised me to visit Embrace.

Embrace

Embrace is a mental health clinic that provides therapy and counseling for people dealing with a variety of issues like depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. I made an appointment, and within a week, I was sitting in front of a therapist.

The therapist listened patiently as I described my life after my mother’s death. She empathized with my suffering and helped me understand that the pain I was feeling was normal.

She asked me questions that made me ponder about the memories that I cherished with my mother and the moments that made me smile. She also helped me identify negative patterns of thinking and offered tools to challenge those thoughts.

Therapy and Counselling

Over the next few weeks, I went through intense therapy and counseling sessions with my therapist. The therapy sessions were centered around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helped me challenge and reframe negative thinking.

My therapist also taught me mindfulness techniques, which helped me focus on my present moment and brought me relief from anxiety.

On the other hand, the counseling sessions were more conversational and allowed me to share my thoughts and feelings without judgment. My counselor helped me identify coping mechanisms that worked best for me.

These could be simple things like going on walks, talking to friends, or engaging in creative activities.

Support Group

Embrace also had a support group that met once a week. It was a safe space that allowed people to share their experiences and support each other. Being a part of the support group made me realize that I was not alone in my journey.

It helped me see the progress that I was making in my life and gave me hope for a better future.

The Turning Point

After a few months of therapy, I realized the positive effects of therapy and counseling. I was sleeping better, waking up with a newfound positivity, and engaging in activities that I enjoyed. I was reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

I also realized that I had the strength within me to deal with my grief and move forward in life. Therapy had taught me that grief is an ongoing process that takes time.

It had also taught me that we all have our pace, and it’s okay to take one step at a time. The therapy sessions had given me a newfound sense of control over my life and helped me cope with my mother’s death.

The Aftermath

Today, three years after my mother’s demise, I can say that Embrace saved my life. Therapy gave me the tools to navigate through the rough waters of grief and helped me grow as a person.

It also gave me the confidence to handle future challenges that life might throw at me.

If you are going through a tough time, I urge you to seek professional help. Don’t let the stigma around mental health prevent you from living your best life.

Conclusion

Embrace was my anchor when I felt lost in the ocean of grief. Therapy and counseling helped me find my way back to shore. I will always be grateful to Embrace for giving me a second chance at life.