How I Was Able To Feel "Back To My Old Self Again": Andrea's Story
Andrea's experience with BetterHelp
Recently, I was having a lot of anxiety and depression that was pretty much consuming my entire life. I felt drab and very sad and it was really hard to smile and have fun. I felt like I was under a dark cloud constantly. I had a lot of regret and feelings of sadness.
I decided to seek out support and Googled "help with anxiety," and BetterHelp popped up. I poked around the website a bit and figured it was certainly worth a try.
Why online counseling works better for me
BetterHelp was the first online counseling service I have ever used. I enjoyed face-to-face counseling in college, but I did not feel as though it was super effective. It was hard to find time to get in for appointments, and sometimes I felt self-conscious about talking about things face to face. …I had heard about online [counseling] and wanted to try it.
Once I realized that I could message my counselor in addition to having regular phone sessions, I felt it was a much better value than paying for face-to-face counseling. Plus, I felt like it was there when I needed it. A lot of times an anxiety attack can happen at 2AM, and I wanted to write down what I was feeling. Also, I could use the app on my phone anywhere/anytime to write down my feelings.
I started working with my counselor, Kristin, on BetterHelp in winter of 2017, and she helped me through some difficult times. I paused counseling in June of 2017, and I recently reached back out to deal with a few small things that had popped up.
Finding peace and happiness through counseling
She taught me to put myself first in my thoughts and not to dwell on the past. She gave me a lot of tips and tricks that greatly improved my thinking and coping with anxious thoughts.
I also loved being able to speak with an objective third-party person that is really on my side and wanted to help me work through things. She really taught me that at the end of the day, I need to be happy, and she gave me tips on how to accomplish that in my own mind. To let things go. To not dwell.
After working with Kristin, I feel like my old self again. I am happy, have dreams, and I smile. My mind is at peace. I do yoga now and love to be mindful and fill my mind with peace and love. I really credit BetterHelp to helping me through my troubles. Kristin was a great counselor…
Try online therapy
If you’re interested in trying therapy but are reluctant to visit a therapist’s office, you might try online therapy, which research has shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person therapy. Online therapy may be especially helpful if you’re just not feeling like yourself and don’t want to leave home.
With online therapy at BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist via phone or videoconferencing at a time that works for your schedule. You can also communicate with them in between sessions via in-app messaging, and they’ll get back to you as soon as they can.
Takeaway
Frequently Asked Questions
What does back to my old self mean?
Typically, trying to get “back to your old self” is a phase used to indicate that you’re looking to feel more like you do when you’re at your baseline for a healthy mental and emotional state. It might also mean wishing to return to a previous mental or emotional state, such as one before a relationship or major life change.
What to say to your old self?
Many people wish to express words of encouragement or reassurance to their former selves, as looking back on the things you’ve experienced might make you nostalgic or wish that you could provide yourself with support that you know now you needed.
Why do I miss my old self?
You might miss your “old self” if you feel dissatisfied with your current self or your current circumstances. It might also be nostalgia, wishing for the rose-colored or idealized version of your past.
How to change your old self?
While you can’t change the past, there are ways to improve yourself in the present so that you can look back on your old self and see progress rather than wish to go back. This might include working on your mental health with a professional, establishing self-care routines, and aiming to improve your current circumstances.
How do I reconnect with my old self?
You can feel more connected to previous versions of yourself by re-reading old journals or social media posts, engaging in nostalgic hobbies, visiting places you enjoyed in your past, or reminiscing with friends.
How do I let go of my past self?
You can find closure for your past self by working through any lingering emotional baggage, either through self-reflection such as journaling or with a professional in therapy.
How do I accept my old self?
In much the same way that you might let go of a previous version of yourself, you can accept an older version of yourself with self-reflection, giving yourself grace for mistakes and growth and working with a professional.
How to get back to my old self?
You can feel more like yourself by spending time taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health.
What is an example of old self and new self?
An older version of yourself might feel naive or be inexperienced, while a newer version of yourself might feel more experienced and wise. For example, you are probably a different person in college than you were in high school.
How can I give back to myself?
The best way to give back to yourself is to care for yourself in the present and build up your life to be sustainably healthy in the long-term.
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