My name is Amy* and I’m from Athlone. I’ve struggled with depression since I was a teenager. Back then, I didn’t have the language to explain what I was going through. I just felt heavy, tired, and like I was failing at life, even when I was doing OK on the outside.
Now in my thirties, I still get bouts of depression that feel like they come out of nowhere. Some days, I can’t get out of bed. It’s not laziness or tiredness—it’s like a weight sitting on my chest. I call in sick, even though I hate doing it. I work in admin, and my colleagues are great, but I carry a lot of guilt when I can’t show up. I know they have to take on extra work when I’m out. I start thinking, “Why can’t I cope with normal things?” And then I spiral. I get stuck in this cycle of self-loathing and shame.
I’m not where I thought I’d be in life. I don’t own a house, I’m not in a relationship, I don’t have kids, I don’t have a car and I compare myself to others constantly. But I also know I’m lucky in so many ways—I have a roof over my head, a job, and a few close friends. That makes me feel even worse. Like I don’t deserve to be struggling. Like my problems aren’t real compared to other people’s situations.
I found Turn2Me when I was at a low point. I knew I needed help but couldn’t afford a private therapist. I signed up for six free counselling sessions, and honestly, they were life-changing. Just having someone listen to me without judgement helped me open up. My counsellor helped me challenge some of the toxic thoughts I had about myself—thoughts I’d carried for years without realising how much they were affecting me.
We talked about how depression isn’t a personal failure, and how it’s okay to ask for help. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself. I’ve learned how to quieten that inner critic. I still have bad days, but I feel better equipped to deal with them now.
I still use Turn2Me’s online resources, like the “Thought Catcher” mood diary. It helps me track how I’m feeling and recognise patterns. I’ve also attended some of their online support groups, and it’s comforting to know I’m not alone.
Turn2Me gave me tools to manage my mental health, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
*Case study’s name has been changed to protect anonymity.