Finding Mental Health Support When I Needed It Most

“I’d had a pretty turbulent few years and had reached a point where I felt quite low again. I felt lost, a bit lonely, and I knew deep down that I needed support.

Thankfully, we had access to Teladoc Health UK’s Mental Health service through work. I decided to explore whether I could use it—and I’m honestly so glad I did. I can genuinely say it’s been one of the most positive therapy experiences I have had.

In the past, I’ve always opted for in-person therapy because I felt it was easier to build a connection face-to-face. But this time, that wasn’t an option. I felt at ease after my first call with my therapist, Karen. There was something about her—calm, kind, and completely present. Even though it was via video, I immediately felt safe and comfortable enough to open up.

Karen was an incredible listener. She could reflect things back to me in a way that made me see them differently. She asked the kind of questions that made me really think. A lot of our work was around building awareness of my triggers and emotional responses, and she helped me make sense of things I’d struggled with for a long time.

There were specific things I wanted help with—not just general feelings, but particular situations where I needed tools. Although it wasn’t one of the reasons why I initially reached out, one thing that came up during my sessions was my fear of going on boats. It triggers an intense physical reaction in me—panic, nausea, a fear of others being sick—and it felt important to explore. Karen helped me unpack it. She explained what was happening in my body, including the role of cortisol, which gave me a clearer understanding of the ‘why’ behind my reactions. From there, we worked through practical strategies and grounding techniques. I’m now preparing a little grounding box to take with me when I go on a boat—something tangible I can turn to when I need it.

Being able to talk openly and work through these things was a relief. And having access to this service through my employer, I’ve told our leadership team at work how grateful I am. Mental health isn’t something people always feel comfortable talking about. Unlike physical health, it often stays hidden. I’ve struggled with mental health for over 10 years, and one thing Karen helped me realise is that anxiety may not go away entirely, but you can learn to live with it, manage it, and build strategies that help. That understanding has made such a difference.

Easy to access and flexible

I remember deciding one day that I needed support. I reached out, and by the next working day, I had my first session booked. The platform was straightforward. I could see all the therapists’ availability upfront. The flexibility impressed me—appointments weren’t just during office hours. There were evenings, weekends, and even some overnight options. That made fitting therapy around my life and work schedule much easier, which I know many people worry about.

Confidentiality is another common concern. But nothing is shared unless there’s a risk. I felt completely safe and respected throughout the process.

Initially, I was offered three sessions, and I remember wondering, Will that be enough? But it was. We worked through my main concerns in the first session, and then we had space to explore other things. I honestly felt a bit sad when the sessions ended—Karen had been so easy to talk to—but I didn’t feel like I needed more at that point. The support was exactly what I needed. I left feeling stronger, more aware, and with practical tools I could use every day.

If anyone is considering using the service but feels nervous—whether about confidentiality, scheduling, or just not knowing what to expect—I’d say just give it a try. For me, the ease of access, the quality of the therapist, and the genuine impact on my wellbeing made it one of the best decisions I’ve made.“