NZ's Tasty Twins FROM STRESS TO SUCCESS!

These Wellington sisters’ dark times have only made them stronger – and turned them into self-help gurus!

- HAYLEY MCLARIN

Sophie Martin was 11 when she started to suffer from anxiety to the point where she was crippled with stomach pains that meant her parents needed to get her medical help.

“I was worried about starting a new school, afraid of leaving all my friends behind and stressed about the prospect of new routines,” the now-22year-old says. “I started to have panic attacks, sometimes so bad that I would have to go to the after-hours medical centre.

“This stress, and my reaction to it, caused pains in my stomach. I started to feel convinced that there was something physically wrong with me. I began to live in fear of getting sick or injured, or of any health-related issues, which caused me to feel constantly on edge.”

Her parents Brendan and Lillian quickly sought expert advice on how to help Sophie manage during times of stress, and they kept a watchful eye on her identical twin sister Emma, relieved that she seemed confident and in control.

“I saw a psychologist in Wellington every two weeks,” recalls Sophie. “I learnt how to cope with my anxious thoughts and feelings, and was able to create a whole new mindset.

“After about a year, I was able to get on top of my anxiety. I learnt how to recognise my worries for what they were – just thoughts, with no ability to truly hurt me.”

As they sit side by side, Sophie reveals how her experience meant she was able to see the signs when Emma started to become anxious during her second year of university. “I had already gone through it, so I could relate.”