7 WAYS TO BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST

IF COSTLY COUNSELLING IS BEYOND YOUR MEANS, HERE ARE SOME WELL-BEING TIPS FROM A MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT

- JOSIE COPSON

The prospect of soaring living costs and rising bills is sparking huge anxiety right now, with one in five adults feeling stressed or depressed as a result. But while professional therapy can be the answer, not all of us have access to it. NHS waiting lists are long and private therapy is costly at a time when our finances are already feeling the squeeze.

Psychotherapist Owen O'Kane, who has written a book on how to be your own therapist, believes self-help is the answer. "Most of us crash-land into adulthood unequipped to look after ourselves mentally," he explains. "But there are some simple skills you can learn. They will change your life for the better." Here's what to do...

1 WRITE YOUR LIFE STORY

Make a list of all the happy periods in your life so far. Include things like falling in love, a wonderful holiday, a time when your hard work paid off - anything that felt life-affirming. Don't overthink. In a separate box, focus on the sad memories - a break-up, a bereavement, or something you're ashamed of having done. Taking time to reflect is powerful. It's acknowledging that your story is worth telling.

And be truthful. It will help you figure out why you act in certain ways.

By fully addressing the good and bad, you can process your emotions and make adjustments.

2 TELL YOUR STORY

Now tell that story to someone you love, who'll respectfully listen. This may feel uncomfortable but by bringing your story into the open, you're shining a light on every part of you - which is what you deserve. You're shouting from the rooftops, "I'm not ashamed any more." It's exhausting hiding things away.