Kelly Jeffery, 41, a business operations manager from Hampshire, experienced what she describes as a 'full mechanical breakdown' in October 2022 after a relationship ended and a missed career opportunity. The anxiety left her bedridden, unable to wash, brush her teeth, or care for her son.
Breakdown and Initial Therapy
Kelly had always considered herself an anxious person but had never reached a point where she couldn't function. After her relationship ended, she took two weeks off work to handle practical matters. The pressure to perform at work to support her son financially mounted.
In October 2022, she faced an interview panel for a promotion. Despite six free therapy sessions through an employee assistance programme, which she said 'scratched the very tip of the iceberg,' the panel decided not to proceed with her promotion. This setback 'folded her like a deck chair,' triggering a complete nervous breakdown.
Three and a Half Months Bedridden
Kelly was signed off work for three and a half months. She could barely get out of bed and wasn't taking care of herself. She tried to protect her son by getting him to school in the morning, then going straight back to bed until just before he came home.
'I could barely even look after my child and I could barely even get out of bed to wash or brush my teeth. It was a full mechanical breakdown of a human being and it shocked the life out of me,' she told PA Real Life.
Private Therapy and Transformation
After the free sessions ended, Kelly transitioned to a private medical scheme and began weekly therapy with Paul Regan in November 2022. She estimates she has undergone up to 100 hours of online therapy since then.
'I went into therapy thinking I was unlovable, unworthy, not good enough and ugly. I came out of that now with core beliefs that are completely different,' she said. Regan helped her recognise 'how much pressure' she had been placing on herself.
Anxiety as an Underestimated Condition
Kelly believes anxiety is an underestimated mental health condition capable of causing serious harm. 'It's probably more prominent than we think,' she added. According to Priory, 46% of women say cost-of-living or financial pressures have impacted their mental health in the last 12 months, while 21% of working-age women say job insecurity or pressure at work has impacted their mental health.
Ongoing Challenges and Progress
Even after significant progress, Kelly experienced a wobble in mid-2023 when she felt anxious about a relationship. She called her therapist from a service station, saying, 'Please help me, I don't know what to do. The only thought I had in my head every time I passed a lorry was (swerving) and that would be that.'
Kelly is now 'really proud' of how far she has come and 'very grateful' for the support. She encourages others to seek therapy: 'Therapy will be the best thing you ever do. That's my message to people – if you really commit, it can make all the difference.'
Priory has launched a campaign, Support to Find your Way, offering free self-care resources and professional support through its website.
