For years, "Aisha"* struggled with low mood, anxiety and depression, believing the way she felt was normal.
After returning home from university last summer and helping plan a family wedding, the pressure became overwhelming.
"I kind of broke down," she said. "I was dissociating all the time. I wasn't really present."
Simple daily tasks became difficult. She withdrew from friends, rarely left the house and spent much of her time in bed.
Concerned for her wellbeing, Aisha and her family decided it was time to seek professional help.
After self-referring to St Andrew's Healthcare's Private Therapy Clinic, part of the charity's Outpatients service, she met Clinical Psychologist Dr Victoria Taylor.
Based in Northampton, St Andrew's Healthcare offers a range of outpatient services supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties, including depression, stress and anxiety.
Last year, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated the charity's Outpatients service as 'Good' overall, describing it as "safe, well-governed, and clinically sound".
Inspectors also recognised the personalised, trauma-informed support provided by skilled practitioners who adapt care to individual needs.
Looking back, Aisha describes her first appointment as life-changing.
"It was the lowest point of my life," she said. "For the first time, someone helped me understand what I was experiencing and that it could be treated.
"I genuinely believed this was just how life was supposed to feel. I thought I'd feel like that forever."
Through regular therapy sessions and support from her GP, Aisha learned techniques to better understand and manage her thoughts, emotions and anxiety.
"I instantly felt comfortable with her," she said. "I knew I could be honest. There was nothing I could say that would make her judge me."
Ten months later, Aisha says her life has been transformed.
"I feel completely changed," she said. "I still have things to work on, but I have control of my life again.
"I didn't realise life could be different. Getting support helped me realise that things can get better."
Now applying for jobs and building her own business, Aisha hopes her experience encourages others to seek support when they need it.
Aisha sought help from the Outpatient Services Private Therapy Clinic, an accessible community-based therapy service. This means members of the community can self-refer and access the support they feel they need.
To find out more about how to self-refer, click here.
*Name changed to protect patient confidentiality. No photograph has been used at the patient's request.
