03 How Asking for Help Saved Me: A Story of Mental Health and Motherhood with Vicki Mclellan

 Trigger Warning: Discussion of Eating Disorders

This episode of "Choosing Change" delves into the topic of eating disorders, which may be emotionally challenging for some readers. Our intention is to provide you with advance notice that we will be addressing these sensitive subjects. We want to ensure that you have the option to proceed based on your comfort level and well-being.

In this powerful and inspiring episode, I talk with Vicki Mclellan, a dedicated mother, wife, and primary school teacher. Vicki shares her journey of overcoming anorexia and mental health struggles by learning to ask for help. After eight years of suffering and hitting a breaking point during the pandemic, Vicki realized she needed support to heal and be there for her family.

Despite the initial fear and shame associated with seeking help, Vicki took a brave step and reached out to a therapist. Over the course of three years, she received therapy both privately and through the NHS, focusing on understanding the root causes of her struggles. The combination of behavioural changes and deep introspection led to significant improvements in her life.

Now, Vicki is thriving. She's rediscovered her passion for writing, music, and art. She enjoys quality time with her family, sitting down to dinner with them, and engaging in activities she once avoided. Vicki's newfound confidence led her to pursue a career in counselling and psychotherapy, with the goal of helping others who may be facing similar challenges.

Her advice to others is to take a deep breath and find the courage to ask for help, regardless of societal expectations or feelings of unworthiness. Vicki's story exemplifies the transformative power of seeking support and rebuilding meaningful connections with oneself and loved ones. Her journey is a testament to the possibilities that open up when we prioritize our mental health and well-being.

I can’t wait for you to listen to this conversation.

Highlights from this episode:

• Vicki reached a breaking point where she knew she needed help for her anorexia, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts. After years of trying to cope on her own, she decided to seek professional therapy.
• Asking for help from her husband and in-laws was difficult but they were very supportive. Being honest with her children about struggling and getting help also helped her recovery.
• Since getting treatment, Vicki's life has improved tremendously. She enjoys spending time with her family, has rediscovered hobbies and gained confidence.
• Vicki advises anyone struggling to research counsellors and find someone that feels like a good fit. She recommends seeking support from family and friends as well.
• Vicki hopes to use her own experience and training as a counsellor to help others struggling with eating disorders in the future.

BEST ONE-LINERS:

"Asking for help when I needed it has been my biggest lesson. Being stuck is so much worse." Vicki Mclellan

"Anyone and everyone could struggle with any of the things that I've gone through, and it doesn't matter what it looks like from the outside in. Everyone deserves to get the help that they need." Vicki Mclellan

MENTIONS:

Hope Virgo Instagram: @hopevirgo_

Counselling Directory UK: www.counselling-directory.org.uk

Australian Counselling: www.australiacounselling.com.au

Do reach out to us to continue this conversation.

Connect with Vicki

Vicki works as a primary school teacher and lives in Scotland with her husband and three boys aged 10, 7 and 4.  She enjoys outdoor adventures with her family and can often be found stomping through the forest or beside water.  She also loves art, reading a good book and writing when she has time to decompress.  Having struggled with anorexia, depression and anxiety, Vicki has developed a passion for mental health and is training in transactional analysis counselling and psychotherapy.  She is determined to grow something positive from her lived experience and hopes to help others work through their own struggles.  She has strong opinions about some of the issues that made her reluctant to ask for help as well as how relapse rates could be reduced.

Instagram: @vee_beingme

Connect with Me

Web: www.lizziemoult.com

Facebook: @lizziegmoult

Instagram:@lizzie_moult 

Love the Choosing Change Podcast?

Then I need your help! Podcast reviews are super important to help us reach more people who need help changing their lives. The more reviews we receive the more likely iTunes will share our podcast with those that need it most. 

Please spread the word and share this episode with anyone who you feel needs to hear the message today.

If you've loved this podcast, never miss another one! All you have to do is SUBSCRIBE to the Choosing Change Podcast on iTunes.

WANT TO BE ON THE SHOW?

If you have a story to share, I would love to hear from you, this show is about everyday people doing the work. Email me at [email protected] and tell me your greatest life lesson.