Moving to a new place created crippling anxiety.
Before moving to Star Valley, Suz G. had previously sought help for anxiety and depression. When she moved from out of state to a new community and environment, the anxiety became crippling.
“I was in a new situation, and I couldn’t start a life here in Wyoming,” reflects Suz. “I realized I couldn’t function, couldn’t do my everyday stuff. I was constantly afraid that I was going to have a panic attack.”
There was another challenge, too. “The whole concept of snow was completely new to me. For my first two years here I wouldn’t drive if there was snow. I knew I needed to reach out and start seeing someone.”
Suz signed up for an appointment with Star Valley Health therapist Sara Burnside. The two met weekly for some time, then every other week. In addition to providing an objective listening ear, Sara helped equip Suz with actionable guidance for tough moments and circumstances.
Explains Suz, “Sara brought a lot of new grounding techniques to me that I had never heard of before, and she’s really helped me build confidence in dealing with new situations.”
Suz has also worked through therapy in other seasons of life. She describes it as a key part of her self-care. “I consider mental health part of whole-body health,” says Suz. “It’s easier to take care of yourself when your mental health is in check. You tend to eat better, exercise better, and it’s all intertwined with each other.”
Suz is no longer scheduling therapy sessions, but knows our team is always here. She describes her approach to each day: “My goal is to keep moving forward, knowing that it’s okay to have bad days. And to not freak out that a bad day is going to happen, because I’ve survived every other bad day that’s happened. I can move forward. I can function.”
And not only is Suz able to drive in the snow now, but she’s also got plans to start exploring our snowy landscapes. “I’m trying to break into cross country skiing.”
Suz is all in on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and encourages others to embrace support. “There’s nothing wrong with seeking help. You don’t have to tell people you’re seeking help. It’s something that you do for you. I never expected to be where I am right now.”
