A grocery worker who was left housebound by crippling anxiety has revealed how specialist support from GroceryAid helped them take back control of their life – as the charity urges others not to suffer in silence this Mental Health Awareness Week (11th – 17th May).

The 30-something, who has chosen to remain anonymous, experienced a debilitating episode of depression and health anxiety that left them unable to leave their home for more than a month.

“I became completely fixated on my symptoms. It got to the point where I just couldn’t leave the house,” they said.

The situation led to an extended absence from work and a significant decline in their mental wellbeing. Doctors prescribed medication and referred them for therapy but with NHS waiting lists stretching beyond a year, they knew they needed a faster solution.

That’s when they turned to GroceryAid, the charity providing relief in tough times by offering grocery workers free and confidential financial, emotional and practical support.

Quick help when it mattered most

After contacting GroceryAid’s free and confidential 24/7 helpline, they were assessed and referred for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with six sessions provided completely free of charge. The sessions started just days later and the difference was immediate.

“The support came at exactly the right time,” they said. “I didn’t want to rely on medication alone – I needed to talk, understand what I was going through and learn how to cope.”

Through a series of therapy sessions, they developed practical tools to manage anxiety, including grounding techniques, meditation and positive affirmations.

“I finally had a safe space to say everything I’d been holding in. Being able to talk openly, without judgement, was a huge relief. It helped me regain a sense of control.”

“I got my life back”

With the right support in place, they gradually rebuilt their daily routine and were able to return to work, reconnect with loved ones and regain a sense of normality.

“The support didn’t just help me recover; it helped me rebuild my confidence. Even now, I still use the tools I learned.”

Reflecting on their experience, they say they only wish they’d asked for help sooner and are encouraging others to seek support.

“Life feels incredibly tough at times, especially with social pressures and the rising cost of living. Contacting GroceryAid genuinely could lift a weight off your shoulders. Reaching out was one of the best decisions I made, and I’d encourage anyone struggling to take that first step too. You’ve got nothing to lose.”

Supporting mental wellbeing

GroceryAid provides free and confidential relief in tough times for grocery workers and their families. Subject to eligibility, this includes:

· 24/7 Helpline offering immediate emotional support and guidance

· Structured counselling and therapy, including CBT

· Practical wellbeing tools such as stress management and coping strategies

· Financial and practical support, recognising the wider pressures impacting mental health

· Online resources and self-help materials for ongoing support

Kieran Hemsworth, CEO of GroceryAid, said: “All too often people struggle in silence or wait until they are at crisis point to ask for help. At GroceryAid, we want to make sure anyone who needs support can access it quickly, confidentially and without judgement. The right support at the right time can make a life-changing difference.”

Anyone working in the grocery industry, from supermarket workers to warehouse operatives and lorry drivers, as well as their and their spouse/partner and dependents over 16, can access GroceryAid’s services free of charge.

To find out more or get support, visit groceryaid.org.uk/get-help/ or call the free and confidential 24/7 Helpline on 08088 021 122.

Hemsworth adds: “Grocery workers are tough, but sometimes times are tougher. We provide the helping hand they have earned.”