Turning anxiety into job-seeking confidence with Wysa - Debbie's story

Debbie, age 41, from Leicestershire, UK, was previously employed as a chemist but left her position due to significant stress and anxiety. The demanding work environment had started to affect her mental health, leading her to seek professional support. Enrolled in a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) course through NHS Talking Therapies, Debbie was also introduced to Wysa, a digital mental health support app that helps users manage symptoms like anxiety, low mood, and stress. Having completed her CBT course, Debbie continues to use Wysa daily to help manage her anxiety and stay motivated while job hunting for a new role in administration.

Experience with Wysa

When Debbie first started using Wysa, she was immediately drawn to its interactive and friendly nature. "I like the little penguin—it’s like having someone to chat to about your day. And the techniques on there are so useful,” she shared. The app’s conversational style, combined with its inviting mascot, quickly became a source of comfort, allowing her to talk about her day and engage with therapeutic exercises in a relaxed way.

“There’s nothing on there that I don’t like. I think it’s all pretty helpful and informative,” she remarked, adding that she appreciates how accessible the information and tools are.

Managing Anxiety and Practicing Gratitude

With her anxiety substantially improved, Debbie attributes much of her ongoing progress to using Wysa regularly. “It was mainly anxiety that led me to therapy,” she explained, “and it’s got a lot better now than it was before. It took a lot of work but I’m getting there.” She’s integrated Wysa's mindfulness and gratitude exercises into her routine, which she finds uplifting. “It makes me smile... there’s this little icon that gives you a hug, and there’s a lot about gratitude and mindfulness on there,” she said. She now considers these practices an essential part of her day.

Debbie uses Wysa almost every day, especially in the morning to set a positive tone. She often finds herself returning to it whenever she feels she could benefit from a particular technique. “I usually go on it in the morning,” she noted. “Sometimes I might open it during the day if I’m thinking, ‘Oh, I could try that technique again.’”

Preference for Wysa Over Other Digital Tools

In addition to Wysa, Debbie has tried other digital mental health tools, but none had the same impact. “I tried Silver Cloud, but it just didn’t work as well for me,” she explained. “I think this one—Wysa—is a lot better.” When asked why Wysa stands out, she noted that its interactive style, friendly design, and gratitude exercises keep her engaged, all of which she finds more helpful than the alternative digital tools offered to her.

Job-Hunting Motivation

Since leaving her position at the chemist, Debbie has used Wysa to stay motivated in her job search. She finds that the app’s goal-setting feature helps her feel organised and focused during this transitional period. “The goals on there are so helpful for keeping me on track,” she explained. This has been especially useful as she seeks new opportunities in admin work.

Encouraging Others to Use Wysa

Debbie is enthusiastic about recommending Wysa to others dealing with anxiety, low mood, or depression. When asked if she would suggest the app to others, she replied without hesitation, “Oh, absolutely. I’d definitely recommend it.”

Exploring the SOS Button

Although Debbie hasn’t needed to use Wysa’s SOS feature, she was reassured upon learning more about it. “I remember hearing about someone with an Apple Watch that automatically rang the police when they needed help,” she said, explaining her previous concerns about emergency features in apps. But after learning that Wysa’s SOS button is designed only for grounding exercises and deep breathing, and providing helplines, she felt more at ease. Knowing it provides accessible exercises in case of moments of panic has given her peace of mind.

A Willing Advocate for Mental Health Awareness

Debbie’s positive experience with Wysa has inspired her to share her story to help others overcome the stigma around mental health: “If sharing my experience helps other people, then that’s exactly what I want to do.” She hopes that by sharing her story, she can encourage others facing similar challenges to try Wysa as part of their journey toward better mental health.

Conclusion

Debbie’s journey illustrates how digital mental health tools like Wysa, when used alongside traditional therapy, can provide ongoing support and empowerment, especially in times of transition like job searching. For Debbie, Wysa is more than just an app; it’s a daily companion that helps her face each day with greater confidence and resilience.