Navigating panic and anxiety with Wysa: John's journey through NHS Talking Therapy

For many people facing mental health struggles, the wait for therapy can be agonizing. John, a bar manager from northwest Kent, England, knows this firsthand. As part of his ongoing battle with agoraphobia and panic attacks, he’s been through various treatments over the years. Now, during a particularly tough stretch, he's found some relief through Wysa’s AI-driven mental health support app offered as part of his NHS Talking Therapy. 

"I've had talking therapy over the summer, and it’s helped a bit," John says. "But if I’m really honest, I haven’t found a lot of help out there. I’ve been pushed from pillar to post. I’ve had this condition for a long time, and it’s come and gone over the years. When I self-referred again, I spoke to someone on the phone, and they sent me a link to the Wysa app."

John was initially unsure how useful a digital tool would be for managing his mental health but was willing to give it a try. "I thought, why not? I’ll give it a go and see if it helps," he says.

Living with panic attacks at work

John’s daily reality involves managing panic attacks while working in a high-pressure environment. "I’ve run pubs all my life. Right now, I’m working in a private members' bar," he explains. "But some days, it’s hell. I just got back from work, and it was four or five hours of utter hell. The panic attacks get really bad. You’re on your own, no family around you, stuck at work, thinking you’re going to drop down dead."

When these moments hit, John finds himself needing immediate support, and this is where Wysa helps. "It’s pretty acute, and it wears me down. It has actually worn me down these last couple of weeks," he admits. "But Wysa is helpful. You’ve got to get your head into the space where you’re talking to a person instead of a computer, it can be strange. But I do use it."

Wysa's breathing exercises as a lifeline

John frequently turns to Wysa’s breathing exercises when he feels overwhelmed. "The breathing stuff is really helpful," he says. "When I’m at work and feel a panic attack coming on, the first thing I do is open the app and go straight to the breathing exercises. They really help calm me down. It’s quick and easy, which is what you need in those moments."

The ease of accessing these tools has been key for John, especially given the nature of his job. "When you’re in the middle of a busy shift, you can’t stop to write things down or call someone. Wysa is there when I need it. I just type in ‘anxious’ or ‘relief,’ and it helps just by typing stuff out."

Daily check-ins for mental health management

John has also found the daily check-in feature useful in keeping himself engaged with his mental health. "I’ve set a check-in time to make sure I use it regularly. The app asks you to check in twice a day - once in the morning and once in the evening. It reminds me to focus on how I’m feeling," he says. "I’ve been trying to take it seriously and check in every day, which helps keep me on track. Sometimes I finish work at one or two in the morning, and then I miss my morning check-in. But I make sure to do it when I can."

A lifeline while waiting for therapy

Like many people waiting for NHS therapy sessions, John faces long delays between appointments. "I’ve been waiting four or five weeks now for my next talking therapy session," he says. "And it could take up to two months before I actually get it."

In the meantime, Wysa has provided John with a crucial source of support. "At least I’ve got something," he explains. "It’s not the same as talking to someone face-to-face, but it’s a point of contact when you’re feeling really low, and that’s important."

Recommending Wysa to others

When asked whether he would recommend Wysa to others dealing with anxiety or depression, John is clear: "Yeah, I would," he says. "It’s not perfect, but it’s a good support system. If someone told me they were struggling with their anxiety or depression, I’d definitely recommend Wysa to them in the meantime."

For John, Wysa has become an essential part of his mental health toolkit. "I like it. It’s there when you need it. It’s not like you’re totally on your own," he says. "Even though you’re talking to an app, it’s a point of reference. It’s quick, and it helps, which is all you can ask for sometimes."

Looking forward

As John continues to navigate his mental health challenges, Wysa offers him an element of control. "I like that it’s always there for me when I need it," he reflects. "It’s not the same as talking to a therapist, but it’s better than nothing. And when you’re stuck in the middle of a panic attack, having something to rely on - even if it’s an app - makes a huge difference."

For now, Wysa offers John a small, yet meaningful, lifeline in moments of acute anxiety - helping him get through the long days at work and the challenging weeks ahead as he waits for further therapy sessions. And for people like John, who face ongoing mental health battles, that’s no small thing.