What a Health Scare Taught Me!
Last week, I experienced something that deeply challenged me — both physically and emotionally.
I was admitted to hospital with a sudden and unexplained infection in my breast. My temperature wouldn’t come down. I needed intravenous antibiotics. Tests and scans followed. And there was a long period of waiting and uncertainty. Physically, I felt unwell and emotionally, I felt scared.
A few times, I sat alone on my hospital bed and cried. My mind went to places I never expected — worrying about worst-case scenarios, about my family, about what might happen if things didn’t improve. Waiting for mammograms and ultrasounds to rule out cancer was terrifying. In that space — exhausted, vulnerable, and unsure — I had a powerful realisation: I had to really put into practise what I encourage my clients to do.
When Your Window of Tolerance Narrows
In counselling, I often speak about the “window of tolerance” — the space where we can think clearly, regulate emotions, and cope with stress.
In hospital, I realised that mine was getting very small.
My nervous system was overwhelmed.
I felt anxious, tearful and on edge, and that’s a very human response to uncertainty and threat. No amount of training makes us immune to fear.
Returning to My Own Coping Tools
So, in the middle of hospital routines and long waiting hours, I gently returned to my own emotional toolbox.
Not perfectly.
Not bravely.
Just honestly.
I focused on all the things I say to my clients to try:
Slow, steady breathing
Grounding myself in the present moment
Speaking to myself with compassion
Allowing space for my emotions (this can be hard to do)
Accepting support
It is is easy for us to fall into our old coping strategies that might not be useful to us anymore. Some days felt easier than others and that was okay.
What This Experience Taught Me
This experience reminded me that:
Struggling doesn’t mean failing.
Feeling afraid doesn’t mean you’re weak.
Needing support doesn’t mean you’re incapable.
It means you’re human.
It also reinforced how important emotional safety is during difficult life events — especially when our health feels uncertain.
A Message for Anyone Going Through Something Hard
If you’re dealing with illness, medical stress, or something that feels overwhelming, please know:
Your reaction makes sense.
Your feelings are valid.
You are not “overreacting”.
Your nervous system is doing its best to protect you.
And you deserve care — emotionally as well as physically.
Why This Matters in My Work
This experience has only added to my deepened empathy for the people I work with, it has reminded me how vulnerable life can feel.
How heavy “what if” thoughts can become and how important it is to feel supported.
Counselling doesn’t remove life’s challenges, but it can help you feel less alone while facing them.
And sometimes, that makes all the difference.
— Kate
Thyme Therapy
🌿 Thyme Therapy offers calm, supportive telehealth counselling for women across Australia.
If you feel ready to explore support, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute connection call to see if we are the right fit.
👉 Book your free chat at: www.thymetherapy.com.au
💻 Telehealth counselling available Australia-wide
About the Author
Kate G is a qualified counsellor with a Bachelor of Counselling and the founder of Thyme Therapy, providing personalised online counselling for women navigating anxiety, overwhelm, and life transitions. With a warm, down-to-earth approach, Kate supports clients to build confidence, find clarity, and reconnect with themselves — one step at a time.
Disclaimer:
This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional psychological assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing significant distress, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional, Lifeline 13 11 14 or your GP. If you are in immediate danger, call 000.