How Helen helped Harvey overcome his anxiety

Harvey’s 17 and lives with his family and his buddy dog, Alfie the labrador, in South Devon.  

Early in 2025, he was referred to RSBC’s Family Support service because his severe anxiety was leading to panic attacks. We chatted to Harvey and his mum Adele about what led to Harvey’s referral and how his Family Practitioner, Helen, has helped him to turn things around.

 

When Harvey was 14, life at school became unbearable. He was being bullied by other pupils because of his complex vision impairments, which include myopia, congenital stationary night blindness and visual migraines. Adele says, “He had a really rough time, and that had a huge impact on him. He lost his confidence, and was struggling to leave the house, so we took him out of school completely.”

 

But Harvey still experienced anxiety and a crippling lack of self-confidence. He remembers, “As time went on, I wasn't really getting out of bed. I didn’t feel confident at all, and I’d have panic attacks.”

 

Things came to a head when the family was on holiday to Canada. “We visited a theme park, one of Harvey’s favourite things,” Adele says. “He loves rollercoasters, and usually nothing stops him when we’re on holiday. But he had a big panic attack there, and seeing him break down like that broke me, too. He really struggled on that holiday, and that was when he knew something had to change. It was the last straw for him.”

 

When they returned home, Adele mentioned what had happened to Harvey’s habilitation support worker at Guide Dogs UK, who suggested that referring Harvey to RSBC as an option as she knew the charity could provide the right support.

 

A few weeks later, Harvey met his RSBC Family Practitioner, Helen, for the first time in an online session. And those sessions have continued for six months, with Harvey looking forward to speaking to Helen each time.

 

The guidance and support she’s provided have helped him evolve from a teenager who felt unable to go outside to one who’s now enjoying going to concerts, with Billy Eilish being a favourite. “Helen gave me coping strategies for my panic attacks,” Harvey says, “and she helped me to get out of the house so I could go to different events.”

 

Adele laughs, “Harvey and Helen got on well from the start! The sessions were something he looked forward to – they became part of his routine. He’d feel better after chatting to Helen and then come downstairs, excited about things she was suggesting.”

 

Adele adds, “Helen's been fantastic. She’s been an incredible source of emotional support for Harvey, pointing him in the right direction and putting him in contact with RSBC’s Futures service. He’s already made up his CV, and Mark in Futures has been supporting him in applying for apprenticeships.”

 

Harvey’s new-found confidence means that he’s going to study maths meantime. “He got a little overwhelmed when he went to college for a short time – he couldn’t quite cope with the size of the classes – so he’ll do different courses at home for now,” Adele comments. “Maths was his best subject at school, although he must get that talent from his father rather than me!”  

 

Harvey says that his confidence has returned, thanks to RSBC. “I worry less, and I know how to cope with my panic attacks now. I’m more independent and I’m seeing my friends more often. Plus, I’m travelling to concerts, which I really enjoy.”

 

And he’s going on walks with Alfie now, too. “Alfie’s our golden labrador buddy dog,” explains Adele. “He failed to become a full guide dog because he's got no impulse control! We’ve had him for three years. He’s a big part of the family and a very, very spoiled dog. Before, I’d come home on my lunch break and walk him on my own. But now Harvey’s joining me when I take Alfie out.”

The changes in Harvey mean that Adele also feels less anxious – although, like any mum, she still worries as his independence grows. “When teenagers reach a certain age and start to go out more, you always feel a bit concerned, and of course, I'd got used to him being at home. It’s all about letting go.”

Harvey has some advice for any young person who may be in the same situation he found himself in. “I’d tell them to try and find support and speak out - don't hide it away and try to deal with it on your own. Realise that it’s OK to get help if you need it.”

 

And let’s leave the last word to Harvey’s mum. “It's like living a new life, seeing him so happy,” says Adele. “I feel more relaxed. Before, Harvey was very quiet, sitting in his bedroom. Now I can go to work without feeling worried and guilty at leaving him.

 

“Thanks to Helen and RSBC, he's a completely different person. It's like having the old Harvey back again! He's engaging with us and chatting more. And that makes a nicer atmosphere at home, with so much more laughter.”