When Coaching Truly Works - A Case Study in Managing Anxiety and Depression

In mid‑2025, I came across a case study that has stayed with me ever since. It’s a powerful illustration of how personalised, well‑supported development can help someone move from years of debilitating anxiety and depression to a place where they can function, contribute, and support others again.

This is the story of X, a young Korean woman in her early twenties who had been identified as having exceptional potential in sport. Despite her talent, she had lived with severe anxiety and depression for seven years. By the time she was introduced to the Mental Toughness programme, she was struggling to manage her emotions and daily routines. Anxiety would derail her training and personal commitments, and even small challenges felt overwhelming. Her confidence had eroded, and she found herself withdrawing from others, unsure how to break the cycle despite wanting to get better.

Before being introduced to the Mental Toughness program, she had already tried counselling, support from teachers and coaches, adjustments to her training environment, and periods of rest. These offered temporary relief but never created the sustained shift she needed.

The Turning Point: Seeing Her Mindset Clearly Through MTQPlus

A key moment in her journey came from completing the MTQPlus assessment. X found a licensed mental toughness practitioner who has expertise in mindfulness meditation and anxiety reduction techniques. X completed the MTQPlus psychometric measure, which provided a detailed, evidence‑based picture of her mental toughness profile across the 4Cs and eight factors.

Her initial results showed extremely low scores across almost all areas - particularly in emotional control, life control, confidence in abilities, interpersonal confidence, and challenge orientation. The single exception being a significant mentally toughness score on goal orientation indicating a strong sense of purpose and a liking for working to goals and targets.

The mental toughness coach began working regularly with her, introducing mindfulness and anxiety reduction techniques. X practised these diligently. Two months into the programme X was reassessed using the MTQPlus measure. The new profile is shown below on the right.

A pleasant surprise was that all eight factors had shifted significantly - rising to slightly above the average range for an adult. This suggested that X was now able to manage her anxiety more effectively, regulate her emotions with greater stability, approach challenges with less fear, and re‑engage socially with more confidence.

One of the most striking outcomes was that her medication had been suspended during the intervention - and has not been restarted since.

It needs to be said that this level of change is exceptional. Most people who wish to develop their mental toughness experience gradual, steady improvements over time. It is certainly possible, and realistic, to build meaningful mental toughness over a period of 12 to 24 months, with benefits that positively influence wellbeing, performance, and long‑term resilience. X’s transformation simply shows what is possible when readiness, accurate diagnosis, and personalised coaching align.

From Client to Practitioner

Ever since completing her coaching journey, X has continued to grow.She is now completing her training as a certified Mental Toughness practitioner and coach, using her own lived experience and newfound expertise to support others who may be facing similar challenges.

Final Toughts

For anyone working with high‑potential young individuals, this is a timely case study. Talent without careful psychological stewardship isn’t opportunity, it’s risk. X’s story shows what responsible development looks like when rigour and care are held together, and how powerful it can be when the right support meets the right moment.

About Echo Wu

I'm Echo Wu, a leadership and Mental Toughness Master Practitioner based in Singapore. After years in corporate HR and executive development across Asia Pacific, I now work with executives, entrepreneurs and their teams to elevate performance, navigate change, and achieve their goals with resilience and positivity.

I believe that clarity isn’t found in the hustle - it’s cultivated through reflection, courage, and intentional growth. As a certified free diver and yoga instructor, I bring breathwork and free diving breathing techniques into my practices. These tools aren’t just calming - they reconnect you with your inner compass.

We provide certification programs for consultants, HR professionals, and coaches to become a certified Mental Toughness practitioner. 

Reach out to [email protected] if you'd like to explore further.