Published on: 15th August 2025
A dad-of-three has shared how NHS Bury Talking Therapies has helped him reclaim his life after experiencing increased levels of anxiety, anger and paranoia.
Aaron, 40, found thoughts about his relationship spiralling out of control and he was filled with doubt and insecurity. Convinced that his partner was being unfaithful, their relationship was slowly breaking down, which affected his ability to function at work and at home. With three children, the pressure of daily life became unbearable.
He couldn’t pinpoint the root of his feelings, which left him and those around him confused. Aaron explained: “I was completely scattered. I was angry with life and angry with everyone and everything. Nobody wanted to be around me because I was no fun to talk to. They’d ask what was wrong - but I didn’t know.”
His partner suggested talking therapies, but Aaron was reluctant. He said: “I’m not the type of person to share my feelings, not even with friends. Eventually I knew something had to give and made a referral to save my relationship and be better.”
Aaron began weekly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions over the phone and by video call. His therapist, Noreen Iqbal, helped him unpack deeper issues behind his anger and anxiety.
Together they found issues stemming from low self-worth, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, and body dysmorphia. Despite receiving compliments from those around him, he couldn’t internalise them.
Aaron explained: “It went in one ear and out the other. No matter what I heard, I never believed I was good enough for those around me. I’d be worried about what I looked like and never felt like I was attractive.”
“When I trained at the gym, I would wear a jumper so people couldn’t see my body and judge me. My self-esteem and confidence were so low that I would completely avoid certain situations where I felt uncomfortable.”
Noreen Iqbal, cognitive behavioural therapist and registered mental health nurse, added: “By discovering the root cause of his issues, we could then develop the right coping mechanisms to allow him to improve his life. Aaron wanted to work on his anger management, but we soon identified that he was highly anxious. He’d been living with symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder for many years which then developed into body dysmorphic disorder.
Aaron was given psychoeducation to help him understand what keeps this vicious cycle ongoing. Together we formulated through his thoughts, feelings and behaviours.”
Noreen (pictured right) also set challenges, using cognitive behavioural therapy, to motivate Aaron to conquer some of his fears and break his routines.
Aaron explained: “She challenged me each week by asking me to do something differently. I delayed things like my weekly haircut, which meant a lot to me as it made me feel that I looked a certain way that I was happy with. In the end I managed to push it back for three weeks — something that really pushed me out of my comfort zone. But I did it, and I could see the difference. It became clear to me that I could take control of my situation and feelings.”
Noreen added: “Behavioural experiments - doing things which made him highly anxious - helped him to change his thoughts about his body image. This includes not looking in the mirror, not changing his clothes several times before leaving home, reducing haircuts, not wearing long sleeves, and not weighing himself daily.”
Aaron is now much happier and comfortable with who he is. He said: “I’m a totally different person to who I was last year. I’m at peace with who I am and can truly see a massive improvement in myself. I’m more confident, doing well at work, and really enjoy being around my family.”
He credits Noreen for making the process feel safe and supportive. “She’s amazing at her job. She was so down to earth and makes it feel easy to be open and honest. I’m beyond grateful for everything she has done.”
Aaron now encourages others to take the first step: “Just try it and give it a go. Don’t be worried about what people will think. Mental health doesn’t just impact you, it impacts everyone around you.”
“Being able to have the sessions over the phone was so helpful and made all of this possible. It’s an incredibly flexible service and I recommend it to anyone who needs help like I did.”
How to access support
We provide NHS Talking Therapies services across Bury, Tameside, Oldham and Stockport for people over the age of 16 years, who are registered with a GP in their area.
The service offers support and treatment for symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, low mood, stress, worry or anxiety, feelings of low self-worth or panic attacks.
People can be referred by a healthcare professional or can self-refer by completing an online form. Find out more here: Pennine Care NHS Talking Therapies :: Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust