Published on: 2nd July 2026
A Tameside army veteran has thanked NHS Tameside and Glossop Talking Therapies for ‘life-changing’ support for post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and anxiety.
Gary Hind, 67, from Hyde, was referred after his anxiety began to cause tightness in his chest, heart flutters and breathlessness.
The pain became so severe it left Gary physically floored and concerned for his health.
Gary had lived with mental health difficulties since childhood, following a troubled home situation and the sudden death of his father.
When he was 16, Gary joined the British armed forces, leading to a very successful career that truly ‘turned his life around’. In 1999, he received an MBE for his service.
Gary said: “Being in the army rebuilt me as a person. I thrived and learnt a lot of discipline and control. I felt like a new person.”
When his military career came to an end, Gary found a job he loved, helping students with their personal development skills and extra-curricular activities.
After 15 years in the role, things took a turn after a difficult period at work, which left Gary feeling unsettled and unsupported.
Gary explained: “It was something that I just couldn’t get over. I felt like I’d had a massive blow to my head. My brain suddenly felt like a sponge - nothing was going in anymore.”
The stress also brought back dark memories from his past, and a strong feeling that he had lost a sense of control in his life.
He added: “For years I’d worked to be someone that people could trust and respect, and suddenly that was taken from me. It was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
At family gatherings, such as christenings or birthday parties, Gary found it difficult to socialise properly with his loved ones. “I was physically there but I couldn’t get out of my head. I’d be drifting off thinking of other things.”
“And then I noticed my memory got worse – people would talk to me about things, but I couldn’t remember them. It was like a fog clouding over everything.”
Gary had also been a very active gym-goer, as well as a qualified mountaineer leader and rock-climbing instructor. These activities all came to a sudden end however, when he began to experience a ‘soft flutter’ or palpitation in his chest while exercising.
Concerned for his health, Gary saw several doctors for tests on his heart to rule out anything serious. When all came back clear, he was relieved but confused as the flutters were still there.
As time went on, the pain worsened, until eventually he had to give up exercise entirely. “I stopped walking my dog and lost all motivation. It became hard to even get out of bed.”
A turning point came last July, when the pain left Gary physically floored while out in a town centre. Urgently referred to a cardiologist, it was during this appointment that his mental health was first mentioned.
“It was like a lightbulb moment. I heard him say those words and I just broke down in tears. Everything about my past, the disciplinary, the way my life had changed since just flooded out. I was telling him [the cardiologist] about things I’d not talked about for years.”
He was told about NHS Talking Therapies, and Gary referred himself soon after.
He then met with Lee Martin, high intensity cognitive behavioural therapist and eye- movement desensitization and reprocessing practitioner at NHS Tameside and Glossop Talking Therapies, and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.
Together, they worked through his traumatic memories using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), followed by sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help him understand and manage his panic.
Lee explained: “A big part of our work involved exposure therapy, where we carefully and safely supported him to face the fear he had of having a heart attack, caused by his chest pains, and the situations he had started to avoid like exercising.
“We made sure Gary had a full understanding of the process and could identify his negative thoughts and the role of fight and flight.
“By gradually experiencing these feelings and realising they weren’t dangerous, his confidence grew. Over time his anxiety reduced, he was able to feel more in control and get back to everyday activities that mattered to him.”
Gary added: “The process was harder than I thought it would be – but it’s been life-changing. I’m now more aware of myself and my behaviours, and I have the skills I need to tackle them head on. It’s given me the tools I need to properly accept, move on, and look forward to the future. I cannot thank them enough.”
Gary is now pushing himself gently, taking longer walks and becoming more active again, which has given him renewed hope for the future.
Gary is now encouraging others, particularly people from older generations, to seek support if they are struggling with their mental health.
He said: “Therapy helps you to understand yourself. At 67, it’s easy to think there’s no point – but it’s never too late to ask for help.”
“The team are so knowledgeable and approachable, it’s worth a chance. I’m not ‘fixed’ but I’m moving forward – and that makes all the difference. Life is precious, you’ve got to live it.”
NHS Talking Therapies offer support and treatment for a range of issues including low mood, stress, worry or anxiety, difficulty sleeping, feelings of low self-worth, panic attacks, phobias, and more.
People aged 16 years and above, registered with a GP in Tameside and Glossop, can refer themselves by completing an online form. They can also be referred by their GP or another health professional.