Published on: 2nd March 2026
A local mum-of-three has praised NHS Bury Talking Therapies for helping her overcome severe symptoms of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder following three miscarriages.
Rebecca Ametepe, 33, was referred after the birth of her daughter triggered flashbacks, nightmares and intrusive thoughts.
Rebecca (pictured right) experienced three miscarriages, including one at seventeen weeks which required a hospital stay. The trauma led to constant fear that something would happen to her baby daughter.
She explained: “I was convinced something terrible was going to happen to my baby. I couldn’t shake the feeling that she would be hurt or even kidnapped – in some way I would lose her.”
Rebecca isolated herself from others - avoiding baby groups and cancelling plans with friends. Some days, she would stay upstairs in her bedroom with the baby. “My anxiety completely took over.
“I was scared to walk downstairs in case I dropped her or go outside with the pram in case a car hit us. Whatever the situation, my mind jumped straight to the worst‑case scenario.’”
Thinking her thoughts and reactions were normal, Rebecca continued without support until she broke down during an appointment with a health visitor.
The health visitor encouraged her to seek specialist support and made a referral to NHS Bury Talking Therapies.
Rebecca initially felt unsure and sceptical. “I didn’t fully believe I had post-traumatic stress disorder. I thought therapy wouldn’t work for me, but I knew something had to change.”
Rebecca began working with cognitive behavioural therapist Noreen Iqbal, who focused on building trust and creating a safe space for her to talk openly.
To better understand Rebecca’s experiences, Noreen carried out further research into miscarriage and baby loss, as she hadn’t previously provided therapy for people in this situation.
Rebecca added: “It mattered so much to me that Noreen took the the time to do her own research. It’s so easy for people to make assumptions and think they’re saying the right things, but the reality is very different. By learning more about it, Noreen proved she truly cared and wanted to do her very best for me.”
As their sessions continued, they used cognitive behavioural therapy to explore Rebecca’s traumatic memories, focusing on the most distressing moments and triggers that affected her daily life.
Noreen explained: “Cognitive behavioural therapy helps people understand the link between their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Together we worked on processing the traumatic grief, anxiety and depression that followed her miscarriages. I supported her to recognise and challenge unhelpful thoughts - especially the self‑blame and guilt she carried.”
“Rebecca had withdrawn from others and avoided talking about what had happened, so a key part of the therapy was gently helping her face those memories in a safe and structured way. We used therapy techniques to revisit her most distressing moments, which gradually reduced her flashbacks and helped her regain a sense of control.”
“I also validated the significance of her losses and supported her to rebuild her life with her three healthy children. Rebecca now has memory boxes and plant pots to remember and honour her babies.”
Rebecca wants to help break stigma and bring more awareness around miscarriage. She said: “It still feels like a taboo topic – with women encouraged to keep pregnancy a secret until twelve weeks or encouraged to simply try again if a miscarriage happens.
“But from the first moment you know you’re pregnant, you’re making plans and imagining a life with that baby. To have that taken away, no matter how early on, can have a huge impact on the mother and surrounding family. It’s a different type of grief; while you never knew that person, you grieve what could have been.
“My advice to others is not to keep a lid on your emotions. Talking about it and getting help can change your life. I finally feel like myself again.
“I’m so grateful to the service and to Noreen for giving me a chance at a happier and healthier life with my family. While my trauma will never fully leave me, I can now face them with the right tools to keep going.”
NHS Bury Talking Therapies is for people aged 16 years and above, registered with a GP in Bury.
They 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 can quickly and easily self-refer by completing an online form. Or they can be referred by their GP or another professional.