Gary's story - army veteran rebuilds his life after long-standing post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorder
Gary Hind, 67, from Hyde, was referred to NHS Tameside and Glossop Talking Therapies, after his anxiety began to cause tightness in his chest, heart flutters and breathlessness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read more of Gary's story here.
Kay's story - overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder after a viscious dog attack abroad
Kay Byrne, 55, was left too afraid to go outside alone after being attacked by three stray dogs while out running on holiday in Turkey last year.
As an avid runner, Kay had gone out early one morning for a run while on holiday in Antalya. Just ten minutes in, she was attacked by three stray dogs and badly bitten on her legs.
Kay explained: “I’d seen stray dogs abroad and thought I knew how to manage it, as it had never been a problem before. I clapped loudly, stopped and waited before setting off again. I turned a corner and suddenly they were attacking me.”
“There was no one around to help. I was bleeding, crawling on the ground, trying to get back to the hotel while the dogs followed me. It felt like it went on forever.”
Kay was taken to hospital, where she received urgent treatment for severe leg injuries and began a course of rabies vaccinations.
The reality of what had happened slowly began to take hold when she returned home to the UK. She developed severe anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, including nightmares, flashbacks, and a constant fear that she was still at risk.
The relationships she had with dogs was also affected, including her best friends’ Staffordshire Bull Terrier-cross, Coco, who she often cared for. After encouragement from a work counsellor, Kay decided to self‑refer to NHS Bury Talking Therapies. She then met with therapist Noreen Malik.
“It was frightening and emotional, but it changed everything. It felt like a light had been switched on. My anxiety started to come down, and I stopped feeling like I was constantly in danger.”
As her confidence grew, Kay began to reclaim parts of her old life. Before Christmas, she set a challenge to return to running. On New Year’s Eve, she completed her first run since the attack - even wearing the same running clothes she had worn in Turkey.
Kay said: “I was so proud of myself. A few days later, I even took Coco for a walk. It was lovely to spend time with him again and feel that connection with an animal that I’d missed out on. I proved to myself that I could do it - and it was amazing.”
Read more of Kay's story here.
Michael's story - finding hope again after decades of living with childhood trauma
Michael Bates, 63, who lives in Hyde, sought help from NHS Tameside and Glossop Talking Therapies after long‑standing childhood trauma led to nightmares, flashbacks, poor sleep and intense feelings of isolation.
Growing up in the 1970s, Michael experienced neglect and domestic abuse at home, and says, at the time, children were often not believed when they asked for help.
Michael explained: “It was a truly different world then. We still had corporal punishment at school, which meant teachers could openly beat and humiliate us in class. I would often come home bruised and sore. There was so much violence around me. I grew up looking at teachers, police officers, and other responsible adults in fear.”
For many years, Michael kept his feelings buried while building a happy family life with his wife and daughter.
However, as his daughter grew older and life pressures increased, suppressed memories and emotions resurfaced. Michael did not find it easy to talk about his mental health, something he feels is common for men of an older generation.
A turning point came when a difficult experience at work then left Michael feeling unheard and overwhelmed. One day, while driving, he realised just how much he was struggling when he imagined purposely crashing into a tree to avoid going into work.
Michael said: “I scared myself that day. It was a true wake-up call, I knew I needed help.”
His GP referred him to the service and Michael soon met with Kathryn Andrew, cognitive behavioural therapist, who helped him understand and process his trauma at his own pace.
Michael said: “Kathryn made me feel really comfortable. She was such a kind and understanding listener. She gave me the tools to face my traumas in a much healthier way. I was able to change my mindset and take away the guilt I’d put on myself – I accepted I wasn’t to blame for what had happened to me.”
“Thanks to Kathryn, I’ve been able to come through to the other side and feel more alive than I have for decades. I no longer have that weight over me or feel like I have to prove myself to be worthy anymore.”
Read more of Michael's story here.
David's story - overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder after 30 years
David is now in his late sixties. For over 30 years he had lived with symptoms after finding a young family friend unresponsive at home. He performed CPR for more than 40 minutes until an ambulance arrived. Despite his efforts, the young man couldn’t be saved.
In the years that followed, David carried the weight of intense guilt - feeling he should have saved him, or somehow prevented the tragedy. He developed flashbacks, nightmares and intrusive thoughts.
He explained: “I’d wake up in sweats and have visions of him in the corner of the room. It all felt so real and haunted me. My behaviour started to change, and I’d drink more than I used to. I could get very angry and aggressive if I heard anyone talking about death around me.”
Believing he had to cope alone, his mental health deteriorated further. In his darkest moments, he had lost all hope. “I was in pain every day. I couldn’t stand the noise; I couldn’t stand anything. I just lived in a dark place inside my mind.”
“My family would go out somewhere and I would stay at home in my room. It was like being stuck in a black hole with no way out.”
A turning point came during a night out with a friend in the city centre, when David first had thoughts of harming himself. Sensing something was wrong, his friend took him home, and that night David self‑referred to NHS Bury Talking Therapies.
David said: “Noreen has been wonderful. She’s made me relive the trauma, but in a controlled and healthy way. It hasn’t been easy, but slowly things are coming out, and it’s getting better. I’ve had a bond with Noreen and been able to trust her.”
“She’s helped me look at things in a different light and realise I’m not to blame. Rather than remembering that night, I try and remember the happy times spent with him, and his lovely smile.”
Read more of David's story here.
Margaret's story - rediscovering hope after decades of depression
65-year-old grandmother Margaret Howcroft, from Moorside, had experienced mental health difficulties since her early teens. Her social anxiety made it hard to be around groups of people, and she found any form of confrontation overwhelming. At work, she often felt misunderstood and blamed herself for being different.
Her mental health worsened last year after problems at work escalated, leading to a disciplinary process and eventually the loss of her job.
Margaret met with Amy White, high-intensity cognitive behavioural therapist for face-to-face sessions of cognitive behavioural therapy.
Over time, Margaret built a strong sense of trust with Amy and felt able to talk more openly about her past traumas.
Margaret said: “Before I started, I felt like I lived behind a wall. In my sixties, I was close to giving up. Amy was so understanding and easy to talk to. She’s given me coping skills and mechanisms for day to day life. Although my issues and triggers haven’t disappeared, they’re now manageable and I’m no longer in that dark place.”
Read more of Margaret's story here.
Rebecca's story - trauma following three tragic miscarriages
Rebecca Ametepe, 33, was referred to NHS Bury Talking Therapies after the birth of her daughter triggered flashbacks, nightmares and intrusive thoughts.
Rebecca 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.’”
The health visitor encouraged her to seek specialist support and made a referral. 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.”
Becky's story - overcoming phobia of medical settings
NHS Bury Talking Therapies helped Becky overcome a long-standing phobia of medical settings, which led her to dread vital GP appointments, hospital visits and blood tests.
Becky was supported by the service after she was forced to face her fears during a health scare last summer.
Becky was in her early teens when her phobia began. After her mother fell ill, she visited her in hospital and started to associate hospitals, doctors and clinical spaces with high levels of distress.
Everything changed when she noticed blood in her poo and knew it could be a sign of bowel cancer.
“Rather than being anxious about my health and what the tests would show, I could only think about how scared I was of needing medical interventions and more appointments.”
She was placed on the bowel cancer pathway. Thankfully, Becky’s results came back clear, but the experience was a wake-up call. She explained: “Realistically I knew I’d need other tests and medical appointments as I got older, and I refused to put myself through that level of stress again.”
Determined not to let her phobia control her future, Becky self-referred to NHS Bury Talking Therapies.
Read more of Becky's story here.
Kayleigh's story - severe stress and anxiety and employment support
NHS Stockport Talking Therapies helped Kayleigh overcome severe anxiety and depression and achieve her dream of opening her own bakery. She had struggled with isolation and constant worries about taking her toddler out in public while managing single parenthood and job hunting. After being fast‑tracked for support, she found a safe space to talk, learn coping strategies, and challenge negative beliefs. Phone appointments made it easier to access support around childcare.
As her wellbeing improved, Kayleigh still faced setbacks finding work and was referred to the service’s employment team. With practical and emotional support, she rebuilt her confidence, identified suitable roles, and explored her long‑held dream of running a bakery inspired by her grandmother.
Kayleigh said: “You don’t know what help you’re missing out on if you don’t try it. I’ve had help from other services in the past, but nothing has stuck with me the way this has. Remember to engage as much as you can – it’s a joint effort but it’s worth a leap of faith.”
Read more of Kayleigh's story.
Simon's story - work-related stress and anxiety
Talking therapies helped Simon when work-related stress and anxiety took a toll on his health.
With a high-pressured job that took him around the world, Simon found his stress and anxiety levels rising as demands and lack of a work-life balance overwhelmed him.
Simon self-referred and had his sessions over the phone - a flexibility that benefitted him. Over time, his therapist suggested he find a focus outside of work - something to get him away from his screen and get outside into nature. To help with this, Simon now has a new best friend – his dog Rodney.
Simon said: “Having this therapy has given me a new outlook and confidence in life. I’m able to go back to work and spot the signs and symptoms sooner. Most importantly, I’ve taken steps to help myself so I can stay well and in work.”
Jaime's story - overcoming severe anxiety, depression, and trauma
NHS Bury Talking Therapies has transformed Jaime Leigh Williams’ life after more than a decade of severe anxiety, depression, and trauma. She first struggled with her mental health at 11 following her parents’ separation, later facing multiple suicide attempts, PTSD symptoms after a sexual assault, and the loss of a close friend.
She received cognitive behavioural therapy by phone and online from practitioner Noreen, which felt more comfortable. Jaime finally felt understood and learned to process her trauma, challenge compulsive behaviours, and rebuild her confidence. Through small, supported steps, she reduced the extreme showering routines linked to her trauma, felt safe again in daily life, and learned to view her emotions with compassion rather than shame.
Jaime said: “I’ve learned to look at things from a new perspective, realised I’m stronger than I think, and that it’s okay to feel sad sometimes. It’s been life‑changing.
"Nothing can harm you more than trying to deal with it alone. Get it off your chest. I owe Noreen my life. I couldn’t even imagine being where I am today – it’s fantastic.”
Read more of Jaime's story here.
Ali's story - EMDR therapy
Talking therapies helped Ali rediscover hope, independence and a sense of self after decades of living with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ali was offered eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, and also worked with her therapist to develop the right coping skills.
Ali said: “I was given so many helpful tools to navigate my emotions and ultimately overcome them. What I had believed was anger was in fact a deep sadness that was presenting itself in another way. For the first time in my life, I truly know who I am and have taken back control.”
Aaron's story - cognitive behaviour therapy
Dad-of-three Aaron was filled with doubt and insecurity, experiencing increased levels of anxiety, anger and paranoia and with thoughts about his relationship spiralling out of control.
His therapist, Noreen, helped him to unpack deeper issues behind his anger and anxiety with weekly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions over the phone and by video call.
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.”
Joana's story - employment support
Joana experienced a difficult period in her life including domestic violence, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Through cognitive behavioural therapy and guidance from her therapist, Joana began to rebuild her confidence and improve her outlook on life. Employment advisor Adam also helped her to recognise her potential and make steps torwards a career in teaching.
Joanna said: "Adam opened my eyes to skills I didn’t know I had. I learned so much about myself and feel I can do so much more. I’m a completely different person. It's truly changed my life, and I cannot thank them enough.”
Sarah's story - overcoming phobia
Sarah has praised talking therapies for helping her to overcome a severe needle, which prevented her from attending vital blood test appointments and receiving urgent medical care.
Living with a rare form of haemophilia meant Sarah needed regular blood tests and treatments, which led to her developing a needle phobia. As well as putting her health at risk, the phobia also influenced choices about having children or travelling to countries where vaccines are needed.
After 11 sessions with cognitive behavioural therapist Joanne, Sarah has been able to overcome her phobia.
She said: “For the first time in my life I can think about needles and not feel anxious or afraid. I feel like I’ve got control over my body again and can live a much healthier and fulfilled life. I am so grateful.”