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.”
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.”
Kayleigh's story - from isolation to achieving her dream
Kayleigh has thanked NHS Stockport Talking Therapies for helping her achieve her dreams after experiencing severe anxiety and depression.
Kayleigh noticed the symptoms as she juggled the pressures of single motherhood with finding a flexible job that would meet her childcare needs.
She spoke to her GP after anxieties about going to public places with her toddler overwhelmed her, and she became very isolated. As a parent of a two-year-old, Kayleigh was fast-tracked to the service.
Kayleigh explained: “I didn’t have any friends with young children I could speak to about struggling to cope. There was no-one to reassure me what I was feeling was totally normal.
“I was so worried about my child having tantrums in public that we barely left the house. I was consumed by the thought of people judging me as a mother and the idea that I’d be annoying others.”
Over time, Kayleigh learned coping strategies to help in her day-to-day life. As Kayleigh’s mental health improved, the realities of job hunting continued to take a toll.
She explained: “Getting rejections after interviews was very hard – I would spiral and go to the worst-case scenario of it all being my fault and I simply wasn’t good enough.” Her therapist referred her to their dedicated employment team, who support people who are receiving (or waiting for) mental health support from the service but are also facing challenges in their job search or employment due to their mental health issues.
Read more of Kayleigh's story.
Kay's story - mindfulness for people living with cancer
A mindfulness course made a 'world of difference' to Kay, who was struggling to adapt to life following her cervical cancer diagnosis.
Kay's treatment was successful but immediate and intense, which left her feeling uncertain about the future.
She met with a small group of eight people for a two-hour mindfulness session every Tuesday, learning techniques, taking part in meditation and therapy exercises, and benefitting from peer support through group discussions.
Kay said: "This group gave me valuable connections and a safe space to talk about my feelings and worries. I still use the breathing techniques when I’m feeling overwhelmed or anxious. It’s relaxing, grounding and motivating. You’re surrounded by people who understand and have gone through cancer like you."