Army veteran praises ‘life-changing’ NHS support for PTSD

A 67-year-old Army veteran has praised NHS Talking Therapies after receiving support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder and anxiety.

Gary Hind, from Hyde in Tameside, had been experiencing severe chest pains, panic and anxiety which were affecting his everyday life before accessing support through NHS Tameside and Glossop Talking Therapies.

His treatment included eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), a psychotherapy approach used to help people process traumatic experiences, alongside cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Through treatment, Gary developed techniques to help manage his symptoms and became more aware of his behaviours and responses. Although he described the process as difficult, he said the support had been life-changing and helped him regain his confidence.

His treatment involved gradually experiencing feelings associated with his anxiety and learning that they were not dangerous, helping him become more confident in managing them.

Following his experience, Gary is encouraging other people experiencing mental health difficulties to seek support and stressing that it is never too late to ask for help.

NHS Talking Therapies provides support for common mental health conditions including anxiety disorders and depression, with services available across England.

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