A HYDE army veteran has thanked local mental health services for ‘life-changing’ support for post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and anxiety.
Gary Hind was referred to NHS Tameside and Glossop Talking Therapies, run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, after his anxiety began to cause tightness in his chest, heart flutters and breathlessness.
The pain became so severe, it left him concerned for his health.
Mr Hind had lived with mental health difficulties since childhood.
Aged 16, he joined the armed forces, leading to a very successful career that saw him honoured with an MBE in 1999.
When that came to an end, he found a job he loved, helping students with their personal development skills and extra-curricular activities.
After 15 years, things took a turn after a difficult period at work, which left him feeling unsettled and unsupported.
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.
Mr Hind 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.
“But this 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.
“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.”
The man who was a very active gym-goer, as well as a qualified mountaineer leader and rock-climbing instructor, also changed when he began to experience a ‘soft flutter’ or palpitation in his chest while exercising.
Tests came back clear, but the flutters were still there and worsening pain led him to give up exercise entirely.
A turning point came last July, when the pain left him 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,” Mr Hind added. “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.”
Mr Hind was told about NHS Talking Therapies and he referred himself soon after.
He then met with Lee Martin, high intensity cognitive behavioural therapist 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.
Mr Martin 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.”
Mr Hind is now pushing himself gently, taking longer walks and becoming more active again, which has given him renewed hope for the future.
He is also encouraging others, particularly people from older generations, to seek support if they are struggling with their mental health.
He commented: “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.
“Therapy helps you to understand yourself. 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 Tameside and Glossop Talking Therapies is for people aged 16 years and above, registered with a GP in Tameside and Glossop.
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.
You can quickly and easily refer yourself by completing an online form at https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/tamesidetalk. You can also be referred by your GP or another health professional.