Royton man Simon transforms his life with help from NHS talking therapies

A Royton man is urging others to seek help after receiving life-changing support from a local mental health service when work stress and anxiety took a toll on his health.

Simon, 56, received support from NHS Oldham Talking Therapies, run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, after stress and anxiety led to him experiencing physical symptoms, including chest pain and fatigue.

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 said: “I was losing sight of what was important.

"As the breadwinner, work consumed my every thought, dictated my schedule and dominated my thoughts.

"I thought it was normal, and just came with the territory, but it was a real wake-up call when I started having physical symptoms.”

After speaking to his GP, Simon was encouraged to consider talking therapies - something he was reluctant to do at first.

He added: “As a bloke of a certain age, I didn’t like the thought of talking about my feelings or emotions.

"It was difficult but I knew something had to give, I couldn’t carry on the way I was.”

Simon self-referred and soon had his first session over the phone with Ruth Hewitt, psychological wellbeing practitioner.

He said: “I was pleasantly surprised.

"I thought it would be invasive, but instead it was a safe space to discuss my thoughts and be open about my feelings.”

His sessions were held over the phone – a flexibility that benefitted Simon.

He went on: “It was great to be able to be in my own surroundings, and made it feel very relaxed.

“Ruth immediately put me at ease and did everything at my pace.

"It felt like a true collaboration – a joint effort.

"It was more like talking to a friend than a therapist, which made the process much easier.”

As their sessions continued, Simon started to understand his own patterns of behaviour and recognise how he could ease his anxieties.

He added: “It’s been a game changer. I’ve learnt a lot about who I am, why I feel this way, and what I can do to help myself.”

To help with his work-life balance, Ruth suggested Simon 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.

He explained: “Without therapy, I wouldn’t have got a dog through fear I wouldn’t have enough time to look after one.

"Thanks to Ruth, I realised I can make time, and it’s great for me.

"Rodney gets me away from my screen and into the fresh air every single day.

"It’s exactly what I need.”

Reflecting on his experience, he 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.”

Simon’s advice to others is simple: “You might be nervous about seeking help but just try to go into it with an open mind.

"Remember there’s no shame in getting help when you need it most.

"The service is so flexible.

"Simply have a conversation with the person at the end of the phone, and it could change your life.”

How to get support

NHS Oldham Talking Therapies is for people aged 16 years and above, registered with a GP in Oldham.

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 and more.

People can quickly and easily self-refer by completing an online form at: www.penninecare.nhs.uk/oldhamtalk

Or they can be referred by a healthcare professional.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.