Emma, 27 from Leigh has successfully completed a 'Talking Therapies' Life Skills Course

“Last September I started a new Assistant Manager job at a jewellers in Manchester. I welcomed this new chance to shine; however when my manager unexpectedly left, I was asked to ‘act up’ another level, which made me feel slightly anxious, I was coping – just. Unfortunately my partner’s father then died of a brain tumour. I’d never seen anyone die before. I took it in but found it difficult to express my grief. An unexpected marriage proposal over the holidays gave me a much needed boost. But, in January, my grandad sadly passed away. People were congratulating me and my fiancé on our engagement and commiserating us on our losses at the same time.

When I took annual leave in February, I couldn’t stop crying. The smallest of things made me anxious. “I don’t feel myself,” I told my fiancé – booking an appointment with my GP. He prescribed me a course of mild anti-depressants and referred me to the Trust where I signed up for an eight-week ‘talking therapies’ Life Skills course. Firstly, I attended a course at the Lindamere Unit at Leigh Infirmary, and then nearby. Psychological Well-being Practitioner, Anna Howarth and Clinical Psychologist, Debbie Timson, were absolutely amazing. They gave me the tools I needed to change my way of thinking; rationalise the negative thoughts and to cope with stress in a healthy, positive way.

I’m off my anti-depressants now, and my outlook has dramatically changed.

If I start to feel anxious or stressed, I just dip back into my toolbox to get myself back on track. It’s surprising – so many people who I’ve told about my experience say “me too”. There’s so much stigma and misunderstanding around mental ill-health. I want people to know there is help and it does work. I’m living proof.”