Jo Kelly, 40, assumed she had general anxiety after she survived being given months to live and then her son fell ill
Jo Kelly and her son Dylan.
A Midland mum was left with PTSD after surviving cancer despite being given months to live.
Jo Kelly, now 40, assumed she had general anxiety but was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder when her young son Dylan fell ill after she beat her own illness.
She spoke of her ordeal, and how she was helped by an NHS therapist, as the health service today, Wednesday, February 18, launched a major new drive urging people to self-refer for mental health support.
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Jo, a data engineer from Solihull, was 22 when she was told she had cancer and given months to live unless a marching stem cell donor could be found. Against the odds, a match was made and she had lifesaving surgery.
Several years later, her son was born with a rare genetic condition that requires frequent hospital visits and procedures. She tried to be strong but a health visitor noticed she was stressed and recommended NHS talking therapies.
Initially assuming she had general anxiety, Jo discovered through therapy that she had been living with undiagnosed PTSD for years.
She began eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy – which has changed how she approaches life.
She learned to process her unresolved traumatic memories, develop coping mechanisms, and finally understand her reactions. During her therapy, her son underwent a procedure under general anaesthetic, and for the first time, Jo felt calm and able to support him without spiralling.
Jo finished therapy a year ago. Her sleep has improved dramatically; she no longer wakes exhausted from trauma‑filled dreams and feels more present in her life. She is an avid cyclist and has achieved gold medals in Time Trial and Team Triathlon for Team GB at the World Transplant Games.
Jo said: “Following various health battles that affected me and my son, I tried for a long time to stay strong. I thought I was just anxious, but I was carrying years of unresolved trauma that I had never processed. I never thought PTSD could happen to me, but it can affect anyone, as life is so unpredictable.
“Therapy has been unbelievable and changed my life. I sleep better, worry less, and I finally feel present in my life again. If you feel like you need help, you do. Put your hand up and self-refer to NHS Talking Therapies as early as you can. I wish I had done it sooner. Time is so precious.”
Around one in five adults in England, an estimated 9.4 million, are now affected by a common mental health condition – with the NHS’ top mental health doctor warning millions were still missing out on available support.
The health service urges those facing six common anxiety conditions to self-refer online at nhs.uk/talk.
NHS talking therapies provide people with practical skills and techniques to overcome a range of mental health conditions like OCD, social anxiety disorder, PTSD, panic disorder, body dysmorphic disorder and phobias. Anyone can self-refer online without needing to see their GP or have an already diagnosed mental health condition.
Dr Adrian James, NHS England’s national medical director for mental health and neurodiversity, said: “While it’s encouraging thousands more people facing mental health conditions are accessing NHS support than before the pandemic, we know millions more could benefit from vital NHS Talking Therapies.
“This landmark new campaign is a critical step to ensuring everyone struggling with challenging but very common conditions like anxiety and PTSD knows there is support available to help them get on with their lives.
“Through proven treatment and support available for free on the NHS, these conditions can be overcome to help people return to work, regain confidence or feel back to their old selves in social situations.
“Our message is clear, if you’re struggling with your mental health, NHS Talking Therapies are here for you, and you can either self-refer or speak with your local GP practice.”
Find out more and refer yourself for NHS Talking Therapies at nhs.uk/talk.