Ali, 52, was referred to NHS Bury Talking Therapies earlier this year by her community mental health nurse.
She had lived for decades with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), rooted in childhood trauma and compounded by domestic abuse in adulthood.
Ali said: “I was frightened, overwhelmed and lived in a constant state of anxiety, which took a huge physical toll on my body.
“My whole life I’d felt on edge, almost like electricity was running through me.
“I didn’t feel like I was in control. I struggled to sleep, and if I did sleep, I would have nightmares.”
Having tried various therapies before without success, Ali was sceptical that treatment could help.
But this time she was offered eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, designed to help people process traumatic memories.
Ali received therapy remotely, which suited her as she found it difficult to leave the house.
She explained: “I was so happy they could adapt to fit my needs.
“It takes me a very long time to build trust and feel comfortable, but after four sessions, I felt my barriers coming down and it being easier to be open and honest about my feelings.”
Ali and her therapist worked on coping strategies, including a thought diary to track her emotions and identify patterns.
She added: “For the first time in my life, I truly know who I am and have taken back control.”
Now discharged from the service, Ali is planning to get her driving licence and says she feels ‘calm and serene.’
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Ali said: “It’s worked like magic. I am calm and serene.
“My friends tell me how much I’ve changed and that’s because I can now sit still and be in the moment for the first time ever.”
Anne Campbell, service manager for NHS Bury Talking Therapies, added: “We’re incredibly proud of Ali’s progress.
“Her story shows how personalised, compassionate care can really make a life-changing difference.”