10/10/2026
âThe biggest hurdle is taking that first step and going to your first session. It feels daunting but it will surprise you. Take a leap of faith and see where it takes you. I did, and Iâm so grateful that I did.â
A Glossop mum is encouraging others to seek help after online NHS talking therapy helped her better understand and manage anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Amy, 27, was referred to NHS Tameside and Glossop Talking Therapies, after experiencing severe anxiety about her unborn baby's health.
The anxiety became so overwhelming that Amy avoided crowded places and seeing friends, fearful of catching an illness while pregnant. She had regular hospital scans and check-ups, convinced that something could go wrong at any time.
Amy explains: âIt was all I could think about. I became very isolated and believed that something was wrong with me because I couldnât enjoy being pregnant the way that other people did.â
After an assessment with Kathryn, cognitive behavioural therapist, they identified Amyâs symptoms were linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Looking back, Amy realised that her OCD had been behind many of her behaviours, including repeatedly checking doors, locks, the oven and other appliances, alongside her ongoing struggles with health anxiety.
Amy added: âIt was a lightbulb moment for me. Suddenly I understood why I had struggled in the way that I did. I felt so much better in knowing myself and knowing that, with the right help, I could have hope again.â
âFrom the get-go, Kathryn made me feel at ease. Her support felt truly tailored to my specific needs, it was really personalised and special.â
"The process was so simple. Having therapy online saved me a lot of travelling time and took away the worry of how Iâd manage to attend each week.â