Jo Kelly, a 40-year-old mother from Solihull, faced a harrowing journey that left her with more than just physical scars. At 22, Jo was diagnosed with cancer and given only months to live without a matching stem cell donor. Miraculously, a donor was found, and she underwent life-saving surgery. Years later, her young son Dylan was born with a rare genetic condition requiring frequent hospital visits and medical procedures.
Though Jo always tried to stay strong, the stress of her son’s health, combined with her past trauma, took a toll on her mental wellbeing. Initially believing she was suffering from general anxiety, a perceptive health visitor suggested she try NHS talking therapies. It was through therapy that Jo realized she had been battling undiagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for years.
Jo underwent eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, which transformed how she coped with her traumatic memories and emotions. During her son’s medical procedures, Jo found herself calmer and more capable of supporting him without anxiety taking over. Since completing therapy one year ago, Jo reports better sleep, decreased worry, and a stronger presence in her daily life.
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An avid cyclist, Jo has since achieved gold medals in Time Trial and Team Triathlon representing Team GB at the World Transplant Games. She now advocates for mental health support, urging people to recognize when they need help and to self-refer for NHS Talking Therapies.
“After so many health challenges, I thought I was just anxious. But therapy revealed years of trauma I hadn’t processed,” Jo said. “PTSD can happen to anyone; life is unpredictable. Therapy changed everything — I sleep better, worry less, and truly live in the moment. If you need help, seek it early. Time is precious.”
Mental health conditions affect around one in five adults in England, with approximately 9.4 million people experiencing common mental health issues. Despite more people accessing NHS support since the pandemic, many still miss out on vital treatments.
NHS Talking Therapies offer practical skills for managing conditions such as OCD, social anxiety, PTSD, panic disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and phobias. Importantly, anyone can self-refer online without needing a GP referral or a prior mental health diagnosis.
Dr. Adrian James, NHS England’s national medical director for mental health and neurodiversity, emphasized the significance of this support: “Our message is clear—if you’re struggling with your mental health, NHS Talking Therapies are available to help you regain confidence, return to work, and improve social wellbeing. Don’t hesitate to seek help early.”