Neil Middleton, Stone, Staffordshire

In May 2017 I had a cycling accident. It was a very traumatic experience for me. Whilst cycling along a quiet canal towpath I misjudged the height of the next bridge and at a reasonable speed, I collided with the bridge which knocked me unconscious. I ended up following my bike into the canal. I regained consciousness only to find that I was underwater and caught up on my bike at the bottom of the canal. Eventually, I was able to get free but I was in such a panicking state I couldn't think clearly. I had no oxygen left, I accepted I was going to drown. At the very last moment, my feet found the bottom and I just about managed to find the energy to stand up and surface. As I coughed up the water, the shock really hit me and I experienced a massive panic attack. I remember shouting and screaming until my voice gave out. After a very long time, someone walking along helped me get out finally. In the following days and months, I suffered from massive shock, denial, anxiety, panic attacks, fatigue, insomnia, flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts and dreams, endless emotional episodes. Rapid mood swings, poor concentration, memory problems, self-harm and thoughts of suicide. My job became very difficult for me to do it properly. Everyday shopping, going on a train, using lifts all got hard as I found it made my anxiety worse going to places where a lot of people would be. After 9 months of talking therapy, I wasn't getting better. In fact, I was getting worse. Also, I'd analysed my accident so much it had become a habit for me. I thought about it 24hours a day. It was all I could think about. Meeting Chris Allsopp, who is a psychotherapist in Stone, Staffordshire, saved me from my problems getting any worse. Chris understands exactly what it is like to experience pain and difficult times. He was in a serious accident and for 11 years after, a paraplegic and wheelchair bound. He experienced anxiety, panic attacks, pain seizures all the whilst stuck in the wheelchair. After an operation to remove scar tissue, Chris spent 3 years learning to walk again. He spent many years studying psychology and now teaches his own unique course of therapy helping people find happiness and understanding in their lives. Chris helped me to stop looking at my cycling accident for answers that weren't there. How to regain control of my emotions. With his expertise, Chris helped me with my anxiety and panic attacks. It was a truly fantastic moment when Chris helped me to smile for the first time in nearly a year. My memory is slowly improving now. The insight that Chris gives is not difficult and he will go at your own pace. It's best to have a pen and paper with you so you can make a few notes. Ask as many questions as you can, he's there to help you. Chris helped me to overcome a lot of problems. He's made a difference in my life. Thank you .