Elvis impersonator praises mental health worker for help

Stephen Nearey, from Preston on the Hill, says his state of mind had declined so much he could not imagine ever having the confidence to perform as his hero again.

But now, after exploring his problems during computer-based therapy sessions offered by a Warrington charity, the 72-year-old once again feels like the King.

The retired businessman, who has previously trained to be a Catholic monk, said his mental health started to take a dip during a long recovery from a knee operation.

“The surgery and recuperation was much worse than I was expecting,” he said.

“I wasn't able to do much for what felt like ages, and I inevitably spent too much time in my own head.

“I worked until I turned 70 and am usually very sociable and outgoing, so I found all the sitting around really hard.

Elvis impersonator Stephen Nearey has credited a mental health worker with helping him back into his blue suede shoes

“I started getting very emotional over everything, I was agitated and bad tempered and even started having crying spells.

“It’s not an easy thing for a man to admit, but eventually, persuaded by my wife, I told my GP I couldn't cope anymore.”

Stephen was expecting to be offered medication, but was surprised when his GP suggested he try cCBT, or computerised cognitive behavioural therapy.

The serial entrepreneur was offered weekly computer-based sessions, free of charge by Psychological Wellbeing Service, which is operated by Bewsey-based adult health and social care charity Making Space.

Stephen was set exercises to complete each week to start to address his anxiety and depression.

He also had one-to-one talking sessions with psychological wellbeing practitioner Sarah Booth, an experienced worker for the charity.

“The therapy was all about understanding what causes my anxiety and depression, learning about triggers, dealing with symptoms by practising breathing techniques, and starting to rebuild my confidence and self-esteem,” said Stephen.

Elvis impersonator Stephen Nearey has credited a mental health worker with helping him back into his blue suede shoes

“The computerised exercises were great, but the one-on-one time I received from Sarah was just amazing.

“At first, I couldn't find any words and I just cried. I was brought up not to show any emotion or weakness in front of other people, so it was a very strange experience for me.

“But Sarah wasn't phased and just waited for me to get it out of my system and start to compose myself again. I felt like a massive weight had been lifted before we even started to talk.

“Sarah kept me on track with my online sessions and helped me to regain my confidence. Just knowing she was there was like a lifeline to me.”

Stephen now wants to use his experience to draw attention to mental health problems in men, which he says are too often left unspoken.

He hopes to give some talks to other men about overcoming mental health issues and plans to perform again as Elvis as soon as restrictions allow to raise funds for Making Space, which provided the free therapy.

You can ask your GP for a referral to Psychological Wellbeing Service or self-refer by emailing masp.wellbeing@nhs.net or calling 01925 581755.