You’re never alone – there is always someone available 24 hours a day
After experiencing anxiety and depression for many years, Tyson attempted suicide and hit crisis point. With support from his family and the Army’s mental health service, he is now in a much better place.
Trigger warning: This article mentions suicide
I’m in my 30s recovering from anxiety and depression. I’ve experienced anxiety since I was about 9 years old, but back then, mental health wasn’t openly discussed or taught about as it is now. My family was going through a lot and I lacked the support I needed. As a result, I kept many of my feelings to myself, leading to anger outbursts and tantrums that were met with responses like “shut up or I’ll give you something to cry for.”
Inevitably, I grew up hiding my thoughts and feelings, and it became my way of life. This bottling up continued until I attempted suicide while on Army training overseas, after the death of my best friend. Fortunately, another soldier recognised what I was about to do and stopped me just in time. This was a wake-up call that silenced the voice in my head for a while.
Years later, after enduring more of life’s struggles whilst silently suffering from anxiety, the voice returned. At a Sergeants Mess function, I felt out of place and the voice came back with a vengeance. When I got home, I stayed awake in the kitchen while my family and a friend slept upstairs, unaware that I had decided to take my life. My wife sensed something was wrong and came downstairs after the deed was done. Thankfully, I’m still alive to share this story.
– Tyson"After much persuasion, I sought help from the Army’s mental health service. Living with anxiety and depression now, I have the right tools and methods to manage daily life and keep negative thoughts and feelings at bay."
I’ve found that spreading mental health awareness through my creativity is therapeutic. I wrote and directed a short film based on my experiences and authored a children’s book on mental health. I’ve recently visited schools to discuss my book and my experiences in workshops, giving foundational mental health advice to pupils.
If I would have said to myself back when my social anxiety was keeping me indoors, that I’d be standing in front of a school delivering a workshop, I’d never believe myself. This goes to show that recovery and a positive outcome is possible. I know taking the first step towards therapy may seem daunting, but it’s the best decision you can make to start the healing process for your mental health.
– Tyson"Please speak out. You’re never alone.
There is always someone available 24 hours a day whether through text, chat, phone lines or in person."
Getting Help
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More information
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