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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