Many people deal with mental health issues throughout their lives. My journey with depression and Mental health goes back many years.

I had two close friends who committed suicide, once at the age of 19, another in mid 30s.

There was a co-worker; we had worked together for 8 years in the same building, same office (from my previous organisation). One day I got the news that he had killed himself… just a few minutes before the new year was to begin. I still think what his state of mind would be as he did not want to see another year.

A few years ago, I became increasingly unwell. Not physically, I believe more emotionally, mentally. I was waking up in the early hours unable to sleep; my mind racing with thoughts about work. Whilst driving to work I was totally miserable; the anxiety reached an agonizing peak just as I was parking in the office carpark.

My mother had died a few months before from Cancer and I thought I was coping...evidently, I wasn’t.

I would wake up each day feeling full of dread, like a huge weight pressing down on me. I didn’t want to do anything, talk to anyone, just wanted to be left alone. Until one day, when I heard our 9-year-old saying to my wife, “since grandma passed away, Papa doesn’t laugh or even smile…”

It was at that moment, I realised I was in a state where I couldn’t get the fire under control. I got all my strength together to seek help, to smile, to laugh again with my son.

Communication was the key thing for me, speaking with my extremely close friend is a part of the day, as I believe nothing good comes from keeping it inside.

Diet and exercise became a second nature. Hitting the gym 6 days a week became part of life. The only thing that I have not been able to do is sit still and meditate…my mind goes to food, gardening, landscaping and ice creams, chocolates…

I also make sure I do things that make me happy. I walk a lot and listen to music. I think of this as happiness therapy. I have more energy, a clearer mind, am more productive, sleep better and am happier when I’ve been for a walk.

Now, I’m proud that I have things under control. Experiencing such a difficult period and learning about it has made me a much more compassionate, empathetic, tolerant, patient person.

I’m passionate about tackling mental health issues so if there is anything I can do to help others find the strength to face their own, I will.

Hence this November is again Movember for me…