In 2017 my doctor told me I was suffering from depression and unfortunately, my story is probably a lot like many other men. 

I was "forced" to speak due to the fact I broke down in tears in front of my fiancee. I had been struggling for many years but would always brush it away as nothing, for fear of how people would perceive me. I didn't want to look "weak". Finally the feeling became too much during a routine trip to the bank, I was physically frozen in my car, unable to reach for the door handle, instead, I sat there crying. I drove home and as soon as I walked in the door I broke down fully, I was exhausted from hiding it from the people I loved and from lying to myself, the emotion simply became too much.

I received counselling, something I fully advocate as it allowed me to speak to someone who I knew I wasn't "burdening" and it allowed me to explore reasons behind why I felt the way I did. I now have a better grip on my mental health and have coping mechanisms in place to help me. I still have the occasional blip, but I'm human and I know I can beat it.

I would say to anyone feeling low, please, speak to someone like CALM who will not judge and will not give you bad advice.

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK. Our goal is a life less miserable for you, your friends, your family and for all men.CALM PROVIDES>A free and anonymous helpline 0800 58 58 58 and webchat (5pm-12am daily) staffed by trained professionals>Bereavement support >A website www.theCALMzone.net with inspiring content by men for men>Campaigns tackling stereotypes of masculinity, suicide and male mental health.Help us save lives.