The Turning Point

Seeking Help: The Hardest Step – Therapy, Support, and Self-Acceptance

Admitting that I needed help was the hardest thing I ever had to do. For years, I carried the weight of my grief, trauma, and depression in silence, convinced that I had to figure it out on my own. Society had conditioned me to believe that seeking help was a sign of weakness, especially as a man. But the truth is, asking for help was the most courageous thing I ever did.

Therapy wasn’t an immediate solution, but it became a safe space where I could finally voice my pain without fear of judgment. Talking through my experiences allowed me to unravel the knots of guilt and self-blame that had tightened over time. I also found support in unexpected places, friends who truly listened, support groups that provided solidarity, and professionals who guided me through the darkest moments. But most importantly, I had to learn to accept myself, scars and all. Self-acceptance was a journey, not a destination, and every step forward was a victory against the demons of self-doubt.

I must emphasise that I had very solid and good friends and certain relatives who gathered and ensured I was looked after and taken care of on many levels, for this I cannot thank them enough. I was truly blessed with this and also receiving professional help such as Hypnotherapy and CBT together with FSM treatment made my recovery journey easier.

Rebuilding My Life – Finding Purpose Through Advocacy and Community Work

As I gradually healed, I realised that my pain had given me a unique perspective, one that could help others. Instead of allowing my past to define me, I used it as fuel to drive change. I immersed myself in advocacy, focusing on mental health awareness, men’s well-being, and breaking the stigma around seeking support.

Joining HumansBeing as a non-executive director allowed me to amplify my voice, reaching people who needed to hear that they were not alone. Through community outreach, workshops, and my radio programs, I shared my journey, hoping to inspire others to take that first, difficult step toward healing. Raising over £100,000 for mental health initiatives wasn’t just about the funds, it was about building a movement where people felt seen, heard, and supported.

Radio broadcasting on the local community radio station also allowed me to work as an occupational therapist, which helped me to heal. This new chapter of my life gave me something I had lost, purpose. And with purpose came a renewed sense of self-worth.

Writing Alive Today – How Sharing My Story Became My Therapy

One of the most transformative aspects of my healing was writing Alive Today. Initially, it was never meant to be a book. It started as an attempt to make sense of my emotions, a collection of raw thoughts poured onto paper in the dead of night when sleep evaded me. But as the pages filled, I realised something profound, writing was my therapy.

Each word helped me process the pain, each chapter a step closer to understanding myself. The act of sharing my experiences not only lifted a burden off my shoulders but also resonated with others who had walked similar paths. When Alive Today was published, I was overwhelmed by the response. People reached out, sharing how my story had given them hope, courage, and, most importantly, the reassurance that they were not alone in their struggles.

Writing my book wasn’t just about telling my story, it was about creating a space where vulnerability was strength and where healing was possible. Through Alive Today, I found my voice, and in doing so, I helped others find theirs.

Looking back, my turning point wasn’t a single moment but a series of choices, seeking help, embracing purpose, and sharing my truth. And for that, I am truly grateful.