Our Stories
The HIMvisible team share their experience with mental health

Our Stories

We measure our success in actual lives changed. These stories are a testament to the difference that people can make when we come together to create lasting change for men's mental health.

Featured Story

Steve Thornton

It all started in 2010 when at the age of 31 my wife and young children left me. To say my whole world had come crashing down is an understatement. We had been together for ten years, so the thought of living without her and my very young children was unbearable. I found the new transition to single life a struggle and started to envision ways to make the pain all go away. Suicidal thoughts became a daily ritual, how would I end it?
What would be the most painless ways and away from loved ones to ensure they never found me. I felt alone, isolated, with no one to talk to, however stumbled upon an Employee assistance program within my workplace and thankfully dialled the number. Thank god I did, as it helped me hugely. However this wasn’t the end, yes it helped me to focus away from suicidal thoughts, but I have always struggled since with self-worth and being good enough. I turned to many self-help books and worked hard within my job and have slowly transitioned into a life which is fulfilled with my new wife Kate. I still have down days, but thanks to the support from Kate, my kids and a handful of brilliant friends see the positives of life. 

I will never forget my fight with depression/mental health and want to do my bit to give back to help others through HIMvisible.
Featured Story
Paul Hankin
I am a recovering alcoholic and I suffer majorly with depression and anxiety mainly if i drink alcohol. I also suffer with PTSD as I served 7 years in the Army as an infantry soldier mainly in Northern Ireland 

I have always had drink in my life but a series of events made me hit it hard, I lost my best friend to suicide, then another to heart failure, then my ex wife the mother of my children passed away to cancer all in a period of 6 months. I was very close to death because of drink in 2017 

Finding HIMvisible was just such a relief for me and knowing there was more help rather than counselling ( which wasn't great for me ) going to the meetings has helped me dramatically as we are just every day Men talking about our issues but by sharing we help each other so much. 

I have had my ups and downs but the HIMvisible Team have always had my back checking up on me by any means possible just to see of im doing ok and for that im sincerely grateful indeed 

Honoured to part of this incredible team