Our Stories

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 
Featured Story
Karl Lewis
My history with mental health goes back to 2007 with the break up of my marriage which was very hard to deal with. Unfortunately things got so bad i had to finish work and it was the best part of 7 years before I worked again. My issue is anxiety which at times can be so debilitating. In the past it has got so bad that on 2 occasions I have spent time in a mental health hospital. Right now i am in a really good place and I have been a part of HIMvisible for 18 months. The group is amazing and I'm proud to be a part of it. For the past 4 years i have worked in mental health which is challenging but very rewarding. I hope my story can inspire others to realise there can be light at the end of a dark tunnel.

Never give up and keep fighting!
Featured Story
 Tom Muir
My name is Tom Muir and I’m a proud member of HIMvisible. 

I joined the group because I suffer from anxiety and depression and wanted to talk about how I was feeling and learn from all other people on how they’re dealing with their issues. I started getting my symptom’s in my early twenties and struggled to understand what they were because I never had them before and they were terrifying, as time went on and a few trips to the doctors I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression caused by issues of childhood and one or two wrong decisions in life. Years have gone by and my life has got better mainly by meeting my wife and having two amazing kids but there are still times where it creeps up and gets me. This group is really important to me as its giving me clarity that I’m not alone and hope that we can break the stigma of men’s mental health and a safe place where men can discuss the issues we don’t speak about because us men have to keep it all in as its soft to feel things and we just get on with it BUT WE DON’T. 

This group has made me and many others learn that its OK not to be OK and WE CAN TALK ABOUT IT and I will be forever proud to be a part of this amazing group of people.
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