A BROMSGROVE man has urged people to speak up about mental health ahead of ‘Blue Monday’, January 21, which is commonly considered as the most ‘depressing day of the year’.
Dan Pendry-Moore is backing the ‘Now We’re Talking’ campaign which is raising awareness of Worcestershire Healthy Minds – a free, NHS-run service supporting people with issues such as stress and anxiety.
The Healthy Mind service offers group therapy, online support and one-to-one counselling.
Dan, 30, was diagnosed with depression when he was 27 after having a breakdown at work.
“Looking back now I am certain I was battling it for a while,” said Dan.
“But being a typical bloke, I bottled everything up because I thought getting help was a sign of weakness.”
After Dan had his first child he realised he needed to be strong and to decided to seek help.
He said: “I met an amazing specialist using Healthy Minds called Andrew who I really admired. He took a friendly approach with me, allowed me to talk to him, genuinely listened to me and gave me tips to help me with my depression.
“It was great because these were practical tips which really suited my lifestyle.”
Dan owns the modified car club called SadBoiRaceClub where he is actively raising awareness of mental health in the local community and helps others with their struggles.
For more information about the Healthy Minds service call 01905 766124 or visit www.nowweretalking.nhs.uk
Follow the campaign on Twitter @NowWereTalking and on facebook.com/NowWereTalkingWorcs.
