Simon’s story 

Four years ago, Simon was bottling up how low he was feeling. Struggling financially and arguing with his wife, he began drinking to cope. Watch his story to see how opening up was the first step to changing his life.

Content warning: the following story discusses experiences of suicidal feelings.

Why bottling things up doesn’t work

Simon didn’t realise he was struggling with his mental health. A series of personal challenges, his mum’s cancer, his father-in-law's heart attack, a miscarriage, and the financial pressure of providing for his family pushed him to use drinking to escape.

"It was probably my coping mechanism after I’d had a bad day at work."

Simon knew he needed help. He’d tried counselling before but didn’t find it helped him. This time, he attended Andy’s Man Club – a weekly peer-to-peer support group where men can talk openly.  

In that group, Simon shared how he felt for the first time. He was scared that he was going to ruin everything and said he didn’t know where to turn. One of the group members, who Simon still speaks to today, stood up and said: "This will be the best move you ever make."

Opening up changed Simon’s life. His relationships with loved ones are stronger, and he no longer turns to alcohol to cope.

Simon now encourages other men like him to speak up, rather than bottle up their emotions or turn to alcohol as a way to cope. He says that if someone is struggling and not opening up, he hopes his journey can help inspire them to take that first step - and to just reach out and start their own.

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