A man from Hampshire has shared how being a part of Solent Mind has helped him with his depression and suicidal thoughts.

On World Suicide Prevention Day, Simon Eddy, 48, opened up about his struggles and how being part of the Hampshire charity's lived experience participation panel has aided his recovery and allowed him to help others.

His battle with depression began in his 20s, following a traumatic experience.

Mr Eddy explained: "I suffered a traumatic experience as a teenager, which left me with feelings of an undue sense of responsibility and guilt that I couldn’t do more to protect my family during a physical assault."

He also suffered a severe concussion and was left with feelings of confusion and a lack of support upon returning to school.

He continued: "After that, I spent a great deal of my twenties suffering with severe depression and feelings of suicide, but just tried to press on with life as best I could, without assistance."

His mental health challenges were further exacerbated by two minor transient ischemic attack strokes in his early 30s, the loss of his father and aunt, and the breakdown of his marriage.

(Image: Solent Mind)

Four years ago, after a severe decline in his mental health, Mr Eddy was sectioned under the Mental Health Act and spent two months in St. James' Hospital in Portsmouth.

He said: "It was a difficult time, I was confined to the wards and was trying to come to terms with what had happened to me."

After leaving hospital, Mr Eddy spent a night on the streets before being placed in a local B&B.

He said: "It’s taken about four years to reach the point where my conditions improved, and I am now off the medication."

Mr Eddy now has his own company, providing business consultancy, and does voluntary work and lived experience hours for Solent Mind and the NHS.

He said: "I have become a voice for mental health lived experience, and I feel valued.

"No-one should have to suffer in silence and I’m glad that support is now available for people going through difficult times."