A Northern Ireland man who has been open about his battles with mental health issues has launched a new podcast to bring hope to others.
Steve Caldwell has been suffering with anxiety and depression for the last decade, describing it as crippling at times. The classroom assistant from Antrim says at times he has been taken over by his anxiety, "like a storm".
His new podcast 'Here's The Thing', will hope to offer a platform for conversation surrounding mental health, in a "no nonsense" style.
Read more: Antrim classroom assistant on living with 'crippling anxiety'
Speaking to Belfast Live, Steve said his life changed the day he sent a text to his friends to tell them he was finding it tough.
"I’ll never forget the day I sent my first message to my friends telling them I was struggling with my mental health," he said.
"My thumb hoovered over the phone like my life was about to change as soon as it landed on send. And it did. I'm grateful on the other end of my nerves were my family and my friends Chris, Keith, Niall, Stuart and Sarah Jayne.
"Creating a safe space for me to express how I was doing is something they all do seamlessly. As I’ve journeyed the seasons of mental illness I’ve encountered in my 30s, having loved ones around me who make me feel safe sharing uncomfortable feelings has been a Godsend.
"At the start of 2022 I began to wonder how many people wake up without people to talk to. It’s then that I started to think about launching a podcast. With the help of my friends Ruth Scott and Steven Henderson along with the sponsorship from Top of the Town and Brian Close transport, we began to record different people and launched our podcast this week.
"Here’s the thing as it’s called, is a straight talking, no nonsense matter about mental health. Released monthly - I hope that it is the catalyst for conversation about mental health. It’s that simple. I hope someone listens and it helps them fight, believe and hold on to hope as they walk through mental ill health."
You can find out more information, and podcast details through this link.
Anyone who needs to talk to someone about mental health issues can call the Samaritans on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.
READ NEXT:
Belfast mum's message to Stormont after losing son to suicide
West Wellbeing looks to the future as they try to meet demand
Belfast man's special tribute after losing brother to suicide
Belfast hub delivers 1,000 hours of free mental health support in first months
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
