A WEYMOUTH man is encouraging people to open up about their mental health after he experienced a period of darkness which culminated in him working for the service that helped him through his troubles.

Lockdowns, restrictions and hardship have contributed to a major increase in mental health issues during the pandemic with many struggling to cope and finding it hard to discuss their problems.

Now Chris Jones, who works as a Peer Support Practitioner with Steps 2 Wellbeing, a free NHS mental health support service run by Dorset HealthCare, wants to use his experience to help others.

The job came after he turned to the service during one of the darkest moments of his life. Now, in the wake of this month’s national Time To Talk Day Mr Jones wants others to open up about their problems.

Mr Jones said: “I’ve been to some incredibly dark places where I found it tough to ask for help and admit to myself, I wasn’t coping.

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“I felt so alone and didn’t want to burden friends with my problems as I didn’t think that they would understand.

“It got to the point where I wasn’t really going out of the house, and eventually I was struggling to want to get up in the morning.”

Chris visited his GP who referred him to Steps 2 Wellbeing for talking therapy.

“I wasn’t very open with my therapist to begin with but the questions she asked and the way she understood me put me at ease.

“I broke down a few times but there was no judgement, I was in a safe place where I could explore how I was feeling.

“I began to understand that I was far from alone and there was nothing ‘wrong’ with me – there were plenty of others all experiencing the same thoughts and feelings I was.

“My therapy sessions helped me become aware of my negative cycle of thoughts and take back control of how they affected me.

“There are still days where I feel low or anxious, but I use techniques I learned during my appointments, and am able to catch things sooner.

“I use my experiences to help others open up and find a way forward. If you feel like you have no one to talk to, remember that Steps 2 Wellbeing is here to listen.”

If you need help you can speak to your GP or by contacting the service directly at www.steps2wellbeing.co.uk

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