Sales consultant James McConnell agreed it was important to speak out about emotions.
He suffers from depression. "In 2010 I was working in a call centre when I started to regularly get sharp ear aches. Assuming I had an earinfection, I went to my local GP.
"After a brief examination, he started asking probing life questions about me and my family history, at which point, I burst into tears. Being a 28-year-old male this came as a real shock to me."
Overthe next couple of years he attempted to bottle up his emotions, and tried herbal medication, but felt "in despair".
Having resisted medication he now considers it one of the best decisions he made. "I should have done it sooner.
As we know all too well, we can at times, still struggle to see the forest for the trees. By confronting and coming to terms with this debilitating disease, I now find internal strength during times of endless despair.
"I wish I could say that life is a walk in the park every day but that isn't always attainable.
What I am thrilled to say is that by embracing this disease, I've taken back my own mind and reclaimed the driver's seat of my destiny fuelled by the support and acceptance of family, friends and loved ones."
IF YOU NEED HELP:
■ Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
■ Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO), available 24/7
■ Youthline: 0800 376 633
■ Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
■ Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Monday-Friday 1pm to 10pm; weekends 3pm-10pm
■ Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
■ Rainbow Youth:(09) 376 4155
■ Samaritans 0800 726 666.
the fine print
■ What: Ride for mental health awareness
■ When: Sunday, October 15. Meet at 9am, briefing at 9.45am, depart 10am
■ Where: Meet at Prestige Motorcycles, Newton St, Mount Maunganui
■ Route: Head though Papamoa and along to first stop in Matata, then along Lake Rotoiti stopping in Hamurana for sausage sizzle lunch, and back towards Tauranga through Pyes Pa.
■ How: No entry fee. Donation to Mental Health Foundation.
