The struggle with depression is something no man should ever have to go through alone. To think that it’s been ingrained as young kids that you can’t speak up when you are struggling, that it’s weak or embarrassing to say how you feel and men are meant to suppress those thoughts.

I know this first hand. I struggled a lot with my mental health throughout the years as a young kid coming onto the Paralympic scene at 15 with no idea how to manage my emotions and the highs and lows of being in the sporting arena.

I moved away from home for my sport before I really had a chance to grow and mature. I would bottle up all my emotions. I was angry at the small things, basing my whole life around going to the track for training and going home, never going out to see anyone. All I wanted to do was be by myself.

Eventually you just break down. The pressure to perform at a high level all the time when you aren’t taking care of yourself is damn near impossible! I began to really dislike what I was doing. My motivation levels weren’t there and it was a struggle each day.

It took an old training partner and close friend of mine to really push me into getting some help… that it was okay to speak to a professional and you aren’t weak for this. He also let me know that he had spoken to someone in the past. This changed my perception of it.

It is so important to know that you aren’t alone!

I talk to a professional every fortnight and I have no doubt it changed my life for the better.

We as men need to kick the idea that it’s weak to need help. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone if that’s family, your partner, professionals or even a close mate. Let them know you are having a hard time and that it’s okay!

A healthy mindset is the strongest thing you can do. Make those first steps getting in to see a professional or pick up your phone and call a mate.

Depression is nothing to be ashamed of!

— Rheed McCracken