Martin's Story for Men's Health Awareness Month

We have taken great care not to provide specifics, however we feel it is still appropriate to advise you.

Throughout November we are focusing on men’s health, with stories each week from men who have faced physical or mental health issues in the workplace.

This week, we are covering stress as it is International Stress awareness week (4-8 November). Martin Bramwell from Gorsey Point stepped forward to share his experience, after being inspired by Moses’ story for World Mental Health Day.

"I’ve lived in Runcorn for around 40 years now, and for 30 of those I’ve worked for the NHS Supply Chain, starting on the shop floor before progressing to Team Leader. I’ve faced difficulties across the years, but I always fought through and managed to keep my head above water (just).

No one day was the same, I felt that I was held in good regard, being supported with my development, which resulted in passing my Project Managers course. All was well and I felt appreciated.

I was asked to oversee the replacement of the old unusable transport office and, working with other more experienced Project Managers, I oversaw the ordering of a new porta cabin with all the office electrics, fire alarm systems being removed and replaced until it was fit for use. I quickly moved on to support other projects, such as the refurbishment of the old canteen.

It was around 2015 when my colleagues first noticed I was becoming distant, falling deeper into a quiet state, not talking, getting moody and snappy. I found myself experiencing highs and lows on the same day. At the time there were no mental health first aiders to go to and, being a man, it was hard to admit things were bad.

My days became blurred. I seemed to be looking over my shoulder wondering things, like who and what people thought of me. Things worsened and the simple things, like being the joker in the team and keeping everyone happy, became a toil. I was unable to be myself - growing inward, putting on a mask at work and pretending all was well was tiring. In the end my marriage broke down. I lost my family and I ended up homeless and cold on the street. I lost my car. Everything was a mess.

I eventually found a bedsit, but was fighting to keep going day to day. I set a plan and stuck to it even though I was constantly depressed. I turned to drink at weekends and my health deteriorated to the point of not caring.

Despite being on medication I stopped taking it regularly - it was as and when I remembered. I felt that I was best not to be where I was and put a nail in a coffin each day. After several months, I found new friends and started to fight, spoke to a doctor, and had counselling which gave me purpose again.

I picked myself up, got my family back and began to grow again. It was a hard road to travel but with lots of help from friends and family I got myself back on track. Work improved and I started to get better with the help of medication.

In November 2022, I took another downward turn - it felt like I was under a microscope from above and that the more I did the more I was failing. My workload became too much as I was worrying about a family members’ health issues which led to a slump in my concentration.

Issues in work just compounded everything I was feeling, and the result was a massive downward turn where I tried to take my own life. I struggled to get myself back and was on suicide watch with my medication taken off of me and hand fed to me daily.

It was only with support from family and friends and colleagues in work checking, talking and keeping a watch on me that I ended up at the doctors and got the professional help I needed. I was supported at work and things have mentally and physically improved.

Over time I have tried to get myself back to the place I’d like to be. I’ve found it easier to sit back, relax and not worry about things. Having the help of mental health first aiders, doctors, councillors, the use of tools such as colouring books and setting tasks to keep busy does help.

Today I sit at my desk and I’m living proof that help is out there if you ask, and anyone struggling should never be afraid to ask for help. It is difficult at the start, and it is an exceedingly difficult journey that takes time and patience, but with the support of those closest to you, you can make it back.

You must have faith in yourself, you are a good person, and you are worth saving. No matter what people around you think. Since I moved to Gorsey Point I have had more people around me who understand, and I can feel my confidence coming back. I’d like to specifically mention Janet Entwistle, one of our Mental Health First Aiders who has been an incredible help for me. Thank you.

I still have a way to go in trusting the people around me, I try not to let things get to me, which helps massively. I hope by sharing my journey to date, it goes some way to helping somebody else.

Remember it's not only you who will have issues, others who work alongside you do too, and we all need help at some point.”

We all struggle, if that's you, you're not alone and by finding the courage to open up you will help yourself to understand what you need to do next.

For a confidential conversation with a caring colleague you can reach out to a Mental Health First Aider directly, or by sending a message through Here4U, or you can call TELUS Health One on 0800 169 1920 to speak in confidence with a counsellor.

As a Unipart colleague, to actively support and promote good mental health you can download a FREE mental health coaching app called MyStrength.

All you need is the following code: G13047 to set up your profile.