‘There is hope’

“There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” implores a dad-ofthree who himself attempted suicide seven years ago.

In 2014, John Nicholson was working a high-pressure job in the City of London when he made an attempt on his life.

“There were life pressures, work pressures, commuting pressures, “recalls John, 54, from Herne Bay.

“I had my wife and children, and they had no idea how ill Iwas.

“I woke up on the morning of September 7, 2014, very much wanting to end everything.”

But thankfully a door slamming in an upstairs room of his home jolted him, and he abandoned his attempt.

“I just lay on the floor crying my eyes out,” he said.

John returned to work as if nothing had happened.

But a few days later he collapsed with chest pains caused by stress, and was signed off work for three months.

John made the brave step of reaching out to his loved ones and friends, and began talking about his mental health struggles.

He left his job and trained as a driving instructor and today runs The Community Driving School - a community interest company helping give disadvantaged people invaluable access to driving lessons - which he says has given him “a purpose”.

John says it is vital for people to discuss mental wellbeing, to help break the stigma surrounding it.

He advises: “Always ask good friends how they’re feeling twice.

“And actually listen to the response, and listen to what they’re not saying.”

To those struggling as he was seven years ago, he says: “It’s vitally important that you see that whilst you’re in that dark place, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

“You might not see it yet, but there is one there.

“I now know that no matter how bad things can seem and things are in your life, you can overcome it. It is possible.

“Although the path you’re treading may seem a long one, it may seem a lonely and a dark one, you’re not alone. Reach out to people.

“You might not see those people next to you, but they’re there.”

John Nicholson