Colin is graduating exactly three years on since suicide bid
A Perth College UHI graduate is dedicating his new degree to helping those with mental health illnesses - three years to the day after he attempted suicide.
Colin McNicol (67) celebrated with thousands of other Perth graduates in the Fair City yesterday after completing his Professional Development Award (PDA) in mental health peer support.
Part-time tree surgeon Colin was admitted to Murray Royal Hospital in 2016 after trying to take his own life, saying he was “feeling like an empty vessel”.
However, since then the fatherof-three has hailed the work of the likes of Murray Royal Hospital and local charities Mindspace and Andy’s Man Club for helping him on his road to recovery.
He said: “It is three years to the day that I was told I had an illness after being admitted to Murray Royal Hospital after trying to take my own life.
“This illness is called major depression disorder (MDD) and I had been suffering from this for a number of years without knowing it.
“A couple of days before I tried to take my life the doctor put me on antidepressants.
“I was a big hardy timber contractor and thought that nothing bothered me, just like many other men.
“It robbed me of energy, motivation and feelings. I was numb - it imprisoned me in my own flat. “I lost interest in everything. “This went on for months even though I was on medication.
“Medication has its place but as hard as it is, the effort has to come from within you.”
With help from his family, who were watching him graduate yesterday, Colin found out about the Perth College UHI course which would change his life.
“I heard about a course called a PDA,” he added.
“They were looking for people with life experience in mental health.
“I applied and got accepted. I couldn’t believe I could be a graduate at 67.
“The reason I wanted to do this course was to learn more about my own mental health and to help others.
“It took a year but I passed with support from all of these groups including the Walled Garden at Murray Royal and Perth College.
“The academic side was not easy and I felt like walking away a few times but with a lot of hard study I got there.
“I think I have done well for a man who left school at 14 with no qualifications.”
According to his psychiatrist, the trigger for Colin’s issues was the bankruptcy of his previously successful business 15 years ago.
But since his diagnosis Colin has become a facilitator at Andy’s Man Club and also helps others at Smart Recovery meetings at CATH Day Centre, amongst others.
He said these clubs have helped turn his life around.
“I decided to learn more about my mental health,” Colin added.
“That was the start of my recovery when my daughter took me to Mindspace. I started talking to people and I realised what they were talking about was the same symptoms. I was not alone anymore.
“What Andy’s Mans Club does is give men a chance to open up in a safe environment and share with others. “This club is a lifesaver. “I don’t know where I would be today if not for all the family and many friends that have stood by me and not judged me, and the groups mentioned before - thank you all.
“Today I now realise that time is precious. I am a survivor not a victim.
“To all the people out there who identify these symptoms reach out to any of these groups, there is no shame in having an illness that can be treated and most of all don’t give up hope your not alone.”
• Smart Recovery meetings take place at CATH Day Centre in Perth on Thursdays from 6.30pm.
Mindspace, on York Place, offers support and education to young people and adults and can be contacted on 01738 631657.
Andy’s Man Club is a suicide prevention group that gives men over 18 the chance to speak openly. It meets at McDiarmid Park on Monday nights from 7pm-9pm and can be contacted at perth@andysmanclub. co.uk