The one lesson I’ve learned from life

Levison Wood

Levison WooD, 36, is a former Army officer and explorer, best known for his Channel 4 series Walking The nile and Walking The Himalayas. He lives in London.

MEN NEED TO TALK ABOUT FEELINGS TOO

Just over a decade ago, one of my best friends from university killed himself. He was only 23 and we had no idea why he’d done it. the assumption was a rapid onset of depression.

until then, I’d had no exposure to illnesses such as depression. Growing up, mental health wasn’t talked about and there was a real stigma attached to it.

today things are different, but I think for men in particular there’s still a stigma. some of the men I served with in Afghanistan ten years ago are suffering now. the military is aware of the need to talk — it’s why they have decompression training. At the end of a tour of duty, soldiers get sent to Cyprus for a few days where everyone has a few beers and gets stuff of their chest.

the problem is when people leave the military and lose touch with their friends. they become isolated. Yet from a male perspective, it’s seen as a weakness to admit your feelings.

I’ve been lucky — I’ve had traumatic experiences including a major car accident in Nepal three years ago, but I’ve not had any negative effects. this might be genetic, which is why I’m interested in a study (GLAD) looking at the links between genetics and mental health.

I’ve had low points — expeditions can be lonely when you’re in the desert and you’ve just broken up with someone. But with my job I have guys around me, local guides, who quickly become friends and I can share my thoughts and feelings with them.

When I was walking the Nile, journalist Matt Power died in my arms after suffering heat stroke. It was traumatic. I spent a long time talking about it with my guide Boston, who is from the Congo.

We need to get across the message that if you have a problem, you should see someone. It might save your life.

Levison is supporting the GLAD study which aims to recruit 40,000 people in england who have experienced anxiety or depression, to examine links between genetics and mental health. To sign up, go to gladstudy.org.uk