Josh wants shop to help mental health recovery

A YOUNG entrepreneur who has battled a mood disorder since childhood is aiming to lift the lid on the mental illness.

Josh Downes said he began self-harming at the age of 11 and would often beat himself so badly his face would swell up.

The 23-year-old said he wouldn’t tell anyone what had happened, and doctors would assume he had an allergic reaction.

“It first started when I was 11, I started self-harming,” Josh said. “Basically I would beat myself to a point until my face was swollen and that went on for about two years. I was back forth to the hospital but because I wouldn’t tell anyone they just thought my face was swelling.”

Josh said he eventually stopped at about the age of 14 after getting support from a counselling service but his difficulties continued.

“About eight or nine months ago I had a severe breakdown where I was ready to commit suicide, I just had enough,” Josh said.

“I couldn’t deal with what I was dealing with any more and I went to the doctor and I said enough is enough.”

Josh was eventually diagnosed with cyclothymia – a condition similar to bipolar disorder characterised by rapid and severe mood changes.

He received support and medication and says he is now coping with his condition.

And just months later Josh has set up a clothing brand and barbershop called Gekko Rags Lost Boys Club and Clothing, on Cerderwin Terrace in Pontypridd.

Josh said he wants the brand to offer on-trend clothing, but also promote support for mental health recovery.

He said he wants to raise awareness and work towards providing some support within the shop to people needing help.

“I want to make the Lost Boys Club somewhere where people can go to get help and be pointed in the right direction,” he said.

“I was called a lost boy by my partner and that is what I used to be.”

Josh is speaking with mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably to discuss working on future projects.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. Visit www. samaritans.org for more details.