Exercise and talking have really helped
Bob Flood, 40, a sales manager for a property tech company, lives in Preston, Lancashire, with his wife Becky, 38, son Caleb, nine, and six-year-old twins Grace and Isobel
I probably started suffering from anxiety and depression in my teens, but I didn’t accept it back then as it felt like a weakness. People thought of me as a happy, outgoing lad, so I spent a lot of time masking how I was really feeling.
My mental health struggles peaked just before my son was born around nine years ago. I worried I wouldn’t cope and spiralled into depression.
I was angry, fed up and lonely, but I just wanted to be on my own. Luckily, I was able to talk about it with my wife, Becky, who encouraged me to get help. I went to see a doctor who prescribed medication and I had some talking therapy on the NHS, which was great. I still look at the notes when I’m not feeling at my best.
Exercise has also helped me a lot over the years. I used to play football when I was younger. I loved the physicality, camaraderie and having a laugh with the lads afterwards. But I got a knee injury, so I started swimming instead. Then in 2016, a friend and I spontaneously decided to sign up for a 10km outdoor swimming competition in the Lake District, which is when I got into wild swimming. Getting out into the open water allows me to switch off from everything and just focus on myself.
When lockdown hit and I couldn’t swim I found it tough, so I started walking instead. Just getting outside in the fresh air, hearing the birds and feeling the rain, it all helped. Now I run a monthly walk for local men in Preston as part of the Walk & Talk 4 Men initiative (walkandtalk4men.com).
It’s just good to get out in nature, do some exercise and have a conversation. It took years for me to open up to my family about my depression and anxiety.
Still, after working as an ambassador for Movember, I’m now happy to talk to anyone – people I know or people I don’t – because I understand how much it helps.