MEN are almost twice as likely as women to take their own life – and so this Irish father is speaking out about battling depression to try and help others.
Just a year ago, Irish dad Caolán Doherty was in such a dark place that he was seriously considering taking his life.
Then one night in July 2016, the Co. Derry native decided he’d had enough.
"A year ago tonight at around 2 am I tried to kill myself, I had enough after struggling year after year with the black fog that is depression,” Caolán wrote on Facebook.
“Thankfully I was unsuccessful.”
Twelve months on, the 25-year-old is enjoying every second with his infant son Rossa. He shared his brave words alongside an image of himself and Rossa wearing matching jerseys of their favourite football team Celtic.
Doherty credits the arrival of adorable Rossa with helping him make it through that dark time, and hopes sharing his story will encourage other men suffering from suicidal thoughts to speak up.
"Fifteen days later me and my girlfriend found out that she was 3 weeks pregnant. 7 months later we had a son who is a week shy of 5 months," he continued.
"If I had of been successful in taking my life then basically I would be airbrushed out of this photo, I wouldn't exist.
“I would have missed out on the best thing that has ever happened to me. That absolutely terrifies me to think about."
Doherty went on to explain one of the least understood facets of dealing with mental illness – that healing does not happen overnight.
"While I'm not going to lie there has been dark days since and I'll always have to face this illness on a daily basis, it's worth facing, he said.
“It's worth dealing with & most importantly it's worth talking about.”
“For the first time in a long time I'm looking forward to enjoying many more!”
He added: “Keep the faith!”
Caolán’s message of hope has now been shared by more than 12,000 people and liked 62,000 times.
He says that for the first time in a long time, he is looking forward to enjoying many more years of life.
Caolán's advice to anyone considering ending their life? “Keep the faith!"
If you are having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Suicide Crisis Line at 1-800-784-2433 in the UK.
If in Ireland please call the National Suicide Helpline at 1-800-247-247 or Pieta House at 01-623-5606.
See More: Caolan Doherty, Featured, Mental Health, Suicide
