A Glasgow dad attempted to take his own life while on a family holiday.
David McWaters “hit rock bottom” while on a trip to Palma Nova this summer leaving him feeling suicidal.
The 43-year-old, who lives in Eaglesham but grew up in the Southside, hadn’t slept in days and struggled to cope with his mental health.
After finding him in a desperate situation, his family and medical professionals helped David and he was able to fly home for more treatment.
Now the dad-of-two feels well for the “first time in years” after finally facing his struggles and opening up about his mental health.
David told the Glasgow Times: “We had been waiting years to save up and finally go on holiday to Palma Nova, but it was a disaster.
“A lot of things had gone wrong and on top of that I hadn’t slept for days which pushed me into a bad mindset, I just snapped.
“I regret it because it was the wrong decision, I don’t want to die, I just didn’t want to feel that way anymore.
“Luckily my partner Alison and the doctors in Majorca helped me and I am still here.
“I also got help immediately when I came home and I am doing much better now.
“I have since worked with a fantastic hypnotherapist and I feel well for the first time in years.”
Brave David hopes his honesty and determination to get better will inspire others in similar situations.
He noticed no one felt comfortable opening up about their feelings while growing up in Glasgow.
Now he hopes he can help remove the stigma by urging others to reach out for support.
David also said: “Growing up in the Southside of Glasgow you didn’t hear people, especially men, talk about their struggles or how they really feel.
“There is no magic wand to fix mental health, it is working progress, but it is worth the effort.
"Not everyone needs to talk but those who do should be able to without the stigma.
“If I had got help at the start of summer when I noticed my mood starting to dip, I would have never gotten so bad.
“I wear my mental health wristband all the time now and when people ask me about it, including customers at work, I just open up and talk to normalise it.”
If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, you are not alone.
Here are helpline numbers for anyone seeking help: Samaritans: Call 116 123.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): Call 0800 58 58 58.
Childline: Call 0800 1111.
You can also text Shout to 85258 for 24-hour support in a crisis.
East Renfrewshire CMHT 01418007809 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) Crisis team 01412327060
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