On the 5th of October 2009 I was involved in a very serious motorbike accident. Initially I was told that I had broken 8 ribs, punctured my lung, broke both scapulas, 2 bones in my elbow and my heel. The Doctors then discovered that I had a burst compression fracture of the lumbar spine, from that moment on I feared the worst and thought that I would never be able to walk again. I spent nearly 2 months in hospital and over a couple of years I had 3 spinal operations, I now have 14 screws and titanium rods in my spine to keep it stabilised. My injuries left me being unable to work for over 5 years.

Since my accident I have suffered with depression, anxiety and PTSD. I had good days and bad days, but sometimes those bad days turned into weeks and months. I suffered in silence for years, then I decided to go and get help. It has been the best decision I have ever made, I am now able to cope a lot better and talking about my mental health makes it easier to live with.

The reason why I am sharing my story is to try and raise as much awareness as I can about mental health issues and to raise much needed funds for Pieta House to continue their great work. If I can help just one person then I have made a difference. Helping one person won't change the world, but it could change the world for one person. If anyone is suffering from mental health issues remember it is okay not to be okay. The most important thing is to get professional help.

A little bit about Pieta House:

In 2006, Pieta House opened its doors in Lucan, County Dublin and since that day they have seen and helped over 40,000 people. In 2018 alone, nearly 8000 people went through their doors suffering from suicidal ideation and/or engaging in self-harm, or to avail of suicide bereavement counselling.