Thank you for taking the time to look at my JustGiving page.

Despite the increased press coverage over the recent years, there is still a stigma attached to problems to stem from mental health. In my view, this is in part due to the fact that most mental health problems are not visible - they are internal struggles that people feel they need to deal with alone. Fortunately, charities like Mind offer support and guidance to both those that suffer from and those that support mental health.

I myself struggle with depression and anxiety and (if I'm brutally honest) I am not great at talking things out. I try to carry on like everything is fine until I can't cope. The thing that always gives me away I have always had is that as my energy dwindles from being fine on the surface, I start to neglect myself. I don't eat well. I stop exercising. I stop seeing friends and family... and I also stop shaving. 

As part of my #YearofGrowth, I am striving to get myself into a better place so I can be the best Father possible to my beautiful little girl. I want to grow my beard to showcase a visual point of reference to what happens when you don't look after your body and mind.

For more information on the amazing support Mind provides, do check out their website and see what your donations can help support:

www.mind.org.uk