I HAVE had experiences which I think I would like to talk about.

Since my referral to see a psychiatrist, I have had three jobs. I was referred when my anxiety and depression was causing issues for me at work. Each day I was experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions, from feeling normal to absolutely despising myself.

Months went on before I had heard anything back. I eventually got a letter for an appointment after I had been fired from Amazon after having too many absences.

At my appointment, I was asked questions about how I was feeling, my past, if I understood why I felt that way etc.

This was just to determine what type of help will be needed. As I'm writing this, it has been about 10 months since I have heard anything back. In that time, I have struggled coping at Amazon again, quitting due to stress, and at Graham's The Family Dairy, where I was fired due to absences.

Other than my second job at Amazon, I was very good at my jobs. I would always push myself to work hard, and it gave me a purpose to get up in the morning, however, coping with my mental health in the workplace is something I really need help with.

There are continuous campaigns I often see on social media which encourages people (especially men) to be open about their issues in order to get the help that you need.

I used to keep silent about my issues, but asking for help and getting no response has made me feel unbelievably alone in this struggle.

CONNALL McGEE.