James Donaldson on Mental Health - 'Talking about your struggles is the most important thing you can do'

By Alex BlakeIsle Warning - this story contains discussion of suicide and suicidal feelings A mental health coach who spent decades hiding his own struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts has come to the Isle of Man to help parents better support their teenagers.

Neil Kelders is holding workshops to equip people with "simple tools" to recognise and respond to the early warning signs of poor mental health.

He said he was motivated to help others because of his own experiences.

"I hid behind a mask," said Neil, who explained that he had quietly struggled with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts for many years.

'Nobody knew' Growing up, Neil described himself as somebody that nobody worried about.

He said he was seen as a "happy, carefree guy - one of the lads", adding that his uncle had given him the nickname "Smiler".

The BBC Action Line provides information and details about a range of mental health support organisations In reality, though, Neil said he struggled from the age of 15, when he recalled writing the word "suicide" in a school book.

"I didn't reveal it to anyone when I was struggling," he said.

I felt there was no way out of this.

"I felt I had tried everything to help myself...