Unfortunately, (perhaps fortunately for me), I've witnessed depression first hand in 3 men that are the most important influences on my – and now my son's – life. Seeing the 2 father figures in my life and and a great mate who is the same age as me struggle through this brought me back to earth with a thud.

What has struck me most, is that these men are all confident, honest, hard-working, grounded men that are all at the heart of their families. They seem to be in complete control of their home and working lives, and they are the first people I turn to for advice. Add you to the list Mark and that's 4 out of 4 men that I would never have picked as being at risk of something like this.

As a typical man that struggles when it comes to anything remotely bordering on the emotional, my initial inclination was to talk around the subject and find other things to discuss. What became clear though, and perhaps the only real thing of value I can add in this area, is that having a normal conversation about depression had a positive effect on all of us.

We can now talk open and honestly about their struggles and experiences – with the first conversations on the subject initiated by them not me. The common theme was the sheer amazement that this happened to them and the complete helplessness they felt – despite being central to loving and close families. With that comes the fear that it could happen again at any time.

I get a sense that it's important to have someone to talk with as it means they don't have to pretend at times when they feel they are struggling; they can be open and honest and not withdraw into themselves.

Hope this Christmas is a great one!

Unfortunately, (perhaps fortunately for me), I've witnessed depression first hand in 3 men that are the most important influences on my – and now my son's – life. Seeing the 2 father figures in my life and and a great mate who is the same age as me struggle through this brought me back to earth with a thud.

What has struck me most, is that these men are all confident, honest, hard-working, grounded men that are all at the heart of their families. They seem to be in complete control of their home and working lives, and they are the first people I turn to for advice. Add you to the list Mark and that's 4 out of 4 men that I would never have picked as being at risk of something like this.

As a typical man that struggles when it comes to anything remotely bordering on the emotional, my initial inclination was to talk around the subject and find other things to discuss. What became clear though, and perhaps the only real thing of value I can add in this area, is that having a normal conversation about depression had a positive effect on all of us.

We can now talk open and honestly about their struggles and experiences – with the first conversations on the subject initiated by them not me. The common theme was the sheer amazement that this happened to them and the complete helplessness they felt – despite being central to loving and close families. With that comes the fear that it could happen again at any time.

I get a sense that it's important to have someone to talk with as it means they don't have to pretend at times when they feel they are struggling; they can be open and honest and not withdraw into themselves.

Hope this Christmas is a great one!