By Paul McElwee
STRUGGLING with mental health is never easy – some days you’re up, others you’re down.
One man who knows this all too well is Simon Canning, a Strabane native now living in Killygordon, who is using his personal journey to encourage others to speak out, while raising money for two vital local support services.
Simon is preparing to part with his beard in a symbolic charity shave early next month, all in aid of the Koram Centre and Choices, a lifestyle management service in Derry.
“Not many people will know this but I struggled immensely with my own mental health last year. For years, I was always the one others turned to for advice, mentorship, friendship. I’ve carried burdens which were never mine if only to help lighten the load of others because that’s what I thought strength was; being the rock for everyone else.”
But the pressure took its toll.
“Then, one day, I walked into a room and forgot why I was there, and not just once. A once sharp and decisive mind was left foggy, distant. The smallest decisions felt impossible; I was exhausted yet unable to sleep, overwhelmed without knowing why. The joys of life ceased to excite anymore.”
Simon recognised something was wrong, but kept pushing through – until burnout caught up with him.
“This feeling quietly breaks you down until, one day, you wake up and realise you have nothing left to give; not to family, friends, work – even yourself. I knew I was struggling but the hardest part was admitting I needed help fixing things.”
He credits his wife Cathy for being his rock through it all.
“My wife stood string during this, a deep rooted tree trunk grounding me while the storm raged. It was through her help and that of my many friends and even the kids I coach at football that things began to turn. Their words, presence and friendship reminded me that strength isn’t just about carrying weight; it’s about knowing when to let others share the load. Take it from me – holding it in doesn’t make you stranger, talking does and it’s the first step to recovery.”
Simon will be getting his charity shave at Mal’s Barber Shop in Sion Mills in the days following his birthday on May 7, with the exact date still to be confirmed.
All funds raised will support the services that helped him through his darkest times.
He closes with a message to other men who might be struggling…
“Remember fellas, if you’re struggling, don’t just grin and bear’d it!”
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