LETTER OF THE WEEK
Page 13
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Depression: it’s time for lorry drivers to talk about it
WELL DONE for addressing the issue of mental illness and depression. As a lorry driver I know from irst-hand experience about this subject.
In your article I read what Pat Nicholson had to say with interest about male lorry drivers being ‘too macho’ to admit to anyone about suffering and consequently suffering in silence – she is absolutely spot on. Lorry driving is a very lonely (but also rewarding) profession.
In one way, the knowledge of being left alone and being able to do your job, but, on the other hand having all that time alone can do strange things to a person’s state of mind: even the smallest of problems can grow into seemingly insurmountable issues. I was diagnosed with having a mild form of psychosis and severe suicidal tendencies.
So I changed my job and went from being away for two weeks to being home every night.
I too had the problem of wanting to save face with my friends and employer by trying to sort it out myself, but things came to a head and after a very messy divorce I ended up in several hospitals after trying to take my own life on ive separate occasions.
As a result, I’ve had my LGV license revoked. I’m ighting tooth and nail to get it back, but it is a very long, drawn out process (I’ve already had two medicals and still not had a decision). So don’t be worried about telling your mates in the truckstop or telling your boss that you need some time off.
If they’re worth their salt they will understand – and won’t laugh at you.
In times like these I discovered who my real friends were, which is not very many.
So please don’t be afraid to talk to someone, because there is always someone there who will listen and help. The Samaritans are very good, as is your own GP.
Unfortunately we live in a society where more is known about what happens on the latest reality TV show than we do about mental health and the causes of it.
Like my old man always said: if you’re ill, you go to the doctors for medicine. Mental illness is no different from that – it’s just a bit more complicated. John Flattley Currently unemployed Ed’s note: Our investigation into depression has certainly provoked a lot of interest and positive feedback. Our thanks go to John for sharing his story with CM and its readers, and we wish him all the best in his attempt to get his licence back.