Matthew Wolfenden, 39, is the actor known for his role in the popular soap Emmerdale. Matthew plays the character of David Metcalfe who first appeared in the soap back in 2006 as a young man trying to find his identity by searching for his real father. There was a time when Matthew too struggled with his own inner demons.
READ MORE
-
Jane Danson health: Star’s heartbreaking health admission
Matthew is no stranger to disappointment and heartbreak.
The actor began his early life believing he would one day compete professionally in gymnastics, a sport he excelled in.
But a serious injury halted that dream for Matthew and as he tried to heal from a broken back, another serious health issue began to take over his mind.
Matthew was cooped up in a flat alone spending a lot of time in bed.
He fell into a deep depression and described his mood at the time as becoming “lower and lower”.
READ MORE: How to live longer: Drinking UK’s favourite drink has been proven to boost life expectancy
Speaking candidly in an interview with the Loose Women panellists back in 2018, the actor revealed that he suffered with depression for eight years and felt let down by the medical profession as he was only offered medication to help the symptoms after a rushed five minute appointment.
The actor bravely said: “I suffered from depression from the age of 23 to around 31. There were various things going on in my life when I was 23.”
The NHS said: “In most cases, adults with moderate to severe depression are given antidepressants as a first form of treatment.
“They’re often prescribed along with a talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
“CBT is a type of therapy that uses a problem-solving approach to help improve thought, mood and behaviour.”
A total of 70.9million prescriptions for antidepressants were dispensed in England in 2018.
NHS Digital figures show that the number of drugs issued for conditions like depression and anxiety went up from 67.5million in 2017.
The total is almost double the number dispensed in 2008.
Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of the mental health charity SANE, said its helplines were receiving increasing calls from those suffering more frequent and acute periods of depression and anxiety.
The charity raised concerns that too few patients were being offered talking therapies, as well as drugs.
READ MORE
-
Natalie J Robb health: Actress’ dramatic health change
Matthew said: “I was on antidepressants for eight years. It wasn’t until my now-wife said to me, ‘Maybe you should get some talking therapy, some cognitive behavioural therapy [CBT].’”
The therapy proved to be a success for Matthew and eventually he slowly weaned himself off the medication.
Depression is a huge problem worldwide especially amongst men and suicide is one of the biggest killer of males.
Symptoms of the disease include having a hopeless outlook, low energy, loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy, anxiety, irritability, changes in weight or uncontrollable emotions.
If you or someone you know may be suffering with these symptoms it’s important to discuss with either a GP or a close friend.
For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.
Source: Read Full Article