image source, win evans
- author, david grandy
- role, bbc news
Broadcaster Wyn Evans has lost more than seven stone (40kg) since hitting what she calls ‘rock bottom’.
The breakdown of his marriage was the beginning of a deep depression for the opera singer, who won BBC One’s Celebrity Masterchef Award last year.
The 52-year-old BBC Radio Wales presenter spoke about his experience to mark the start of Mental Health Awareness Week.
He said he started having “very dark thoughts” in 2016, but a combination of medication and exercise helped him.
“It was almost like grief, but you can’t grieve for someone who’s still there,” he said.
“So it really affected my mental health, my confidence and my ego. It completely changed me as a person.
“It made me very conscious of being alone, and even though I was only 46, I felt an irrational fear that I would die by myself. ” he said.
“I had some very dark days thinking very dark thoughts and contemplating all sorts of horrible things.
image source, win evans
“I think it’s obvious what I’m saying, but I don’t want to say it because some people might find it offensive.
“It’s okay to talk about it now, but it didn’t help anything at the time.”
He described how things came to a head one Easter Sunday.
“I realized that I wanted to end my life and that I had done something stupid,” he said.
“Then I went to the right psychiatrist for help and took medication. That was a good way for me to help myself.”
The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is “Exercise,” and while exercise and fresh air may not work for everyone, Wynn said it works for her.
He bought a stationary bike and treadmill, started running, and changed his diet.
“I lost about seven stones,” he said.
“Talking is important, but the most important thing for me is just running.
“So if I’m at home and I’m feeling a little down, I run on the treadmill for 20 minutes and it’s the best way to brighten my mood.
“It’s like singing and it also releases endorphins in your body,” said the tenor from Carmarthen.
What I once thought was a problem is now being used as a positive.
“My anxiety and mental health are my superpowers,” he said.
“Thanks to anxiety, we know exactly what to do when things go wrong, because we’ve already thought about it a thousand times.
“So I think that’s a strength and when you see that in other people, you can help them as well.
If you are affected by any of the issues covered in this story, please bbc action line has links to organizations that can provide support and advice.
