BOXING legend Audley Harrison has opened up about hitting rock bottom – admitting he has been to the "worst place ever".
The former Celebrity Big Brother star has teamed up with the Samaritans to release his single, Never Ever Give Up.
Highlighting the issue of both men and women's mental health, the 44-year-old says if it brings just one person back from the edge, it will be worth it.
Chatting to Daily Star Online, Audley said: "People have asked me if I have ever been suicidal.
"I never have, but I've been in some of the darkest moments and the deepest valleys that you can imagine. But in myself, I have had that strength of character that I have never give up.
"You have to find that place in yourself to come back."
Opening up about his lowest moments, the star continued: "I have lost fights, when I lost a BBC deal I was in the worst place ever, but I always had that strength within that there was no way I'm giving up.
"I was a kid growing up in the ghetto, I was in a young offenders' institution – people were telling me I wasn't going to be anything.
"But whatever people told me didn't matter as I knew within that I had that fire."
Speaking frankly about how suicide has played a big part in his life, Audley said: "I've had three or four people in my life commit suicide, including an ex girlfriend.
"If my song can help save one life then it is worth it.
"People need to know there is an option there, especially men as they don't like to talk about it.
"When it comes to men and mental health it is about being an open forum.
"It is ok to talk about it, unfortunately there is a stigma associated with men's mental health that people feel uncomfortable to speak out.
"But it is a part of day to day life and we need to do more to help.
"The Samaritans can help people and give them guidance if they are feeling suicidal – they are trained specialists."
Audley Harrison's single Never Ever Give Up is set to be released in June as part of the Samaritans’ We Listen campaign.
No comments:
Post a Comment