Paul Lloyd battled mental health problems for years
Paul Lloyd(Image: Paul Lloyd)
Looking at Paul Lloyd you see a smiley, active 49-year-old man. But as in so many cases, behind the grin he’s struggled with a long mental health battle. It was just eight months ago Paul was in the ICU after trying to take his own life in November.
Everton supporter Paul, from Bristol, says he’s been “given a second chance” after that day. He told the ECHO: “I’ve had mental health issues for around 10 years. I’ve had serious depression and I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar.
“During covid I got treatment but in November last year I hit a really bad patch and attempted to take my own life. I died four times and was in the ICU for a long time. I was unconscious for days, it was a very bad time.”
Paul said his mental health went “even further downhill” for months after he was in the ICU, he said he was “angry” that he survived until one day he woke up and felt there was a reason he was still alive.
He said: “I woke up one day and was like ‘I’m here, I survived.’ There is a reason I’m still here, this is my second chance at life. And ever since that day I’ve tried to use my story as a platform to help other people who have also been struggling with mental health.”
Paul added: “I should have rang Samaritans, I should have reached out to speak to someone, reached out for help.
He is now using his story to create awareness (Image: Paul Lloyd)
“So now I want to create awareness to make sure other people have that opportunity to speak up and ask for help.”
The 49-year-old is set to take on a huge challenge on August 5, walking from his home in the South West to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium to raise money for Samaritans. He said: “It’s about creating awareness more than anything else, but walking is also great for mental health, so I’m stepping up to raise money.
“I’ve never been shy about my mental health battles and I’ve always been open and honest with people about it. So, if I can inspire others to have a chat about it rather than being quiet then I feel like I’ve helped.
Mental health support
Helplines and support groups
The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to.
Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity based in England providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.Young Persons Advisory Service provides mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.ukBritish Red Cross offers a free and confidential coronavirus support line on 0808 196 3651 which offers callers the opportunity to speak to a friendly volunteer for a chat if they are lonely, worried or need practical support, 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm, or email supportline@redcross.org.uk
Elsewhere, the Jade L Roberts Project supports women and men in suicidal crisis in Merseyside. They also offer support for people suffering from mental health issues. You can contact them on 0151 245 5671.
“I’ll be walking from my club in Bristol that I’m affiliated with to Everton’s new stadium for their game against Roma on August 9. The money I raise will be split between the Samaritans and paying for a new pitch for my club, because we’re in desperate need.
Paul has been a “huge Everton fan” since he watched them play on TV while at a cubs camp as a child. He said: “My best friend was from Liverpool when I was young. We’d gone to a cub camp and everyone there supported Manchester United, except a little guy called Chris, he was an Everton fan.
“Everyone supported Man U and I decided to go on his side and support Everton. We lost 1-0 but I’ve been an Everton fan ever since.”
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