Ahead of International Men’s Day on 19 November, Mr Edwards said he wants to raise awareness of the issues around men’s mental health.
“Men in demanding jobs are told to ‘man up’ but that’s wrong,” he said. “I was the angriest man in the prison service and I alienated everyone.
“Now I’m the happiest I’ve been since my 20s and at peace with my life.
“My perspective on life has changed for the better and I’m investing in myself.”
Alexa Knight, director of policy and influence at the Mental Health Foundation, praised Mr Edwards for sharing his story, describing it as an “act of real courage”.
“Too often, men feel unable to speak out about their mental health, especially when they’ve been taught to stay silent, cope alone or ‘man up’,” she said.
“Robert’s honesty helps challenge that harmful narrative and shows that asking for help is not only brave but life-saving.”